A Mountain Classroom Spring Educators

White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

April 1st through June 14th

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) offers educational programs to promote the appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, and responsible use of natural resources.  Through positive, direct experiences, we strive to provide people of all ages and backgrounds with the skills to enjoy the outdoors and an increased understanding of their connection to the natural world. 

Job Summary: A Mountain Classroom Educators (AMCR) are responsible, energetic people who are excited to share their knowledge and love of the outdoors with youth through our hiking-based education program.  AMCR typically serves Kindergarten-12th grade public, private, and home-schooled groups. Students participate in 1-5 day experiential programs based at Pinkham Notch, The Highland Center, Cardigan Lodge, facilities in NY, ME, NJ, the AMC’s backcountry huts, and in local schools and communities. Academic lessons on forest and watershed ecology, map and compass, geology, weather and climate, outdoor skills, community building and leadership development are integrated and taught in a hiking-based program. AMCR also participates in the collaborative scheduling of field staff inter-departmentally, as a result, AMCR educators may be required to work for other AMC education programs.

A Mountain Classroom values diversity, equity and inclusion. We are working to create a team that is representative of the student populations that we serve and thus welcome hardworking individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities.

Visit us online: http://www.outdoors.org/classroom.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Lead and facilitate multi-day, student-centered, experiential lessons in a backcountry setting
• Write and prepare thematic, place-based environmental education and community building lesson plans that meet the needs of diverse student populations, are culturally relevant, transferable for students and incorporate the learning objectives of teachers
• Ensure the physical, emotional and social safety of 8-12 students in front-country and backcountry settings
• Create and foster an inclusive group culture and learning environment among students and co-workers
• Facilitate activities and experiences that build community
• Lead students on overnight hikes to AMC huts and from AMC’s roadside lodges throughout New England, New York and New Jersey
• Facilitate day programs within local communities and at schools
• Organize and teach 2-3 evening programs per week (7-8:30 pm) as part of a morning until night work day
• Model responsible behavior in the outdoors and Leave No Trace ethics
• Perform logistics functions for the program including: issuing, collecting, cleaning and maintaining gear, preparing teaching supplies, driving vehicles, organizing food, and evacuations.
• Maintain professionalism through lesson planning, personal appearance and communication with other staff, chaperones and participants
• Occasionally work weekends
• Occasionally collaborate with other AMC Program Staff to guide day-long or multi-day adult and family workshops

Qualifications:

• Friendly, outgoing, flexible personality with a commitment and enthusiasm for teaching youth
• Experience leading student/youth groups in the backcountry
• Experiential teaching experience
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Wilderness First-Aid & CPR certification (WFR preferred) or the ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment.
• Bachelor’s degree with course work in natural sciences, experiential education, or related field, or equivalent work experience
• Ability to carry a backpack daily, which holds teaching and emergency supplies (approximately 30-40 lbs) in front-country and backcountry settings
• Willingness to, at times, work long hours in mentally and physically demanding conditions
• Satisfactory driving record and background check, as verified by state record check
• 21+ years old and ability to obtain DOT medical clearance to drive vehicles strongly preferred

Compensation and Benefits: Starting pay is $80/8-hour work day, with additional $40 paid for evening work (average 2-3 evenings assigned per week). Completion bonus of $0.50/hr worked, plus paid training days. Seasonal benefits include AMC membership, use of AMC facilities, employee discounts, employee pro-deals with outdoor gear companies. Optional room and board is available for $45/week.

Through the power of outdoor experiences, A Mountain Classroom increases students’ ecological understanding, inspires their personal growth, and develops community.

The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger.  The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility which serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.

The AMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. The AMC encourages the involvement of all people in its mission and activities, through its membership, programs, policies, and procedures. Our goal is to be a community that is comfortable, inviting, and accessible for people of any age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.  Join us!