SUMMARY

Based out of the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center in North Cascades National Park, the Program Instructor position functions as a member of the North Cascades Institute’s program instructional team. This position primarily supports Adult and Family programs. The ideal candidate is a creative, energetic, professional, motivated, cooperative team player willing to have fun. They possess a strong work ethic and flexible attitude with motivation to grow professionally as an instructor and as a key staff member of a mission-driven organization.

This is a paid, full-time, seasonal position running from June 7- September 6, 2021. There is a possibility of fall employment with North Cascades Institute Mountain School programs based on interest, experience, and need. Program Instructors should expect to work five days (approximately 40 hours) each week, some of which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. It is possible to work less than 40 hours due to Covid program restrictions.

POSITION LOCATION

The work location for the Program Instructor is at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. The 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 inhabited 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 Learning Center is a collaboration between 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 are based on public health and safety guidelines

Program Instruction and Delivery (80%)

• Create a physically and emotionally safe learning environment for participants
• Develop, implement, and assist coordinating the curriculum delivery for Learning Center programs. Topics may include: Natural and cultural history, nature art, map and compass navigation, aquatic ecology, sound mapping, and other topics.
• If pandemic conditions allow, lead program participants on trail hikes, often on uneven, hilled terrain.
• Help deliver ELC-based orientations and possible field courses
• Assist in other Learning Center program areas as needed

Program Support and Administration (15%)

• Regularly report on programming activities and field issues/concerns to appropriate Program Coordinator
• Participate in all scheduled program trainings including check-ins with supervisor

General (5%)

• Manage, respond to, and report any risk management incidents
• Support and actively contribute to the Institute’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives
• Participate in Learning Center staff meetings and community work parties
• Provide ELC facilities, housekeeping, and kitchen staff with occasional light duty support
• Support marketing and registration to promote enrollment
• Support equity initiatives at North Cascades Institute and actively contribute to NcI as a community of belonging that is welcoming and accessible to everyone. Develop a personal equity, diversity, and inclusion related goal(s) and track progress towards your goal(s) with your supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned

PROGRAM AREAS

Adult and Family Programs

During the summer months, NCI provides opportunities for adults and families to explore the wonders of the North Cascades together, including Family Getaways, Base Camp, Adult Classes, and conferences and retreats. The majority of NCI programs take place at the Learning Center campus. Instructors deliver hands-on activities and lessons that engage generations of participants.

Conferences and Retreats

The Environmental Learning Center is the perfect place to host group events such as educational retreats, meetings, conferences and celebrations of all kinds. Guests enjoy the lodges, delicious, locally sourced meals. Proceeds from these revenue generating programs directly support youth education.

COMMITMENT TO MISSION AND VALUES

Successful candidates will have a commitment to the mission of North Cascades Institute and the organization’s effort to promote diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the Institute’s culture, work and partnering relationships to ensure that the Institute and its programs are welcoming, relevant and accessible.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages
• Enthusiasm for learning and teaching about the natural world
• Previous experience in instructional roles
• Good judgment, flexibility and ability to work independently and reliably
• Current Wilderness First Responder (preferred) or Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification upon date of hire
• Must be 18 years of age or older at the start of employment to apply
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
• Ability to talk and instruct while hiking over uneven terrain
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
• Ability to work and live in a small, rural community
• Final offer of employment is 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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working collaboratively with individuals from different identity groups, including historically excluded groups
• Fluency in multiple languages, Spanish preference
• Teaching youth and adults
• Employing different teaching methods and styles to accommodate different audiences and learning styles
• Leading wilderness programs and associated risk management protocols
• Creating identify-safe learning environments
• Inquiry-based teaching and learning
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field
• Knowledge of basic scientific principles and how to teach them
• Knowledge of the North Cascades natural and cultural history

COMPENSATION AND HOUSING

This is a temporary/seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position, eligible for overtime pay. The wage is $14.25/hr per hour. Benefits include sick leave and holiday pay.

Housing may be provided for the duration of the position for $300/month for a private room. Housing is either at the Environmental Learning Center or in the neighboring town of Marblemount. Meals are provided when programs are in session; otherwise, staff are responsible for providing their own food. Program Instructors are responsible for their own health insurance. Given the remote location, personal transportation is required. Pets and smoking are not allowed in housing, during programs, or on the Institute’s campus.

START DATE

June 7, 2021

JOB DURATION

June 7 - September 6, 2021

APPLICATION DEADLINE

April 15, 2021

ABOUT NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE

North Cascades Institute's mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature. 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.

North Cascades Institute is a respected leader among U.S. environmental education organizations, and we believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity. The Institute is in sound financial health with a $4 million budget and strong reserves, and 15 four-star ratings with Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.