Employment
Mount Rainier Institute is searching for outstanding and passionate educators.
Environmental Education Instructors- Fall 2023
In partnership with Mount Rainier National Park, the University of Washington operates the Mount Rainier Institute. Mount Rainier Institute is a residential environmental education program. Our mission is to provide outstanding nature-based education experiences that are rooted in science and nurture the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders. We are looking for skilled educators to continue the development of an exceptional environmental education program with one of the nation’s iconic National Parks.
Environmental Education Instructors lead youth and adults through inquiry-based field science investigations and teach a variety of topics such as climate change, natural history, geology, forestry, resource management, and cultural history of the Pacific Northwest. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of the ongoing developing outdoor school program.
Term of Position: Fall 2023 season starts in mid-August through mid-November. May involve weekend and evening hours. Shared housing will be provided for a modest monthly rental fee.
Mount Rainier Institute is committed to diversity. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, sexual orientation, or gender.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
REQUIREMENTS:
DESIRED:
COMPENSATION:
21.17 per hour
Please apply UW Hires.
For questions contact jhayes90@uw.edu
Appointment to this position is contingent upon obtaining satisfactory results from a criminal background check.
Position Overview:
The Education Coordinator assists the MRI Director in management of the education staff and programs. This includes program development and implementation, education staff recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation. The Education Coordinator assumes responsibility for the MRI in the absence of the Mount Rainier Institute Director. This position will work closely with the MRI Director and Mount Rainier National Park partners to develop Mount Rainier Institute as a premier provider of multi-day overnight outdoor environmental education programs.
Relationships:
Internal: Works closely with MRI Director, the Mount Rainier National Park Education Specialists, and program advisory groups to establish priorities for program development and to enhance program quality. Works closely with Pack Forest Conference Center to coordinate food and facility use for MRI programs.
External: Works with schools to plan programs and create customized curriculum. Establishes a strong connection within the broader environmental education community. Works with a variety of other education organizations to enhance existing programming and develop new programs.
Responsibilities:
• 50% Coordinate the day-to-day logistics for all MRI programs. This includes staff scheduling, staff coordination, producing program schedules, hosting groups, communicating with schools, ensuring food service facilities are prepared, problem solving, and all tasks associated with ensuring a safe, high-quality program.
• 15% Assist in hiring, training, and mentoring a team of 6 to 8 Environmental Education Instructors.
• 15% Teach education programs including, school overnight programs, day programs and professional development workshops.
• 10% Assist with the development, planning, enhancement, promotion, and evaluation of Mount Rainier Institute standards-based education programs. This includes meeting with participating schools and groups to identify needs and program opportunities.
• 5% Develop and maintain a strong rapport with the education community, including National Park partners, schools, other environmental education organizations, and regional partners.
• 5% Cooperate with the MRI Director as needed for grant requests and marketing efforts, social media posts including newsletter submissions, and program reports, and assist with other Center for Sustainable Forestry operations as assigned.
Requirements
• BA/BS in Education, Environmental Education, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Interpretation, Outdoor or Environmental Education, Biology, or a related field, or comparable experience.
• Minimum one year experience in education, in the classroom and/or environmental education field; proven success in curriculum and program development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated success leading, managing, and mentoring other educators.
• Experience with inquiry-based hands-on science methods.
• Experience with an overnight environmental education (outdoor school) facility.
• Excellent teacher/naturalist skills (knowledge of Pacific Northwest region desired)
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented with the ability to work independently and as a team player on multiple tasks.
• First aid / CPR Certification
• Computer experience essential. Proficiency of Word, Excel, Adobe products, social networking, Access and other programs necessary.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and hike several miles over hilly terrain while carrying a 20-lb backpack.
Desired
• Three years of experience in education, in the classroom and/or environmental education field; proven success in curriculum and program development.
• Master’s degree in Education, Environmental Education, Nature Interpretation, Environmental Science or closely related field.
• Previous experience coordinating multiday overnight Environmental Education/Outdoor School programs.
• Understanding of the use of various biological research equipment/methods and how these techniques apply to student programs.
• 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Wilderness First Responder certification.
Conditions of Employment
• All MRI/UW employees must submit to a background check.
Please apply UW Hires. For questions contact jhayes90@uw.edu.
Mount Rainier Institute
The University of Washington acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations. Mount Rainier Institute is honored and grateful to provide programs that take place in the ancestral homelands of the Nisqually, Puyallup, Muckleshoot, Yakima, and Cowlitz.
Mount Rainier Institute provides outstanding nature-based education experiences that are rooted in science and nurture the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders.