North Cascades Institute is seeking motivated candidates to be a summer Assistant Program Instructor at its Environmental Learning Center (ELC), located on the shores of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park. Primary duties will include shadowing and co-teaching environmental education programs for youth and adults, assisting with Learning Center operations, and participating in Institute events, staff meetings, and program debriefs. The Assistant Program Instructor will work under the supervision of program staff. This position is designed to provide job training as well as the practical application of learned skills. Assistant Program Instructors will receive continuous support from supervisors and mentors who will observe, advise, and assist as needed. The goal is to provide a system of training, coaching, support, and experience to help Assistant Program Instructors along their career paths towards a career in environmental education, conservation, or related fields.

This is a paid, full-time, seasonal position starting June 7, 2021 and ending September 6, 2021, with a possible option for the position to be extended to December 14, 2021 in support of Mountain School. Assistant Program Instructors expect to work five days (approximately 40 hours, but not guaranteed) each week, some of which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. This non-exempt position is eligible for overtime pay. There is some flexibility with scheduling – including end dates. There is also some flexibility in responsibilities based upon individual skills, interests, and medical certifications.

POSITION LOCATION

The work location for the Assistant Program Instructor 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 40 miles from towns with full amenities.

RESPONSIBILITIES are based on public health and safety guidelines:

Teaching and Program Development (75%):

• Shadow and teach lessons and activities for ELC programs such as Family Getaways, Base Camp, and Adult Programs.
• Work with a mentor to develop and evaluate teaching methods.
• Create a physically and emotionally safe learning environment for participants.
• Assist with creation and maintenance of educational programming and materials.
• Assist with program support for Conferences and Retreats.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Training and Evaluation (15%):

• Attend provided training prior to working with ELC programs. Training will be specific to the position and will include such topics as group facilitation techniques, risk management, natural and cultural history, and program logistics.
• Attend weekly check-ins with supervisor and/or mentor, end-of-season debriefs, and exit interview.
• Participate in peer observations and feedback.

Administrative and Operations (10%):

• Assist with facility operations and gear maintenance while under the supervision of staff.
• Attend weekly meetings and participate in “hands-to-work” campus maintenance tasks.
• Support programs in the field and assist with program setup and cleanup.
• 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.

MORE ABOUT NCI PROGRAMS

Adult and Family Programs (Year-round)

During the summer months, NCI provides opportunities for adults and families to explore the wonders of the North Cascades together, including Family Getaways, Skagit Tours, Base Camp, Adult Classes, and conferences and retreats. The majority of NCI programs take place at the Learning Center campus. Instructors deliver hands-on activities and lessons that engage generations of participants.

Conferences and Retreats (Year-round)

The Environmental Learning Center is the perfect place to host group events such as educational retreats, meetings, conferences and celebrations of all kinds. Guests enjoy the lodges, delicious, locally sourced meals and daily field trips led by Instructors. Proceeds from these revenue generating programs directly support youth education.

Mountain School Programs *possible hiring for Fall 2021

Mountain School is the Institute’s primary school based education program. It is a nationally recognized residential environmental education program serving approximately 2400 elementary and middle school students annually. Students spend three days and two nights at the Learning Center hiking under towering trees, exploring terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and learning about the rich natural and cultural history of one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The Assistant Program Instructor position may be extended until December 14 to support Mountain School in Fall.

COMMITMENT TO MISSION AND VALUES

Successful candidates will have a commitment to the mission of North Cascades Institute and the organization’s effort to promote diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the Institute’s culture, work and partnering relationships to ensure that the Institute and its programs are welcoming, relevant and accessible.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Culturally appropriate approach to working with diverse participants and coworkers
• Confidence working in an outdoor educational environment
• Enthusiasm for learning and teaching about the natural world
• Willingness to live in a remote area
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
• Ability to talk and instruct while hiking over uneven terrain
• Wilderness First Aid certification or higher
• NCI will support successful candidates in attending a Wilderness First Aid training (2-day course) if needed
• Must be 18 years of age or older at the start of employment to apply
• 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 a 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
• Fluency in multiple languages, Spanish preference
• Coursework or experience in environmental/outdoor education or environmental science

COMPENSATION AND HOUSING

This is a temporary/seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position, eligible for overtime pay. The wage is $13.75 per hour and benefits include sick leave, holiday pay and a 2-day Wilderness First Aid training (if needed).

Housing may be available 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 and the employee is scheduled to work; otherwise, staff are responsible for providing their own food. 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 or housing.

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.