Overview
SUMMARY
North Cascades Institute seeks a skilled educator, supervisor, and logistics coordinator to join our Youth Leadership Adventures (YLA) team. YLA provides outdoor experiences for local high school students, including multi-day canoeing and backpacking trips in the summer, and outdoor day programming in the spring and fall. The Youth Leadership Coordinator provides year-round support to these programs. In the summer, the Coordinator leads instructor training, serves as a supervisor to field instructors, and offers logistical and risk management support to groups while they are in the field. In the fall, winter, and spring, this position coordinates and facilitates outdoor day programs in local communities, as well as supports the planning process for summer programming. It is essential that the Coordinator is able to uphold a safe learning environment for all identities and model culturally responsive teaching and leadership practices. This position reports to the Youth Leadership Manager.
JOB LOCATION AND DURATION
In the non-summer months (September – May), the work location for this position is the Sedro Woolley Administrative Office, and is in-person at least one day per week. During these months, the Coordinator can choose to either work:
• 32 hours/week, with a regular furlough from December 16 – December 31; or
• 40 hours/week, with a regular furlough from December 16 – February 15
During the summer (June – August), the Coordinator will mostly work in-person at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (located on the shore of Diablo Lake). In the summer, this position will be at least 40 hours/week, and will likely earn overtime pay (1.5x base pay).
Work schedules will vary, especially in the summer, and may require working early mornings, late nights and weekends when programs are occurring. Given the remote location of the Learning Center, personal transportation is required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a regular, non-exempt (meaning hourly), full time (32-40 hours/week) position, with a wage range of $18-19 per hour.
We offer a competitive compensation package. Benefits include the following:
• Sick Leave – ~8 hours per month
• Vacation Leave – ~10 days per 1st year. Positions with furloughs may accrue less than 10 days.
• Holiday Leave – 12 days maximum per year
• Service Days – 2 days per year
• Other paid time-off such as family leave, bereavement leave, jury duty, etc.
• Medical/vision/dental insurance, long and short-term disability insurance, and retirement plan
• Yearly stipend to participate in Institute programs
Benefits are prorated for employees working less than 40 hours per week.
HOUSING
Whenever this position is required to work in-person at the Learning Center, housing is available at no charge. In some cases, roommates in shared rooms may be required. Smoking is not allowed in housing, during programs, or on the Institute’s campus.
Qualifications:
• One or more seasons of experience as a supervisor or trainer with demonstrated skill in mentorship and coaching
• One or more seasons of experience leading backcountry and/or canoe-based trips
• A valid driver’s license and driving record check must have no more than one moving violation in the past three years, no DUI, reckless driving or serious moving violations, etc.
• Final offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Required Skills:
• Experience teaching or mentoring teens
• Ability to monitor and model safe work habits on overnight backcountry trips and be familiar with backcountry and risk management practices
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice
• Excellent communication, public speaking, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize effectively and handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification
Preferred Skills:
• One or more seasons managing logistics and field support of backcountry and/or canoe based programs
• Experience providing on call support for groups in the field
• Experience training and mentoring staff in backcountry leadership, risk management, teaching, and curriculum development
• Bilingual or multilingual. Spanish language proficiency is preferred
• Knowledge of the climate crisis and enthusiasm for teaching youth about climate solutions and the natural world
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.
