Educator

ARE YOU:
● Passionate about youth education, geology, ecology, and the outdoors?
● Excited to work as part of a small team facilitating memorable learning experiences?
● Interested in spending a season living and working near the beautiful Mount St. Helens volcano with
access to hikes with breathtaking views such as the Boundary Trail and Coldwater Lake?

SUMMARY:

The Mount St. Helens Institute Educators facilitate meaningful experiences for our guests,
including leading hikes and other educational activities, helping students build condence and a sense of
belonging in the outdoors, and sharing their enthusiasm for Mount St. Helens with our guests.
During the school season from April – June and September – November we serve elementary to high
school-aged youth for day and overnight eld trips.
● The size of school groups ranges from small groups of 15 people to upwards of 60 people.
● MSHI works to maintain the desired ratio of 1:15 for staff/volunteers to students.
Summer events hosted by Mount St. Helens Institute (including Family Adventure Camp, Sky & Star Party,
and Base Camp) are capped at 75 participants.
● Our rental programs and summer events serve people of all ages.

Other programs include GeoGirls (a 5 day overnight summer camp), youth groups, and other camps.
We host multiple community events including but not limited to seasonal foraging event series with the
Cowlitz Indian Tribe, summer Family Adventure Camps, summer Sky & Star Party, GeoGirls youth summer
camp, backcountry running events, and more!
Educators will work with a small group of individuals under the direction of the Youth Education & Rental
Programs Manager and with the support of the Youth Education & Rental Programs Coordinator. Because
we operate in a remote location, we seek applicants who are motivated and self-directed.
Read about our education programs and our facility, the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Implementation: Education Programs, Family Camps & Events (~70% of the time)

● Meet the MSHI mission to help students & other program participants “SEE” Mount St. Helens
through “Science, Education & Exploration” during in-person programs.
● Collaborate with the education team to plan, prepare for, and implement programs and activities to
best meet the groups’ goals and needs.
● Complete training about the geology & ecology of Mount St. Helens to build foundational knowledge
for leading educational activities & programs.
● Maintain a safe, friendly, and inclusive learning environment for all.
● Lead & co-lead place-based geology & ecology activities and interpretive hikes as part of the Mount
St. Helens Institute curriculum. Read more on our Volcano Outdoor School website.
● Serve as a role model for students, campers, and peers: use positive behavior guidance strategies
and display maturity, responsibility, exibility, enthusiasm, and sound judgment.
● Professionally communicate with teachers, group coordinators, and parents during programs.
● Promptly and professionally respond to risks, complaints, and injuries according to risk
management protocols.
● Actively and positively contribute to program debrief meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS:
● Demonstrated 1+ year experience teaching and leading outdoor, science-based education programs
for youth, such as at a camp or education center;
● Demonstrate personal and professional commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural competency;
● Knowledge of Leave No Trace practices and environmental awareness;
● Working knowledge of place-based natural history focused on geology & ecology;
● Excellent communication skills including public speaking, group facilitation, and writing;
● Demonstrated computer competency including use of Google Suite, Google Calendar & Gmail, to
take photos and videos and upload with timeliness, etc.;
● Enthusiasm for the mission of the Mount St. Helens Institute;
● Be able to work effectively with minimal supervision.
● Be willing to be coached and open to feedback;
● First aid and CPR (or higher) certication or willingness to obtain before beginning position;
● Have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record for the past three years
We know many candidates do not apply to jobs unless they meet all qualications. If you meet most
characteristics and believe you would bring the skills and approach we are looking for, we encourage you to apply