Part-Time Youth Program Instructor

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 16,000 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. We believe that all people should feel belonging in the outdoors. 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

This position is responsible for providing excellent program instruction for The Mountaineers youth programs. Program Instructors may instruct for After-School Programs, Partner Programs, Break Camps, or Youth Clubs Programs. Most of our youth programs are single-day programs designed to expose youth to and build outdoor skills. Occasionally, programs may run for multiple days or include overnight instruction. Programs most commonly run during the workweek, early evenings, and weekends.

Key Responsibilities

Belayer for Indoor and Outdoor Rock Wall during Youth Programs

• Inspect equipment prior to use
• Ensure all equipment is set up before group arrival
• Explain rules to group
• Belay group members
• Ensure safe, encouraging, and welcoming climbing environment at all times for climbers of all skill levels, primarily beginners

Lead Instructor for After-School, Youth Clubs, and Partner Programs

• Teach curriculum in 1-2 hour blocks to youth and teens, ages 6-18. Curriculum may include: Map & Compass Navigation, First Aid, Climbing, Outdoor Cooking, Leave No Trace, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Other outdoor skills
• Lead and/or co-lead day hikes, snowshoe outings, and day climbing trips to local crags(Exit 38)
• Manage physical and emotional group safety during programs
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants who may be brand-new to the outdoor skills being taught
• Collaborate with other program instructors, volunteer instructors, and assistants to present programs
• Assist with set-up, clean-up and curriculum development, as needed
• Train volunteer assistants as needed

Requirements

• The Program Instructor is expected to actively contribute to the creation of a positive learning environment by conducting themselves in a professional, friendly, and supportive manner.
• 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 (applicants will be disqualified from consideration for any felony conviction involving a minor, a sexual offense, or violence).

Desired Qualifications

While we do not anticipate that candidates will have the full slate of qualifications listed below, these are the qualifications that will make someone successful in the position. Candidates should see this role as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, and have a desire to learn and grow in areas below where they currently lack experience.

• Minimum high school graduate, college degree preferred
• Minimum 3 years experience working with youth in the outdoors
• Proven record of success working with youth and parents
• Knowledge of, desire to work with, and experience working with a variety of populations, including youth of varied abilities, diverse ethnicities and diverse socio-economic backgrounds
• Demonstrates exceptional communication skills
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Demonstrates excellent organizational skills
• Experience with curriculum development
• Experience working with volunteers
• Strong public speaking skills
• Knowledge of basic climbing skills and a variety of outdoor pursuits
• Knowledge of the organizational structure of The Mountaineers, especially the Climbing Committee. Basic Alpine Climbing Course graduates preferred.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification, additional Lifeguard Certification and Leave No Trace Certification preferred
• Ability to pass a national criminal background and sex offender check. Clean driving record.

Physical Demands

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.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of

this Job, the employee will be required to stand for extended periods of time while leading youth,

and must be able to hike on uneven and hilly terrain continuously for up to ten miles. The employee

will also be expected to sit and perform extensive keyboard work for curriculum development and

parent communication. The employee is occasionally required to bend, squat, run or climb as part of

duties leading youth.