Overview
This position supports education programs at the Environmental Learning Center from February through early December. Program instructors facilitate the Institute’s 5th grade overnight outdoor school program – Mountain School – in the Spring and Fall. Summers are spent delivering a variety of adult, youth, and family programs based in and around the Learning Center. A successful candidate may hail from a variety of professional backgrounds but loves teaching, being outdoors, and is inspired to work with children. There are multiple positions available.
Position Location and Description
The work location for the Environmental Program Instructor is at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (ELC) located in the heart of the North Cascades National Park on the shore of Diablo Lake. Mountain School takes place from February to the beginning of June. Summer activities proceed from June to early September. Mountain School resumes in September and continues to mid-December. Depending on interest and experience, the summer role is either focused on Summer ELC-Based Programs (see below) or may instead support Youth Leadership Adventures (see below).
Compensation
This is a temporary/seasonal, full-time, nonexempt position.
● Pay is $17-$18 per hour, depending on experience and training.
● Overtime pay is 1.5x base pay and will occasionally be required.
● Most weeks instructors will work approximately 35-40 hours. Some weeks, especially around season transitions and school holidays, will have lighter hours.
● Benefits include:
○ Paid holidays: 9 days
○ Sick leave: ~8 hours per month
○ Vacation leave: 4 days (32 hours)
○ Service days: 2 days
○ Wilderness First Responder Certification provided by the Institute – a $700 value
○ $300 yearly stipend to participate in Institute programs
○ Ability to participate in Institute pro deals
○ Employees are responsible for their own health insurance
This is a bargaining unit position represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District Lodge 751. All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement.
The backcountry Youth Leadership Adventure positions will be selected through a separate internal application process that occurs in April. Compensation is similar but the details of time and rate are structured differently due to the nature of the position. When available, the full job description can be viewed here: https://ncascades.org/jobs.
Housing
Subsidized housing available. Private rooms in shared houses are often available. In some cases, roommates in shared rooms may be required.
Key Dates:
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible
Anticipated End Date: December 11, 2024
Qualifications:
● Enthusiasm and experience teaching and/or leading elementary and/or middle school youth.
● Good judgment, flexibility, and the ability to work independently.
● Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
● Ability to work and live in a small, rural community.
● Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, valid through the term of employment
Required Skills:
Final offer of employment is 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 Skills:
● Knowledge of scientific principles, and how to teach them.
● Experience working collaboratively with individuals from underserved populations.
● Experience employing different teaching methods and styles to accommodate different audiences and learning styles.
● Knowledge of the North Cascades natural and cultural history.
● Spanish language proficiency.
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.
