Employment Opportunities
Seasonal Field Instructor 2010 - Location: Spruce Knob, WV
Description:
The Mountain Institute is currently accepting inquiries for Seasonal Field Instructors for Mountain Learning Programs. Mountain Learning Programs are classic outdoor environmental education programs that combine group process and academic topics in a challenging backcountry environment to achieve client goals. The overall theme is experiential learning prompted by what we see in the field. Students examine geology by investigating rock characteristics and their relationship to regional processes and structures. Water quality is assessed firsthand and the implications are examined and considered for the entire watershed. Communications, peer relations and leadership topics unfold naturally in a small group setting. Field instructors lead this experience by observing their group, drawing out essential lessons, and enjoying the company of their charges.
For most private schools our program is an opportunity for students to see their peers and faculty in a dramatically different setting, to lead and follow, to talk deeply about various environmental topics, and to have a genuine, meaningful experience. Programs are sometimes referred to as traditions or rights of passage, are typically five days in length, and are field-based. For most public schools the focus is more on academic topics and covering the ever-important Content Standards and Objectives mandated by the state. Each year more West Virginia schools realize that Mountain Learning Programs are not just out-of-the-ordinary, fun, and opportunities to grow, but actually help raise scores in standardized testing. These programs are typically 2-3 days in length and are residential.
Instructors will also participate in nearly all other aspects of managing the facility. Given our remote location and strong tradition of self reliance, field staff take care of many jobs on site, including feeding animals, cooking, minor carpentry and repairs, general logistics and emergency response. Typically, these activities fit into slow weeks or take place during scheduled work time.
Seasonal Field Instructors typically work five days a week, and although there will be some longer blocks of work required, we try to take additional time off to compensate and recharge our batteries. The season runs from either early April to early June or from late August to late October each year. Hiring is on a rolling basis and continues throughout the year. This position is eminently flexible and can be perfect for both entry-level candidates and experienced outdoor professionals. Basic requirements are a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent life experience, WFR and CPR, a positive attitude, an interest in learning and growing, and a desire to live in a wild and rugged place with an outstanding community of outdoor professionals and to work hard to make positive change in our world. Starting pay is $60 per day. Seasonal Field Instructors also receive room (space to pitch a tent or a bed in a dormitory room with other Instructors) and board during their period of employment.
To Apply for the Seasonal Field Instructor position:
Please send a cover letter, resume and 3 references to:
David Colby Martin, Program Officer
Spruce Knob Mountain Center
HC 75 Box 24
Circleville, WV 26804
dmartin@mountain.org
or call: (304) 567-2632 for more information.
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Resident Field Instructor, Location: Spruce Knob, WV
Description:
Resident Field Instructor Positions are filled for 2010. We are accepting inquires for seasonal instructor positions, or from parties interested in Resident Positions for 2011. Baseline responsibilities are the same as for Seasonal Instructors. In the summer a larger percentage of our work goes to maintenance, cooking, and trail maintenance, with roughly 20% going to teaching and instructing. The variation in schedule gives us all a welcome break and helps keep things fresh for everyone.
The Resident Position is for eight months, full time, and offers benefits including: Medicare and Social Security Match (7.65% of gross salary), Worker’s Compensation Coverage, and paid vacation and holidays on a pro-rata basis. Resident Instructors will also have their own residence (hence the snappy title) in our small one- room yurts, geodesic domes, octagons, etc. Pay starts at $60 per day, and will amount to approximately $10,500 for the 8 month term.
To Apply for the Resident Field Instructor position:
Please send your resume and 3 references to:
David Colby Martin, Program Officer
Spruce Knob Mountain Center
HC 75 Box 24
Circleville, WV 26804
dmartin@mountain.org
or call: (304) 567-2632 for more information.
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Internship Opportunities
Spruce Knob Garden Intern 2010 - Location: Spruce Knob, WV
Description:
The Spruce Knob Mountain Center has an opening for a Garden Manager Intern Fall 2010, approximately August 15-October 31st. Dates are somewhat flexible, particularly for applicants seeking academic credit. This is an unpaid internship opportunity, ideal for a recently graduated student or someone seeking experience in the agricultural realm. Applicants should be highly motivated, able to work independently, and prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions. The intern will be continuing projects from summer interns, primarily finishing harvesting from an 80' by 20' existing garden space, growing salad greens and other cold hardy crops, and preparing beds for spring planting. Soil amendment will be a large project for this fall, as will the possibility of completing a large fencing project for future gardens. Space for a tent, food, and access to hot showers and a community kitchen/ gathering space are available. Camping gear is available to borrow. Specific duties are as follows:
A. Manage existing garden plot
- Prepare garden plot for spring: haul local manure, till or hand turn into earth.
- Repair/ replace fencing as needed.
- Build and maintain cold frames, create an estimate for feasibility of fall and spring growth.
- Create succession plantings to maintain adequate supply of greens.
- Collaborate with kitchen manager to ensure proper supply.
- Harvest crops when ready.
- Weigh produce from the garden and quantify harvests for kitchen budgeting.
B. Facility Beautification with deer resistant plants, perennials or reseeding annuals
- Maintain established plots, prepare for winter and subsequent spring plantings.
C. Investigate and recommend local food producers, cultivate relationships.
D. Implement agriculture plan developed by previous interns
1. Study and create storage options for crops: ie, freezing, root cellaring, drying, etc.
2. Seek donations of cold hardy fruit trees (apples, pears, blueberries, native plums).
3. Seek donations of perennial edibles (IE Asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, etc.)
4. Seek grant funding for future projects. ***Possibility for the appropriate candidate
Inquiries will be accepted until position is filled. This position will be open in Spring 2011 as well.
Interested parties should send a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references to: Beth Boehme (bboehme@mountain.org), HC 75 Box 24 Circleville, WV 26804 (304) 567-2632
Spruce Knob Intern 2010 - Location: Spruce Knob, WV
Description:
Internships are available at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center, designed to give candidates a good understanding of what it takes to work in the outdoor education field and run an outdoor education center. Applicants looking to fulfill Recreation or Experiential Education Degree Requirements are highly encouraged. Recent college graduates start in the intern role learning to work with kids and adults, drive vans, back trailers, sweep, mop, feed animals, maintain trails, perform general landscaping and simple carpentry, pack food, cook for moderate sized groups and more. Pending successful development of hard and soft skills, applicants graduate into a field instructor role. Interns typically start in May after graduation to transition into an instructor role in September. We are also open to interns in fall and spring.
The internship phase is divided into theme weeks. These vary according to our schedule and needs, but include:
- Staff training: usually two weeks
- Wilderness First Responder training (when applicable)
- Facility: Logistics, administration, facility maintenance, cooking
- Shadowing and assisting instructors on our experiential learning courses
- Trail work
- Potential for a specific internship project (photo, module development, etc)
Interns typically work five days a week. Although there will be some longer blocks of work required, we will try to take additional time off to compensate, catch up and recharge our batteries. Interns receive a 100/ week stipend, with room and board included. This is a fantastic experience for anyone feeling over educated and under-experienced, or needing to fulfill internship requirements for their degree.
Duration: 10 weeks.
Pay: $100 per week.
To Apply for this Spruce Knob Intern position:
Send a resume, a cover letter, and 3 references via email to:
David Colby Martin, Program Officer
Spruce Knob Mountain Center
HC 75 Box 24
Circleville, WV 26804
dmartin@mountain.org
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HQ Office Intern - Location: Headquarters, Washington, DC
Description:
Internships are available for the Fall of 2010. One or two internships are available each semester, with a commitment of 15 to 24 hours per week. This internship offers a monthly stipend. We are looking for motivated, dependable undergraduate students, preferably pursuing a degree in environmental studies, international development, or nonprofit management. The intern will work with our small headquarters staff in Washington, DC. The HQ office provides fundraising and administrative support to TMI's seven field offices.
Internship duties will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and interests, as well as the immediate needs of TMI. Duties may include:
Bilateral and Multilateral Organization Research
Mountain Resources Research
Foundation Research
Office File Organization
Office Organization in general
Data Entry
Database Organization
To Apply for the Headquarters Intern position:
Please send a cover letter and a resume to Rosie Stone at jobs@mountain.org.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Headquarters Fall 2009 Office Volunteer - Location: Headquarters, Washington, DC
Description:
We are in need of volunteers in our small headquarters office. We are looking for people with experience in office organization and/or management. Volunteers perform a wide range of office duties, including filing, data entry, and office organization.
To Apply for this volunteer position:
Please Contact Rosie Stone at jobs@mountain.org.
Please include any special skills (i.e. website development), availability, and a phone number at which you can be reached.
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