Naturalist Field Instructor
North Cascades Institute seeks a qualified and enthusiastic individual to become a Naturalist Field Instructor, and part of our education team. This position is a nine-month position with two distinct roles during Spring/Fall (Learning Center Naturalist) and Summer (Youth Leadership Instructor). Both portions of the position will be based from North Cascades Institute’s Environmental Learning Center, working with the Institute’s Mountain School and Youth Leadership Adventures programs. The Learning Center is located in the beautiful North Cascades National Park near Diablo, WA and is approximately 20 miles from the nearest gas station and post office, and 60 miles from towns with full amenities. Each portion of the position is described in further detail below.
Learning Center Naturalist (Spring: 2/23/15-5/29/15 and Fall: 8/28/15-11/13/15)
During the spring and fall, the Naturalist Field Instructor will teach in our Mountain School program. Mountain School is a nationally recognized residential environmental education program for elementary through high school students. Most students spend three days at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake with their school class, teacher, and chaperones hiking under towering trees, exploring terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and learning about the rich natural and cultural history of one of the most bio-diverse places in the world.
During the spring and fall, the Naturalist Field Instructor will teach in our Mountain School program. Mountain School is a nationally recognized residential environmental education program for elementary through high school students. Most students spend three days at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake with their school class, teacher, and chaperones hiking under towering trees, exploring terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and learning about the rich natural and cultural history of one of the most bio-diverse places in the world.
North Cascades Institute also provides incredible experiential programs to adults and families at the Environmental Learning Center. Participants experience Northwest ecosystems through art, photography, literature, natural and cultural history appreciation, 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. During the spring and fall, the Naturalist Field Instructor will be supervised by the Senior Naturalist. See http://ncascades.org/signup for additional program information.
Youth Leadership Instructor (Summer: 6/1/15-8/27/15)
During the summer months, the Naturalist Field Instructor will serve as a primary field instructor for the Youth Leadership Adventures (YLA) program. This program is in partnership with North Cascades National Park and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The Youth Leadership Instructor position ensures the safety and education of underserved high school youth participating in backcountry educational and skill-development courses. Courses incorporate backpacking and/or canoeing, outdoor skills, and service projects, as well as delivering curriculum in our four program themes:
- Connection to Place and Community
- Climate Change and Field Science
- Leadership and Communication
- Stewardship and Conservation Ethic
The Naturalist Field Instructor will serve as a primary instructional staff while mentoring co-leaders consisting of graduate student instructors and undergraduate interns. The field season lasts from mid-June through mid-August, a total of three 8-day courses and one 16-day course plus training, preparation, clean-up, and debrief time. During the Summer, the Naturalist Field Instructor will be supervised by the Youth Leadership Coordinator. See http://ncascades.org/signup/youth/YLA for additional program information.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree, preferably in Environmental Education, Education, Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field.
- Experience teaching elementary, middle, and high school youth (preferably in wilderness and residential settings) and working with teachers and chaperones
- Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Culturally competent and able to connect to students from a variety of backgrounds
- Experience teaching adults, families, and other audiences in an environmental education setting
- Enthusiasm for learning and teaching in and about the natural world.
- Ability to adjust teaching methods and styles to accommodate different audiences/learning styles
- Knowledge of North Cascades natural and cultural history.
- Knowledge of basic scientific principles and ability to teach them.
- Strong work ethic and professional poise; effective communication and customer service skills
- Creative, energetic, flexible, motivated attitude along with a sense of humor and desire to play
- Willing/Able to work outdoors/flexible hours including: some evenings, weekends, and multiple overnight camping trips during summer program
- Ability to speak multiple languages a plus
- Ability to monitor and model safe work habits on extensive overnight backcountry trips. Must be familiar with backcountry and risk management practices.
- Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to work both independently and as part of a cooperative team, and make decisions when necessary.
- Wilderness First Responder certification. (Required)
- Ability to lift up to 75lbs occasionally, carry up to a 60lb pack, backpack and hike over uneven terrain; have strong canoeing or other small watercraft skills and ability teach canoeing and water safety.
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record that meets Institute policies.
- Criminal history and background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, and national sex offender registry search.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree, preferably in Environmental Education, Education, Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field.
- Experience teaching elementary, middle, and high school youth (preferably in wilderness and residential settings) and working with teachers and chaperones
- Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Culturally competent and able to connect to students from a variety of backgrounds
- Experience teaching adults, families, and other audiences in an environmental education setting
- Enthusiasm for learning and teaching in and about the natural world.
- Ability to adjust teaching methods and styles to accommodate different audiences/learning styles
- Knowledge of North Cascades natural and cultural history.
- Knowledge of basic scientific principles and ability to teach them.
- Strong work ethic and professional poise; effective communication and customer service skills
- Creative, energetic, flexible, motivated attitude along with a sense of humor and desire to play
- Willing/Able to work outdoors/flexible hours including: some evenings, weekends, and multiple overnight camping trips during summer program
- Ability to speak multiple languages a plus
- Ability to monitor and model safe work habits on extensive overnight backcountry trips. Must be familiar with backcountry and risk management practices.
- Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to work both independently and as part of a cooperative team, and make decisions when necessary.
- Wilderness First Responder certification. (Required)
- Ability to lift up to 75lbs occasionally, carry up to a 60lb pack, backpack and hike over uneven terrain; have strong canoeing or other small watercraft skills and ability teach canoeing and water safety.
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record that meets Institute policies.
- Criminal history and background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, and national sex offender registry search.
Responsibilities:
Learning Center Naturalist (Spring and Fall)
- Instructs lessons in natural and cultural history, science, the arts, and other subjects in support of Mountain School.
- Lead hikes, canoeing, and other naturalist activities for groups
- Work as program lead for some programs
- Teach engaging natural and cultural history or other lessons during classes and evening programs for adults and families.
- Create a safe, positive learning environment for youth and adults with positive reinforcement, role-modeling and cultural sensitivity.
- Assist contract instructors prior to and during programs
- Create and maintain program educational materials, including coordinating educational equipment (e.g., field guides, microscopes, etc.) and helping students use them during classes
- Research class logistics, site regulations, trails, campsites, and habitats as necessary
- Provide leadership in risk management before, during, and after classes (e.g., respond to emergencies, administer first aid, maintain medical kits, complete incident reports)
- Represent the Institute during classes by sharing publicity information and promoting membership and involvement
- Support marketing and registration activities that promote enrollment (e.g. write articles for blog, take photos during courses, etc.)
- Participate in Institute meetings (e.g., staff, program, risk management)
- Other duties as assigned
Youth Leadership Instructor (Summer)
Program Development and Instruction (90%):
- Work with program coordinator and other staff to ensure that programming fulfills educational mission of the Institute and program goals.
- Lead, teach, and supervise groups of 9-10 high school students during three 8- and one 16-day canoe camping and/or backpacking courses.
- Assist with training, supervision, and mentorship of youth leadership graduate students and interns.
- Assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating program’s themes, content, and itineraries in coordination with National Park and Forest Service partners.
- Coordinate service projects with visiting personnel, as needed.
- Attend all trainings, trip preparations and clean-ups, and debrief meetings.
- Implement and evaluate safety and emergency response procedures; provide exemplary risk management and model YLA risk management protocols.
- Complete all pre- and between-trip duties, including but not limited to contacting students, compiling paperwork, completing incident reports, additional food purchasing, and gear repair.
- Assist in managing inventory, maintenance and storage of program equipment and supplies, including vehicles, canoe camping gear, and food used in program.
- Implement program curriculum and research, develop, and implement additional lessons to supplement existing curriculum.
- Pick-up and Drop-off students for courses, as needed.
- Be a “Small Group Leader” for Youth Leadership Conference (weekend following Veteran’s Day).
- Other duties as assigned.
Administration (10%):
- Complete necessary reports, written outputs, and media organization for program, as needed, including evaluations, program reports, blogs, course photos, and other public outreach materials.
- Communicate in a timely manner with all Institute coordinators, managers, directors, partners, program participants, and other individuals as needed to coordinate program activities.
Compensation/Housing
This is a seasonal/temporary full time exempt position with some benefits. Salary is dependent upon experience and includes training. Shared 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, instructors are responsible for providing their own food. Instructors are responsible for their own health insurance and transportation (which is strongly encouraged).
This is a seasonal/temporary full time exempt position with some benefits. Salary is dependent upon experience and includes training. Shared 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, instructors are responsible for providing their own food. Instructors are responsible for their own health insurance and transportation (which is strongly encouraged).
Application Deadline:
November 16, 2014 (application review will begin immediately; open until filled)
November 16, 2014 (application review will begin immediately; open until filled)
Job Duration:
February 23, 2015 -November 13, 2015
February 23, 2015 -November 13, 2015
To Apply:
Please send letter of interest, resume, and names of three references with current contact information to:
Please send letter of interest, resume, and names of three references with current contact information to:
Or mail to:
North Cascades Institute
Field Instructor Search
810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
North Cascades Institute
Field Instructor Search
810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
North Cascades Institute is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and strongly encourages applications from minority candidates.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, marital status, age (over 40), veteran status, physical or mental disability, ex-offender status or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.
Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, marital status, age (over 40), veteran status, physical or mental disability, ex-offender status or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.
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 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.
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 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 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 2013, Charity Navigator awarded the Institute its 10th consecutive 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.
