Youth Programs Instructor

~ Founded in 1998, Walking Mountains Science Center’s mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. ~

As part of a dynamic organization, you are part of a team of like-minded, spirited colleagues who are passionate about the mission of Walking Mountains and the impact it’s making in the community. For more information, please visit our website.

Position Overview

This full time, year-long position at Walking Mountains Science Center requires an experienced educator prepared to teach a variety of programs within the Youth Programs Department. The Youth Programs Instructor coordinates and teaches natural science programming both in the classroom and in the field during our summer science camps, school field science programs, and after school programs. This is a one-year position. The Youth Programs Instructor reports directly to the Youth Programs Director.

Responsibilities

Program Development:

• Organize and maintain pre-existing curriculum and lesson plan files and materials
• Participate in ongoing program evaluation, review, and revision
• Maintain teaching materials for school and summer programs
• Assist Program Coordinators and Youth Programs Director in creating and implementing school program curriculum as needed that meets the Walking Mountains’ program goals and objectives, Colorado Academic Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards

Field and Classroom Instruction:

• Work as a team member with other educators and staff in the office, co-teach during the summer, and lead your own group of 8-12 students during the school year
• Prepare and teach mostly pre-existing natural science and environmental education lessons, field science programs, and summer science camps.
• Lead field experiences throughout the year for all age groups, K-12, in all weather conditions
• Conduct pre-classroom visits prior to students participating in a field science program for all age groups
• Co-teach 9 weeks of summer science day camps in the field primarily for students in grades 1-6 with a few middle and high school programs in all weather conditions
• Co-lead and teach at least one residential summer camp program based out of a backcountry hut for students in 3rd-8th grades
• Provide occasional overnight supervision of students during summer camp and for school programs in the winter and spring
• Prepare for and teach an after-school program once a week throughout the school year
• Attend or conduct occasional evening and weekend programs and special events

Program Coordination:

• Rotate ‘Lead Instructor’ responsibilities and assist School Programs Coordinator with program logistics and coordination
• Participate in regular program team meetings and all-staff meetings
• Maintain database of student participation, assessment data, and evaluation
• Take program photos and collect student work to be used for website updates and development efforts

Personnel:

• Assist in training incoming Summer Educators during summer months
• Maintain professional appearance and behavior

Special Events:

• Participate in organization-wide fundraising events outside of normal work hours (i.e. A Taste of Nature, Fright at the Museum, etc.)
• Participate in community events outside of normal work hours (i.e. 4th of July Parade, Wild West Days)

Operations & Risk Management:

• Evaluate environmental conditions and make safety decisions that incorporate Walking Mountains’ emergency protocol and current wilderness emergency medical procedures
• Maintain a clean workspace and fulfill facility cleaning responsibilities
• Assist with upkeep and maintenance of WMSC vehicles and program resources, including first aid supplies, teaching supplies and equipment, field gear, specimens, and library books
• Safely transport students in 15-passenger vehicles during summer months
• Maintain required medical certifications (WFR, CPR)

Science Center Responsibilities:

• Participate in organizational and departmental staff meetings, retreats, and cross departmental committees
• Assist in staffing front desk of Mountain Discovery Center as needed
• Adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures
• Assist with and participate in all special events (including set up and break down)
• All other duties as assigned (may include assisting in maintenance needs such as shoveling snow from walkways, etc)

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job
• Duties, activities and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice

Qualifications

• BA/BS in science, education, or an environmental science-related field
• Excellent public speaking skills and willingness to teach a variety of audiences
• 2-3 years of outdoor and/or classroom teaching experience; knowledge of standards-based curriculum preferred
• General knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the Rocky Mountains
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience with curriculum design and development
• Positive, flexible and friendly
• Independently-driven team player
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive 15-passanger vans
• Ability to up to hike 4 miles on steep, uneven terrain carrying a pack up to 30 pounds
• Knowledge and experience in using computers and software including Microsoft Office
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications
• Ability to work a fulltime schedule with some evening or weekend responsibilities
• Ability to speak Spanish (preferred, but not required)

Work Environment:

• This position includes both office and field work, with the primary duties requiring the Educators to be outdoors teaching a group of 10-12 students regardless of the weather

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting salary for this position is $29,000/year
• Company provided life and short-term disability insurance
• Company supplemented health and dental insurance
• 4 weeks paid vacation correlated with school district calendar
• 12 federal holidays, 12 sick days, 2 paid volunteer days
• 401(k) plan with variable WMSC matching contributions
• Discounted Vail/Beaver Creek ski pass
• Professional development opportunities

To Apply

• Please upload a current resume, cover letter, original lesson plan, Walking Mountains Application and contact information for 3 professional references.
• Application Deadline: 7/22/19
• Contact: For questions or inquiries please contact Chris Cohen, Youth Programs Director via email or (970)827-9725 x 117.