Youth Leadership Instructor positions (6)

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.

COVID: North Cascades Institute requires all employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot and to provide proof of inoculation unless a reasonable accommodation is approved. All new hires are expected to comply with these requirements upon employment.

SUMMARY

North Cascades Institute is seeking candidates who enjoy working outdoors and want to contribute to our mission of inspiring environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature. Youth Leadership Adventures(YLA) Instructors teach and lead teens in a backcountry wilderness leadership program for high school students in the North Cascades. 

There are 6 Youth Leadership Instructor positions available.

Youth Leadership Instructors serve as the primary field instructors for the Youth Leadership Adventures program. This position ensures the physical and emotional safety and education of high school youth participating in backcountry leadership courses. Our youth population is representative of students from our region. This includes students from a diversity of backgrounds and identities such as people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, English Language Learners, students from low income backgrounds, students from rural and urban communities, and recent immigrants.

Youth Leadership Instructors role model and guide students in creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diverse life experiences and perspectives. Courses incorporate backpacking, canoeing, outdoor skills and service work as well as curriculum in natural and cultural history, climate change and climate solutions, leadership and community engagement. Youth Leadership Instructors will share a primary leadership role with one co-leading peer while mentoring students. Youth Leadership Instructors will participate in training from mid-late June. Instructors will then lead three 9-day canoeing or backpacking trips in July and August.

POSITION LOCATION

Youth Leadership Instructors will work at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, and in the field while leading backcountry camping and backpacking courses. At all times during their work, Youth Leadership Instructors will be required to sleep and reside at their place of employment. Youth Leadership Instructors will also be required to spend a substantial portion of their work time in the field subject to call and not engaged in the performance of active duties.

COMMITMENT TO MISSION AND VALUES

Successful candidates will have a commitment to the mission of North Cascades Institute and the organization’s effort to promote diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the Institute’s culture, work and partnering relationships to ensure that the Institute and its programs are welcoming, relevant and accessible.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Instruction

• Lead, teach and supervise groups of 8 high school students during 9-day canoe camping and/or backpacking courses in the field alongside a co-instructor.
• Provide leadership in risk management before, during and after programs.Implement and evaluate safety and emergency response procedures.
• Teach students skills necessary to travel and take care of themselves in the backcountry.
• Facilitate lessons in natural and cultural history, climate change, stewardship, outdoor skills, leadership, communication, and community that are inclusive of a variety of perspectives and learning styles.
• Create a safe learning environment for youth and adults with positive reinforcement, role-modeling and cultural sensitivity.
• Collaborate with co-leader during course planning, field-based portion of each trip, and wrap up including: curriculum planning, assessing group needs & risk management.
• Provide clear, effective and timely communication with co-instructor, supervisor and other staff.
• Carry out service projects with personnel from partnering agencies.

Program Development

• Work with Youth Leadership Coordinator and other staff to ensure that Youth Leadership.
• Adventures fulfills educational mission of the Institute and program goals.
• Assist in implementing and evaluating program themes, content and itineraries.
• Attend and participate in all trainings, trip preparations and debrief meetings.
• Complete all pre- and post-trip duties, including but not limited to contacting students, preparing all course documentation, completing incident reports, food packing and gear preparation and repair.
• Research, develop and implement lessons that are representative of a diversity of life experiences to supplement program curricula.
• Support equity initiatives at North Cascades Institute and actively contribute to NCI as a community of belonging that is welcoming and accessible to everyone. Develop a personal equity, diversity, and inclusion related goal(s) and track progress towards your goal(s) with your supervisor.

Administration

• Complete necessary reports and written outputs for program including, program reports, co-leader feedback, camp notes and student progress reports.
• Communicate with other institute staff and program partners as needed to develop, implement and coordinate program activities.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities for Senior Instructors (Returning Instructors or New Hires with Significant Experience)

• Prepare and lead 1-3 sessions during training.
• Provide mentorship and oversight to new instructors during course prep and clean up.
• Act as role model and leader in building an inclusive staff community.
• Provide mentorship for newer staff in the field.
• Take on additional leadership roles based on individual interest / experience (as needed).

JOB DURATION

• June 6 - August 30, 2022
• Instructors are also invited to apply for Fall teaching positions (end of Aug-mid Dec) with our Mountain School program if interested in extending their position with the North Cascades Institute.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Required Qualifications

• One or more season(s) serving as an instructor on backcountry canoe camping and/or backpacking trips for youth.
• Experience mentoring, teaching or leading teens.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate group and individual needs and make appropriate risk management decisions in a backcountry setting.
• Commitment or experience to educating with a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Bachelor’s degree (any field) OR 3+ years of relevant professional experience in education or youth mentorship.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively as part of a small team.
• Ability to foster a community where each member feels included and valued.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pound pack, perform physically demanding work for multiple days in a row, backpack, and hike over uneven terrain.
• Comfort living and working in a remote, backcountry setting.
• Must be available for full seasonal employment period including weekends and extended overnights.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more season(s) serving as lead instructor on backcountry canoe camping and/or backpacking trips for youth.
• Experience working with students from a diversity of backgrounds and identities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, English Language Learners, students from low income backgrounds, students from both rural and urban communities, and recent immigrants.
• Demonstrated ability teaching lessons on stewardship, climate change, natural and cultural history, field science and/or leadership.
• Experience leading groups in service and manual labor projects.
• Experience teaching through a social-emotional lens.
• Ability to speak multiple languages (preferred Spanish fluency).
• Ability to teach canoeing and water safety skills.
• Ability to drive Institute vehicles, including a 14-passenger bus. Training is provided.

NOTE: Successful candidates must also be willing and prepared to reside and sleep in a remote area. This position will require driving institute vehicles. 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 that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and a driving history check. 

• This position requires a Wilderness First Responder certification.

COMPENSATION

This is a temporary/seasonal, full-time position, exempt/excluded from federal and Washington state minimum wage and overtime requirements. Instructors are paid $116 / non-field day ($126 for senior instructors) and $150-$175 / field day. Where instructors fall on the pay scale and if they are being hired as a Senior Instructor is dependent on experience and determined with the job offer. Instructors will work 29 non-field days and 27 field days. Benefits include sick leave and holiday pay. 

HOUSING

Shared rental housing is available for the duration of the position, either at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center or in the neighboring town of Marblemount at the cost of $300/month. Meals are provided when programs are in session. Otherwise, instructors are responsible for providing their own food. Employees are responsible for their own health insurance and transportation. Having your own vehicle is strongly encouraged due to the remote location of the Environmental Learning Center.

TO APPLY

• Please apply online on our website by clicking the 'Apply on Company Website' tab at the bottom of this page.
• Complete the online application and upload a cover letter and resume.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• Applications due: March 21, 2022
• Interviewing: March 28 - April 8, 2022

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.