Summary of Position

North Cascades Institute seeks an experienced mentor, skilled relationship-builder, and engaging public speaker to join our Youth Leadership Adventures (YLA) team. YLA provides outdoor experiences for local high school students, including multi-day canoeing and backpacking trips in the summer, and outdoor day programming in the spring and fall. The Youth Leadership Specialist is the primary student liaison within the YLA team, providing year round support and information to enrolled students and their families. In the fall, winter, and spring, this position leads our recruitment and enrollment efforts, and facilitates some of our day programs. In the summer, this position provides logistical support for our backcountry trips, and ensures a smooth flow of information between students, staff, and families. It is essential that the Specialist is able to uphold a safe learning environment for all identities and model culturally responsive teaching and leadership practices. This position reports to the Youth Leadership Manager.

Responsibilities

Recruitment

• Recruit high school students for Youth Leadership Adventures trips and programs
• Give presentations to high school classes in Skagit and Whatcom counties
• Maintain relationships with teachers and other high school staff

Enrollment

• Provide support and information to students and families from the time they apply until their trip
• Process applications and registration paperwork, verifying accuracy and completeness
• Conduct student interviews and family orientations
• Coordinate student travel arrangements
• Prepare instructors with organized student information
• Fill dropped spots from the waitlist
• Serve as contact person for students and families who reach out with questions

Program Support

• Support the logistics of summer Youth Leadership Adventures programs, including camping with groups on their first and last nights
• Drive Institute vehicles with program participants, including 15-passenger vans
• Maintain relationships with students at the start and end of their trip, providing support and encouragement
• Assist in carrying out non-emergency evacuations from the field
• Assist in facilitating day programs in the spring and fall months

General

• Engage program alums through social media, blogs, and newsletters
• Participate in staff meetings
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned by the Youth Leadership Manager

Job Location and Duration

In the non-summer months (September - May), the work location for this position is the Sedro Woolley office, and is in-person at least one day per week. During these months, the Specialist can choose to either work:

• 32 hours/week, with a regular furlough from December 16 - December 31; or
• 40 hours/week, with a regular furlough from December 16 - February 15

During the summer (June - August), the Specialist will be at least 40 hours/week, and will likely earn overtime pay (1.5x base pay). This position has a variable work location in the summer, including working at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (located on the shore of Diablo Lake), staying at campgrounds in the National Park, and/or working remotely.

Work schedules will vary, especially in the summer, and may require working early mornings, late nights and weekends when programs are occurring. An Institute vehicle may be available in the summer when they need to work at the Environmental Learning Center or in the National Park.

Start Date

Preferred start date is January 15, 2024 with some flexibility based on applicant availability.

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open until filled.

To Apply

Please apply online on our website at: https://ncascades.org/jobs.

Complete the online application and upload a cover letter and resume.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.

About North Cascades Institute

North Cascades Institute's mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature. Since 1986, we have helped connect people, nature and community through science, art, literature and the hands-on study of natural and cultural history. Our goal is to help people of all ages and backgrounds experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest - so all will care for and protect this special place.

North Cascades Institute is a respected leader among U.S. environmental education organizations, and we believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity. The Institute is in sound financial health with a $4 million budget and strong reserves, and 15 four-star ratings with Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.
Experience and Skills:

Required Qualifications

• Strong ability to build relationships and trust with teens, families, and community members
• Experience teaching or mentoring teens
• Excellent communication, public speaking, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize effectively and handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Spanish language proficiency
• Experience living in and working with communities who are historically underrepresented in the outdoors
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice
• Experience participating in backpacking and/or canoe camping trips in a backcountry environment
• Competency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, spreadsheet management, data entry, and social media platforms

Successful candidates must also be willing and prepared to reside and sleep in a remote area. This position will require driving Institute vehicles. A valid driver’s license and driving record check must have no more than one moving violation in the past three years, no DUI, reckless driving or serious moving violations, etc. Final offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and a driving history check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lived experience in Skagit and/or Whatcom counties and school districts
• Enthusiasm for learning and teaching about climate change, the natural world, and/or North Cascades natural and cultural history

Compensation

This is a regular, non-exempt (meaning hourly), full-time (32-40 hours/week) position, with a wage range of $18-$19 per hour.

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package. Benefits include the following:

• Sick Leave – ~8 hours per month
• Vacation Leave – ~10 days per 1st year. Positions with furloughs may accrue less than 10 days
• Holiday Leave – 12 days maximum per year
• Service Days – 2 days per year
• Other paid time-off such as family leave, bereavement leave, jury duty, etc.
• Medical/vision/dental insurance, long and short-term disability insurance, and retirement plan
• Yearly stipend to participate in Institute programs

Benefits are prorated for employees working less than 40 hours per week.

From: North Cascades Institute