Wild Whatcom is a Bellingham, WA based non-profit organization dedicated to fostering lifelong connections to nature through outdoor education programs offered to all age groups. We provide experiential learning opportunities that inspire participants to explore, connect, and serve, while building healthy relationships with nature, community, and self.  For more information about our programs and organization, visit wildwhatcom.org.

Wild Whatcom seeks 2-4 enthusiastic educators to serve as Field Mentors in our Summer Camps Program. Mentors co-lead 3-day (M-W) and 5-day (M-F) day camps in parks in Whatcom County, focusing on naturalist knowledge and wilderness skills such as firecraft, carving and camouflage.

This contract position is for Wild Whatcom’s 2021 summer season, June 9th-Aug 20th. Hours will vary each week, 25-40 hours, depending upon scheduled camps (average 30 hrs/week over the course of the 11 week summer). Summer Camp Mentors will also receive first priority consideration for 2021-22 school year positions. Click here for a sample school year position description and indicate in your cover letter if you would also be interested in a school year position.

Potential applicants must be available beginning June 9th, 2021 for orientation and training.

Compensation begins at $15/hour, with a likely increase in the second year, based on positive performance.

Responsibilities:

• Co-lead a variety of outings with child-led, inquiry-based, experiential, and playful approaches.
• Awaken a sense of wonder in participants by teaching natural history and outdoor skills while exploring local areas.
• Facilitate collaborative decision-making with participants to support leadership development.
• Practice effective behavior and risk management at all times, creating a safe learning experience for all.
• Maintain clear, responsive, honest, and respectful communications with participants and staff.
• Serve as a mentor to participants, responding to their needs as individuals and as a group.
• Work closely with other members of the field staff team to plan, prepare, and lead outings.
• Assist with program logistics such as pre-camp emails, parent communications, and gear and materials prep/maintenance
• Support and contribute to documentation and record-keeping such as tracking attendance, recording any incidents in the field, etc.
• Share concerns and successes and seek advice from Program Managers, Program Director and Executive Director to ensure program quality.

Required Qualifications:

• Passion for facilitating meaningful connections to nature and community, ideally with a basic knowledge of ecology and/or outdoor skills.
• Personal or professional experience recreating in wilderness environments.
• Strong work ethic and professional work habits (punctual, responsive, organized, detailed).
• Experience working with children, specifically with behavior and risk management outdoors.
• Flexibility and vision to engage with and support a growing organization.
• Valid driver’s license and excellent driving record (background check is required).
• Ability to carry 20+ lbs in a variety of weather and terrain.
• Current CPR certification (or willingness to receive certification before working in the field, partially subsidized by Wild Whatcom).
• Current Wilderness First Aid (or higher) certification (or willingness to receive certification before working in the field, partially subsidized by Wild Whatcom).
• Experience with or willingness to learn Google Suite applications such as google drive, gmail, and google calendar
• Strong communication skills and a desire to engage in dialogue with both participants and a families

Benefits and Trainings

Wild Whatcom does not currently offer traditional health care benefits (though we are working towards that!). However, there are a variety of other benefits offered to staff, including, but not limited to:

• Flexible work schedule for completing computer-based tasks (loaner laptops available)
• Personal gear stipend, free Discover Pass, and access to utilize our loaner gear as needed (for work or personal use)
• Regular paid trainings throughout the year including, but not limited to, Risk Management in the Field (including epi pen training), bus training, and wilderness skills trainings ranging from friction fire and carving to plant ID and navigation
• Subsidized WFR or WFA certifications (or recertifications)
• Professional development opportunities including paid positions on our Risk Management team, Board of Directors, and Board Committees, among others as they arise
• Strong commitment to personal and professional goal-setting and support through an annual retreat (each Jan/Feb) and annual review process (February)
• Fun! We plan optional social events, play games during meetings, and aim to stay silly even when we aren’t with kids