Summary

Based out of the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center in North Cascades National Park, the Program Coordinator provides leadership and support for Institute programs. The Program Coordinator provides instructional support for Institute programs; supervises Learning Center Lead Program Instructors and Environmental Program Instructors; manages the coordination, development, logistics and operations for Mountain School during the school year and Family Getaways during the summer. The work location for the Program Coordinator is at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center.

Mountain School (Spring and Fall)

Mountain School is the Institute’s primary youth education program. It is a nationally recognized overnight environmental education program serving approximately 3000 elementary and middle school students annually. Students spend three days and two nights at the Learning Center hiking under towering trees, exploring terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and learning about the rich natural and cultural history of one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

Summer Programs

During the summer months, NCI provides opportunities for adults and families to explore the wonders of the North Cascades together. Coordinators support various programs at the Learning Center campus, including:

• Family Getaways: a fun mountain retreat experience for family members of all ages
• Basecamp: a home base for outdoor visitors to have their own North Cascades adventures
• Skagit Tours: long-running day program that brings guests to the North Cascades for a boat tour of Diablo Lake, and a delicious lunch
• Assorted Programs: events hosted by other organizations at the Environmental Learning Center, supported to various levels by instructional staff.

Responsibilities

• Administration of Programs (50%):
• Coordinate Mountain School and Family Getaways
• Communicate with school staff in preparation for Mountain School
• Design and facilitate Mountain School and Family Getaways staff training
• Develop and manage weekly staff teaching schedule
• Assist with hiring of Program Instructors
• Maintain and manage inventory of program educational materials
• Collaborate with program leadership to conduct ongoing review and development of Mountain School curriculum
• Provide administrative and program support to program managers, as needed
• Facilitate Mountain School briefings, orientations, and debriefs

• Field Supervision & Instruction (40%):
• Supervise Environmental Learning Center program instruction staff
• Manage curriculum and observations for Mountain School, Family Getaways, and Skagit Tours
• Conduct teaching observations of Program Instructors
• Coordinate team meetings for Program Instructors
• Collaborate with educators and interpreters from the National Park Service and Seattle City Light
• Serve as Instructor for Mountain School and Family Getaways, as needed
• Assist and/or instruct in other Learning Center program areas as needed including, but not limited to, Conferences & Retreats, Adult Seminars, and Basecamp

• General (10%):
  • 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.
  • Drive Institute vehicles with program participants, including vans
  • Serve as day-time incident commander
  • Provide leadership in risk management before, during and after programs including prompt review and follow-up of incident reports
  • Support marketing and registration activities that promote enrollment
  • Attend and participate in staff and department meetings
  • Other duties as assigned

Start Date

February 1, 2023

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open until filled.

To Apply

Please apply online on our website by clicking on the 'Apply Now' tab at the bottom of this page.

Complete the online application and upload a cover letter and resume.

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.

About the North Cascades Institute

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

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.
Required Experience:

Required Qualifications

• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages
• Ability to communicate kindly, clearly, and productively through email, in person, and over the phone
• Strong customer service skills
• Experience working successfully in teams
• Ability to accommodate a varied work schedule including some evenings, nights, and weekends
• Current Wilderness First Aid certification or higher, or ability to obtain such certification prior to start of position
• Ability to comply with a smoke- and drug-free work environment
• Criminal history disclosure form and background check will be required. Final offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search, and a driving record check.
• Valid driver’s license and driving check must have not more than one moving violation in the past three years, no DUI, reckless driving or serious moving violations, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field
• Experience working or living in communities that are historically marginalized or underrepresented in the field of environmental education
• Experience working at residential learning centers, camps, schools, or similar facilities
• Experience leading a team of educators
• Previous supervisory experience
• Fluency in multiple languages, Spanish preference
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification

Compensation

This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position subject to a winter furlough (unpaid) of one month. The pay rate is $18.00 per hour. Benefits include paid time-off, medical/dental insurance, long and short-term disability insurance, tax-deferred annuity and contribution retirement plan, and a yearly stipend to participate in Institute programs.

There are also opportunities for frequent attendance of in-house professional development opportunities, and potential support for attendance at conferences or other outside trainings.

Given the remote location, personal transportation is required.

Housing

Good quality housing is available through the Institute for $350/month including utilities, considerably below market rates. Private rooms in shared houses are sometimes available, but not guaranteed. In some cases, roommates in shared rooms may be required, at $175/month.