THIS IS A LONG-TERM SEASONAL POSITION FROM APRIL 1 – NOVEMBER 1, 2024
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. They will primarily work with public, private, and home-schooled students and other youth groups. These day and overnight programs are based in local schools and communities in Coös County, NH as well as AMC facilities near Gorham, NH. 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. These 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.
