Job Description

Who We Are

The Mountaineers is a community of outdoor recreationists and conservationists founded in 1906 to explore the peaks and waterways of the Pacific Northwest. Today, we have more than 15,000 members and seven branches in Western Washington, where we deliver most of our outdoor education programming. Thanks to the work of generations of volunteers and our internationally recognized publishing division, we continue to enjoy an outstanding reputation in the fields of outdoor education, recreation, and public lands conservation and advocacy.

Our dedicated volunteers and staff get people outside to experience the power of the natural world. We advocate for access and protection of recreational lands so that future generations can enjoy these places too. Our core value of community reflects the belief that a diverse and inclusive outdoors inspires unity, respect, and passion for the places we love. Our 45 staff, divided between our program centers and our nonprofit publishing division, Mountaineers Books, and 2,500+ volunteers work together to achieve our mission to  enrich lives by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

Learn more at mountaineers.org .

Position Overview

Program Instructors play the most important role in supplying a positive, valuable, safe experience for Mountaineers summer campers. They are directly responsible for the daily supervision of a group of 8-12 campers ranging in age from 6-12. They design and teach varying outdoor curriculum, including first aid, navigation, and safe methods of recreating outdoors. They will work collaboratively with other camp staff and CITs to create an inclusive and engaging camp environment. Program Instructors create an enthusiastic and welcoming environment for their group of campers and have seemingly limitless amounts of energy.

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide a meaningful camp experience, keeping campers happy, healthy, safe, and having fun.
• Foster a positive sense of community within the group and seek ways to include all campers.
• Plan creative outdoor activities for group of campers using Mountaineers curriculum.
• Enthusiastically teach games and activities to group of campers.
• Fearlessly participate as a leader during large group and all camp activities.
• Assist in the set up and break down of camp.
• Participate in weekly field trips off campus with campers (includes activities such as hiking and rafting)
• Participate in extended care with other staff either before camp (7:45-9:00am) or afterwards (4-5:30pm) at least once over the summer.
• Participate in Thursday overnight program with other staff at least two weeks of the summer.
• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Ensure The Mountaineers youth policies and procedures are followed and adhered to at all times.
• Share the magic of camp with families.
• Be a mentor and role model for Counselors In Training.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• Cultural competency and demonstrated ability to work with people of all races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to pass a national criminal background and sex offender check
• Current CPR & First Aid Certification or ability to obtain certification before start date

Desired Qualifications

• Summer camp experience, or comparable experience working with 6-17 year olds in single day or overnight settings
• Climbing and belaying experience
• Strong organization and time management skills
• Positive attitude and ability to carry oneself in a professional manner to create positive experiences
• Flexibility and adaptability when things don’t go as planned
• Experience teaching outdoor recreation skills such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, first aid, navigation, outdoor cooking, naturalist skills, teambuilding, or photography.
• Personal outdoor experience (i.e. backpacking, rock climbing, and hiking).

Cultivating an inclusive staff is central to The Mountaineers focus on advancing equity. Our core values are Adventure, Advocacy, Community, Education, and Volunteerism, and we believe a diverse and inclusive environment inspires unity, respect, and passion for our work and one another. We’re interested in hearing from people who can work with colleagues of varied experience and background. The Mountaineers is an equal-opportunity employer, and candidates from all backgrounds are considered, and as an organization that values equity and inclusion, we highly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, and veterans to apply.

Work Environment 

This role is based in Seattle, WA at The Mountaineers Program Center in Magnuson Park.   This position is 100% in-person throughout the summer to support programs.

Physical Demands

Occasionally you will be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While you are performing the duties of this job, you may be required to stand for extended periods of time , and must be able to hike on uneven and hilly terrain continuously for up to five miles. As a requirement of instructing youth programs you will be required to bend, squat, run, or climb.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is for a full-time, seasonal employee. Regular schedule will be 40+ hours a week. Hours vary across weekdays, including daytime and evenings. Compensation ranges from $20.00-22.00/hour depending on experience. Benefits include membership in The Mountaineers, a prioritized week of vacation time, and accrual of paid sick time. Position start date is June 12 and end date is August 25.

To Apply:

To apply, please submit a cover letter (1 page max) and resume (2 page max) through the link below. The cover letter should address 1) what experience, skills, and personal characteristics qualify you for this position and 2) why the mission and work of The Mountaineers appeals to you.  

We are a dog friendly environment. We are unable to sponsor H1-B Visas at this time.

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