Northern Susitna Institute (NSI) is a non-profit organization providing nonformal education to students of all ages.  NSI is seeking experienced instructors to work primarily with the Wild Wonders! summer outdoor and experiential education program. Each Wild Wonders! session has a unique theme focused on an outdoor or environmental education topic, while embedding common teambuilding elements.

NSI is located Talkeetna, Alaska, a small, rural town with a vibrant community based on an outdoor adventure, tourism, and artisan economy. In addition to the Wild Wonders! program, NSI also offers a variety of family friendly festivals, speakers, and folk art/craft classes.

Responsibilities

The seasonal Program Instructor (PI) is part of a small seasonal education team delivering outdoor and experiential education programing. PIs develop, coordinate, and deliver programs for youth ages 5-16 following a day camp model. One-night camping overnights in semi-remote locations may occasionally be included in the sessions throughout the summer. PIs assist NSI staff to develop, coordinate, and deliver occasional programs for adult and family groups.

PIs follow risk management procedures and demonstrate sound judgment and the ability to manage a group effectively under changing, stressful, or emergency conditions. PIs assist with the daily opening, closing, and basic housekeeping of the buildings and campus. This position is ideal for a candidate seeking program development experience and an opportunity to develop leadership skills within a small team.  

Basic Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience teaching in the fields of experiential, outdoor, place-based, experiential and/or environmental education
• Demonstrated experience teaching youth in formal and/or nonformal settings
• Demonstrated outdoor leadership skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with an ability to work both independently and as a team
• Strong oral and written communication skills, ability to represent NSI in a professional manner, and ability to adapt well to a diverse program
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include nights and weekends as needed
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications are conditions of employment
• A satisfactory criminal background check is a condition of employment
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds, stand for extended periods of time, hike up to five miles on uneven terrain, and work outdoors in all climate conditions common to the Alaska’s unique climate and wildlife

Preferred Qualifications: 

• College degree in the natural sciences, education, or equivalent experience
• Working knowledge of Alaska’s ecosystem and environment
• Wilderness First Aid or First Responder, Certified Interpretive Guide, Leave No Trace, Swiftwater Rescue, and other related certifications
• Experience teaching or coordinating programs for multigenerational groups
• Applicants that are 21 years or older