MWI Guided Youth Outdoors Senior Educator

Ready to dive into epic outdoor adventures and make a positive impact on the environment? Look no further than the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) - the oldest conservation, education, and recreation organization in the USA!  Our passion for the outdoors knows no bounds, and we want YOU to be a part of it. As an employee, you'll unlock access to exciting programs, policies, and procedures that empower you to make a real difference. Join the AMC team now and embark on the journey of a lifetime! 

Through Guided Outdoors programming, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) offers an engaging slate of staff-led outdoor experiences for the youth, adults, and families, which promote the appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, and responsible use of natural resources. We provide people of all ages and backgrounds with the skills to enjoy the outdoors and an increased understanding of their connection to the natural world. The Senior Outdoor Educator will predominantly lead educational programs for school groups and trips for participants in grades K through 12 and teens, but will also be cross-trained and occasionally scheduled to lead with adults and families as well. Schedules are varied and include all days of the week. Trips range in length, but time off and work are balanced for staff.  

The Guided Outdoors Senior Outdoor Educator is a responsible, energetic individual who is excited to share their knowledge and love of the outdoors with young people.  Academic lessons on climate change, forest and watershed ecology, map and compass, geology, weather and climate, outdoor skills, community building, and leadership development are integrated and taught in a nature- and student-centered hiking-based program. The Senior Educator is responsible for planning and logistics duties as well as teaching programs in the field.  
 

During the summer months, GO Youth Educators primarily work with a co-leader to facilitate 6-day backcountry trips for teenagers aged 12-17. This multi-day, single- and multi-element outdoor experiences take place on public lands either in the backcountry or while base camping. Educators are responsible for delivering outdoor skills instruction in hiking, backpacking, and canoeing, and environmental ethics as well as positive youth development activities on trips that are safety-focused and meaningful.  

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING AT AMC 

• Implement thematic, place-based environmental education, leadership, and community-building lesson plans that meet the needs of diverse student populations, are culturally relevant, transferable for students, and incorporate the learning objectives of the program.  

• Work independently or collaboratively on projects such as curriculum development, the creation of teaching tools, and logistical tasks such as communicating with teachers, schools, and community partners.  

• Create and foster an inclusive group culture and learning environment among participants and co-workers.  

• Lead and facilitate single and multi-day hiking, backpacking, and canoeing wilderness programs, which are student-centered and experiential.  

• Facilitate day programs within local communities and at schools and front-country and backcountry multi-day programs.  

• Ensure the physical, emotional, and social safety of 8-12 students and teen participants in summer programs.  

• Manage incidents in the backcountry; communicate effectively with the on-call team and facilitate evacuations when necessary.  

• Model responsible behavior in the outdoors and Leave No Trace ethics.  

• Perform logistics functions for the program including issuing, collecting, cleaning, and maintaining gear, preparing teaching supplies, organizing food, and evacuations.  

• Plan menus and handle food requisitions  

• Drive 12-passenger vans carrying participants.  

• Maintain professionalism through lesson planning, personal appearance, and communication with other staff, chaperones, and/or participants.  

• Collaborate with other AMC Guided Outdoors Staff to guide day-long or multi-day adult and family workshops.  

WHAT AMC IS LOOKING FOR 

• Friendly, outgoing, flexible personality with a commitment and enthusiasm for teaching youth  

• Experience leading student/youth groups in the backcountry  

• Experiential teaching experience  

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and ability to work with youth across a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences  

• Able to effectively collaborate and communicate with co-leaders who may have varying leadership and communication styles  

• Able to create an emotionally safe and inclusive learning environment, create a positive group culture, and build a healthy rapport with youth  

• Able to maintain effective self-care during extended trips so as not to compromise the student experience  

• Wilderness First-Aid & CPR certification (WFR preferred) or the ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment  

• Bachelor’s degree with course work in natural sciences, experiential education, or related field, or equivalent work experience  

• Work requires frequent backcountry travel. Requires ability to hike 6 – 8 miles per day on uneven terrain, carrying a backpack and other equipment up to 40 pounds, in all weather conditions  

• Willingness to, at times, work long hours in mentally and physically demanding conditions  

• Satisfactory driving record and background check, verified by state record check  

• 21+ years old and the ability to obtain DOT medical clearance to drive vehicles strongly preferred  

WHAT AMC CAN OFFER YOU 

Salary range: $18.00 / hour 

We are committed to equitable compensation practices, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process. 

Benefits 

• Room & Board:  Dorm-style room for $45/week – meals included, too!  

• Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 30 hours per week   

• Retirement: Voluntary 403(b) Contribution 

• Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of paid earned time depending on length of service  

• Other Team Member Perks:   

• 30% discount on AMC Merchandise   

• Free Annual AMC Membership  

• 4 Free nights at AMC locations  

• Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!  

HOW TO APPLY AT AMC 

Please include a resume and cover letter. No phone calls or agencies please. 

AMC welcomes all qualified candidates to apply, and we invite the full participation of all individuals currently underrepresented in the outdoor community. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals from racially and/or ethnically diverse communities, individuals with disabilities, individuals from LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals who experience intersectionality with one or more of these identities. 

The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility which serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.