Naturalist

North Cascades Institute seeks two qualified and enthusiastic individuals to become Naturalists and part of our education team. Based out of the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center in North Cascades National Park (Diablo, Washington), our Naturalists will teach in our Mountain School program during spring and fall. 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 biodiverse 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.

Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Environmental Education, Environmental Science, Education, Biology, Ecology or related field
- Experience teaching elementary, middle and high school youth and working with teachers and chaperones (Residential environmental education experience a plus)
- Enthusiasm for learning and teaching about the natural world
- Creative, energetic, flexible, motivated attitude along with a sense of humor and desire to play
- Ability to adjust teaching methods and styles to accommodate different audiences
- Experience teaching adults, families and other audiences in an environmental education setting
- Strong work ethic and poise; effective communication and customer service skills
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings; weekend work will be required at times
- Ability to work and live comfortably in a small community and work as a cooperative team player
- Current Wilderness First Responder certification required
- Criminal history disclosure form and background check required
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record for the past three years
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform physically demanding work
- Ability to hike over varied elevation and terrain for extended periods

Responsibilities
- 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 website, take photos during courses)
- Participate in Institute meetings (e.g., staff, program, risk management)
- Other duties as assigned

Start / End Date
August 27, 2014 – November 15, 2014

Compensation and Housing
This is a seasonal/temporary full time exempt position with some benefits. $1800 per month, plus training, shared housing, and meals when programs are in session.  Housing is provided and all Naturalists are required to reside in staff housing during the duration of the position. Pets and smoking are not allowed in the program, housing, or any Environmental Learning Center facilities.

Application Deadline
Positions will remain open until filled.

To Apply
Please send a letter of interest, resume, and three references to:

Email: jobs@ncascades.org

North Cascades Institute
Naturalist Search
810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284-1239

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 race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.