Employment

 

Mount Rainier Institute is searching for outstanding and passionate educators.

Environmental Education Instructors-  Fall 2023

 

In partnership with Mount Rainier National Park, the University of Washington operates the Mount Rainier Institute. Mount Rainier Institute is a residential environmental education program. Our mission is to provide outstanding nature-based education experiences that are rooted in science and nurture the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders. We are looking for skilled educators to continue the development of an exceptional environmental education program with one of the nation’s iconic National Parks.

Environmental Education Instructors lead youth and adults through inquiry-based field science investigations and teach a variety of topics such as climate change, natural history, geology, forestry, resource management, and cultural history of the Pacific Northwest. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of the ongoing developing outdoor school program.

 

Term of Position: Fall 2023 season starts in mid-August  through mid-November.  May involve weekend and evening hours. Shared housing will be provided for a modest monthly rental fee.

 

Mount Rainier Institute is committed to diversity. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, sexual orientation, or gender.

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead students grades 3-12 through Mount Rainier Institute’s experiential learning programs focusing on inquiry-based field science investigations and the natural and cultural history of the Mount Rainier region.
• Cultivate a positive, inclusive, multi-cultural, student-centered learning environment that inspires community development, scientific and environmental literacy, and a sense of place.
• Assist in the design of customized environmental and science education programs based on the needs of each school group and the Mount Rainier Institute programmatic framework.
• Attend training and regularly scheduled staff meetings and positively contribute to the staff community.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of program participants.
• Conduct evening and weekend programs as needed.
• Assist in the maintenance of all program supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Assist with field research tasks such as measuring of forest inventory plots, flagging and tagging seedlings, and maple sugaring set up.
• Assist with other duties as required.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

• BA/BS in Education, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Resource Interpretation, Natural Resources, Outdoor or Environmental Education, Biology, multi-disciplinary studies or a related field, or comparable experience.
• One or two years of relevant teaching experience, preferably outdoor.
• Working knowledge of inquiry-based scientific field study techniques
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Physically able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and hike several miles at elevation
• Great independent worker and team player
• Current First Aid and CPR certification

 

DESIRED:

• Extensive experience in classroom teaching, outdoor environmental education, residential environmental learning centers, national parks, or nature centers
• Wilderness First Responder certification
• Knowledge of the natural history of the Pacific Northwest
• Ability to teach in another language

 

COMPENSATION:

21.17 per hour

 

Please apply UW Hires.

For questions contact jhayes90@uw.edu

 

Appointment to this position is contingent upon obtaining satisfactory results from a criminal background check.

 

Education Coordinator

 

Position Overview:

The Education Coordinator assists the MRI Director in management of the education staff and programs. This includes program development and implementation, education staff recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation. The Education Coordinator assumes responsibility for the MRI in the absence of the Mount Rainier Institute Director. This position will work closely with the MRI Director and Mount Rainier National Park partners to develop Mount Rainier Institute as a premier provider of multi-day overnight outdoor environmental education programs.

 

Relationships:

Internal: Works closely with MRI Director, the Mount Rainier National Park Education Specialists, and program advisory groups to establish priorities for program development and to enhance program quality. Works closely with Pack Forest Conference Center to coordinate food and facility use for MRI programs.

External: Works with schools to plan programs and create customized curriculum. Establishes a strong connection within the broader environmental education community. Works with a variety of other education organizations to enhance existing programming and develop new programs.

 

Responsibilities:

• 50% Coordinate the day-to-day logistics for all MRI programs. This includes staff scheduling, staff coordination, producing program schedules, hosting groups, communicating with schools, ensuring food service facilities are prepared, problem solving, and all tasks associated with ensuring a safe, high-quality program.

• 15% Assist in hiring, training, and mentoring a team of 6 to 8 Environmental Education Instructors.

• 15% Teach education programs including, school overnight programs, day programs and professional development workshops.

• 10% Assist with the development, planning, enhancement, promotion, and evaluation of Mount Rainier Institute standards-based education programs. This includes meeting with participating schools and groups to identify needs and program opportunities.

• 5% Develop and maintain a strong rapport with the education community, including National Park partners, schools, other environmental education organizations, and regional partners.

• 5% Cooperate with the MRI Director as needed for grant requests and marketing efforts, social media posts including newsletter submissions, and program reports, and assist with other Center for Sustainable Forestry operations as assigned.

 

Requirements

• BA/BS in Education, Environmental Education, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Interpretation, Outdoor or Environmental Education, Biology, or a related field, or comparable experience.

• Minimum one year experience in education, in the classroom and/or environmental education field; proven success in curriculum and program development.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Demonstrated success leading, managing, and mentoring other educators.

• Experience with inquiry-based hands-on science methods.

• Experience with an overnight environmental education (outdoor school) facility.

• Excellent teacher/naturalist skills (knowledge of Pacific Northwest region desired)

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented with the ability to work independently and as a team player on multiple tasks.

• First aid / CPR Certification

• Computer experience essential. Proficiency of Word, Excel, Adobe products, social networking, Access and other programs necessary.

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and hike several miles over hilly terrain while carrying a 20-lb backpack.

 

Desired

• Three years of experience in education, in the classroom and/or environmental education field; proven success in curriculum and program development.

• Master’s degree in Education, Environmental Education, Nature Interpretation, Environmental Science or closely related field.

• Previous experience coordinating multiday overnight Environmental Education/Outdoor School programs.

• Understanding of the use of various biological research equipment/methods and how these techniques apply to student programs.

• 2 years of supervisory experience.

• Wilderness First Responder certification.

 

Conditions of Employment

• All MRI/UW employees must submit to a background check.

 

Please apply UW Hires. For questions contact jhayes90@uw.edu.

 

 

 

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