The Naturalist Program Assistant is based at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center in North Cascades National Park near Diablo, WA. This is a temporary position that will end on September 4, 2016. The Naturalist Program Assistant’s role is to teach and provide leadership and support to program coordination staff at the Learning Center throughout their season. They will instruct in programs and serve as a point of contact for many aspects of programs that operate primarily at the Learning Center. This is achieved through working closely with program coordinators to smoothly execute both the back and front end of residential programs. They will instruct lessons in natural and cultural history, science, and other subjects for wide-ranging audiences.

The North Cascades Environmental Learning Center is located in the heart of the North Cascades National Park near Diablo, WA, and serves as a hub for a small network of trails along the shores of Diablo Lake. This region of North America has been visited by native tribes for over 9,000 years and continues to be a meaningful location for thousands of visitors each year. Opened in 2005, the facility is a collaboration between the North Cascades Institute, the National Park Service, and Seattle City Light- the public utility that owns and operates the hydroelectric project that includes Diablo Lake, and provides electricity to the residents of Seattle. The Learning Center is approximately 20 miles from the nearest gas station and post office, and 60 miles from towns with full amenities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

INSTRUCTION – 70%

More than anything else, the Naturalist Program Assistant serves as an educator at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. They are responsible for providing high-quality instruction, as well as helping to raise the quality of that instruction across programs. Specifically, the Naturalist Program Assistant will teach the most in Adult, Family and Group programs.

These programs provide incredible experiences for adults, families, and other groups. Participants experience Northwest ecosystems through art, photography, literature, natural and cultural history appreciation, canoeing, recreational activities and other programs. Naturalists are key members of our instructional community and are involved in planning, teaching, set-up, and breakdown of these programs.

PROGRAM OPERATION & ADMINISTRATION - 30%

The Naturalist Program Assistant’s duties include assisting in the coordination of many programs that the North Cascades Institute offers at the Environmental Learning Center and at various field locations. This will include data entry, paperwork preparation and frequent e-mail communication with various staff and participants. They will play a key role in staff scheduling and coordination. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for learning and teaching about the natural world
• Culturally competent and the ability to connect to students from a variety of backgrounds
• Creative, energetic, flexible, motivated attitude along with a sense of humor
• Ability to speak multiple languages a plus ++
• Experience teaching elementary, middle and high school youth and working with teachers and chaperones (Residential environmental education experience a plus)
• Familiarity with inquiry-based teaching and learning
• Experience designing and developing curriculum to meet specific goals
• Ability to adjust teaching methods and styles to accommodate different audiences
• Strong work ethic and a desire to grow and improve both yourself and the organization
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and overnight backcountry trips
• Ability to work and live comfortably in a small community and as a cooperative team player
• Knowledge of the North Cascades natural and cultural history a plus ++

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Environmental Education, Environmental Science, Education, Biology, Ecology or related field
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification upon date of hire
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform physically demanding work
• Ability to hike over varied elevation and terrain for extended periods
• Valid driver’s license.  Driving record check must have no more than one moving violation in the past three years, no DUI, reckless driving, or serious moving violations, etc.
• Final offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and a driving history check.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, positive learning environment for youth and adults with positive reinforcement, role-modeling and cultural sensitivity
• Coordination of staffing calendar
• Instructs lessons in natural and cultural history, science, the arts and other subjects
• Lead hikes, canoeing and other naturalist activities
• Work as program lead for some programs
• Assist contract instructors prior to and during programs
• Create, maintain, and facilitate the use of program educational materials
• Drive Institute vehicles with program participants, including Vans and 14-passenger bus
• Research program logistics, site regulations, trails, campsites and habitats as necessary
• Provide leadership in risk management before, during and after programs
• Represent the Institute during programs by sharing publicity information and promoting membership and involvement
• Support marketing and registration activities that promote enrollment
• Design and implement programs with clear learning objectives
• Other duties as assigned

Start/ End Date

TBD – September 4th, 2016 (extension possible)

Compensation and Housing

This is a seasonal/temporary full time exempt position with some benefits. Salary is dependent upon experience. Shared rental housing is available for the duration of the position, either at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center or in the neighboring towns of Diablo, Newhalem, or Marblemount. Meals are provided when programs are in session; otherwise, employee is responsible for providing their own food. Employee is responsible for their own health insurance and transportation (which is strongly encouraged). Salary for this position is between $2,000 and $2,200/month, depending on experience.

About North Cascades Institute

The Institute’s mission is to conserve and restore Northwest environments through education. Since 1986 we have helped connect people, nature and community through science, art, literature and the hands-on study of natural and cultural history. Our goal is to help people of all ages and backgrounds experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest – so all will care for and protect this special place. The Institute is committed to innovation and excellence in environmental learning and leadership in the nonprofit community. We believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity.

North Cascades Institute, www.ncascades.org, is a respected, national leader among U.S. environmental education organizations. The Institute is in sound financial health with a $3 million budget and strong reserves. In 2015, Charity Navigator awarded the Institute its 11th Four-Star rating, placing the Institute in the top 1% of nonprofit organizations demonstrating exemplary fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. The Institute was also voted “Best Place to Work” in the 2013 Bellingham Alive – Best in the Northwest annual readers’ poll. This is a wonderful opportunity to join North Cascades Institute at a time of exciting growth.