| Job Description: |
The Appalachian Mountain Club's environmental education program, A Mountain Classroom, is designed to introduce students to the natural world through field-oriented curriculum. The A Mountain Classroom Coordinator will oversee the organizational and educational aspects of 28 - 35 residential programs annually, which use AMC's lodges and backcountry facilities. Responsibilities are divided approximately by 25% in the field, including teaching programs, and 75% administration. This is a full-time, year-round position, with active programs running throughout the school year except for late-November, December and January. This position also plays a vital logistics support role for Teen Wilderness Adventures program, a multi-element summer wilderness program with courses running from 5 - 23 days in duration.
The A Mountain Classroom Coordinator reports to the North Country Youth Education Director.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Collaborate and work closely with the Pinkham Notch/Huts A Mountain Classroom Coordinator and the Education Program Coordinator (Teens/NC Outreach) on all aspects of job responsibilities.
Work with school trip organizers to design programs and curricula that meet their needs. Send confirmation letters, maintain teacher contacts and be available for occasional school presentations.
Recruit and hire all seasonal staff for the A Mountain Classroom and Teen Wilderness Adventure Programs at all locations, with the involvement of the other education coordinators. Assist in retention efforts for all seasonal staff.
Work collaboratively with other North Country Education staff to mentor, schedule, supervise, train and evaluate 14 - 18 seasonal instructors during the programming seasons. Provide logistical and academic support for the instructors. Perform field checks to provide feedback and ensure program quality.
Meet with instructors prior to, and following each program to ensure delivery of programmatic goals.
Communicate with teachers upon arrival and throughout Highland-based programs. Follow up with all program organizers using Cardigan Lodge. Provide program schedules, give student and teacher introductory talks, check in with front desk, etc. Train and choose instructors to do the same for Cardigan programs.
Oversee logistical details of the program.
Coordinate the program with other North Country and/or Cardigan operations (reservations, vehicles, storehouse, gear, lodging, kitchen, and front desk).
Responsible for equipment maintenance, inventory, and acquisition.
Responsible for maintenance of adequate teaching supplies.
Supervise Cardigan Lead Field Instructor. Assist in supervising the Environmental Education Lead Instructor (when one is in place).
Supervise instructors assuming logistical responsibilities.
Implement risk management guidelines and ensure consistency among seasonal instructors. Oversee the use of the program's two-way radios. Manage field evacuations and hospital visits.
Evaluate program curricula and collaborate on its revision and development. Topics may include water, forest, winter, or alpine ecology, geology, meteorology, natural resource use, climate change and team building/leadership skills.
Teach single day and residential A Mountain Classroom or NC outreach courses especially during the winter season. Fill in unexpectedly for sick or injured field instructors (estimate - one to two programs per season). Lead groups safely into the backcountry.
Assume primary responsibility for a segment of Coos County Outreach programming. Maintain and grow outreach contacts leading to environmental education and outdoor programming for North County youth. Work closely with the Education Program Coordinator to further AMC's educational outreach in the region.
Perform weekly on-call duties for North Country youth programs on a rotating basis with coworkers throughout the year. May fill in for sick or injured field instructors for all North Country Youth programs.
Assist with training for the summer teen wilderness staff during the summer season, assist the Education Programs Coordinator (Teen's Coordinator) to manage program logistics including gear cleaning and organization, transporting groups, assisting with field transitions, field re-supplies and assisting with field evacuations. Act as an emergency fill-in instructor for summer field programs, which may include many field nights.
Represent A Mountain Classroom to the AMC community and to the public. Occasionally assist with marketing.
Actively contribute to and support the cohesive operation of all North Country facilities.
Work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
Qualifications / Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in environmental education or related field. 2-3 years previous experience as an outdoor/environmental educator. Some administrative and supervisory experience.
Strong desire to work with youth in an outdoor setting.
Science education background. Previous backpacking experience and knowledge of the natural history of New England.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Ability to work creatively and constructively with others and contribute to a team environment.
Ability to work nights and/or weekends often with little prior notice.
Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications. Wilderness First Responder preferred.
Valid drivers License and ability to acquire DOT driving certification.
Physical Requirements: Must be capable of safely traveling alone in the backcountry long distances during all seasons and weather conditions. Must be able to carry up to 40+ pounds of equipment backpacking with ease.
The AMC has a "no tolerance" policy for the abuse, neglect or endangerment of minors. Yearly criminal background checks are required.
Send resume and cover letter to: AMC, Attn: A. Muller, P.O. Box 298, Gorham, NH 03581 (amcjob157@outdoors.org).
The Appalachian Mountain Club's facilities, located in the White Mountain National Forest, serve as education and outdoor recreation centers for hikers, climbers, and skiers coming to the mountains each year. The AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment and wise use of the mountains, forests, rivers and trails throughout the Northeast. AMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes diversity in our workplace.
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