Overview
This position is responsible for providing excellent program instruction for The Mountaineers youth programs. Program Instructors may instruct for After-School Programs, Partner Programs, Camps, or Youth Clubs Programs. Most of our youth programs are single-day programs designed to expose youth to and build outdoor skills. Occasionally, programs may run for multiple days or include overnight instruction. Programs most commonly run during the workweek, early evenings, and weekends.
Key Responsibilities
Belayer for Indoor and Outdoor Rock Wall during Youth Programs
– Inspect equipment prior to use
– Ensure all equipment is set up before group arrival
– Explain safety expectations to participants
– Belay
– Ensure safe, encouraging, and welcoming climbing environment at all times for climbers of all skill levels, primarily beginners
Lead Instructor for After-School, Youth Clubs, and Partner Programs
– Teach curriculum in 1-2 hour blocks to youth and teens, ages 6-18. Curriculum may include: Map & Compass Navigation, First Aid, Climbing, Outdoor Cooking, Leave No Trace, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Other outdoor skills
– Lead and/or co-lead day hikes, snowshoe outings, and day climbing trips to various climbing & hiking areas in our region
– Manage physical and emotional group safety during programs
– Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants who may be brand-new to the outdoor skills being taught
– Collaborate with other program instructors, volunteer instructors, and assistants to present programs
– Assist with set-up, clean-up and curriculum development, as needed
– Collaborate with Volunteer leaders or assistants
– Accommodate parent chaperones that may be present on activities/trips.
Qualifications:
Minimum 3 years experience working with youth in the outdoors
Knowledge of, desire to work with, and experience working with a variety of populations
Experience with curriculum development
Experience working with volunteers
Strong public speaking skills
Knowledge of basic climbing skills in a single-pitch environment and a variety of outdoor pursuits
Current CPR and First Aid Certification
Ability to pass a national criminal background and sex offender check. Clean driving record.
Required Skills:
The Program Instructor will actively contribute to the creation of a positive learning environment by conducting themselves in a professional, friendly, and supportive manner.
Cultural competency to work with people of all races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds.
Ability to pass a national criminal background and sex offender check .
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Preferred Skills:
Demonstrates exceptional communication skills
Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Demonstrates excellent organizational skills
Experience with curriculum development
Knowledge of the organizational structure of The Mountaineers, especially the Climbing Committee. Basic Alpine Climbing Course graduates preferred.
About The Mountaineers
We are a community built around passion for the outdoors. For over 100 years, our volunteers have been teaching skills, sharing adventures, creating volunteers, and conserving land. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is to enrich the community by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
