SUMMARY:

The Learning Center Program Instructor will be based at the Environmental Learning Center for the summer and will gain experience planning, teaching, and revising a variety of educational programs to further the mission of the Institute, including Base Camp, Public Programs, Adult Seminars, Family Getaways, Conferences and Retreats and special events. This position has a focus on the delivery of Base Camp. The Base Camp Instructor is responsible for planning their program content, contributing to the planning documents, carrying out programs safely, and communicating with the program coordinator.

This temporary/seasonal, full time, non-exempt position starts on June 7, 2021 and ends September 6, 2021. Instructors should expect to work approximately 40 hours each week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. It is possible to work less than 40 hours due to Covid restrictions. This non-exempt position is eligible for overtime pay. There is also some flexibility in responsibilities based upon individual skills, interests, and medical certifications.

POSITION LOCATION

The work location 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for the Institute’s mission to conserve and restore Northwest environments through education
• Culturally appropriate approach to working with diverse participants and coworkers.
• Passion for adult experiential education
• Experience teaching both youth and adults in various capacities; in the field, classroom, canoe or on the trail
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to work independently and make decisions when necessary
• Ability to teach and lead canoeing, hiking and natural history programs while maintaining exceptional risk management standards
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification or above upon date of hire; Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or above is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and communication skills
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and work effectively with team members
• Must be 18 years of age or older at the start of employment to apply
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally, carry a heavy backpack and hike over uneven terrain
• 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 driving history check

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working or living in communities that are historically underrepresented in the field of environmental education
• Experience living in a small, tight-knit, rural community
• Demonstrated commitment to equity work and culturally relevant institutional change
• Ability to teach and model culturally responsive skills and practices
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification
• Fluency in multiple languages, Spanish preference
• Coursework or experience in environmental/outdoor education or environmental science

RESPONSIBILITIES are based on public health and safety guidelines:

• Develop and implement curriculum for Base Camp and public programs. Topics may include: Natural and cultural history, nature art, map and compass navigation, aquatic ecology, sound mapping, and other topics.
• Assist with schedules and logistics for Base Camp and Public Programs using Google apps, and potentially distributing and collecting evaluations, updating NCI Flicker account, attending staff debrief and participant follow up.
• Create a physically and emotionally safe learning environment for participants.
• Ensure all materials, classrooms, vehicles and equipment needed for programs are signed out.
• Gather photos, quotes, and stories of participants for use by the Development and Marketing Department, when possible.
• Care for and inventory the Sundew classroom biology collections.
• Support the Institute’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives.
• Create identity-safe learning environments.
• When inclined, lead technical and conceptual training components to benefit professional development as educators and naturalists.
• 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.

COMPENSATION AND HOUSING

This is a temporary/seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position, eligible for overtime pay. The wage is $14.25 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 arrangements are required. Smoking is not allowed in housing, during programs, or on the Institute’s campus. Pets are not allowed 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.