Education Coordinator
Location: Pendleton County, WV. Geographic home base is flexible, but must be within two hours driving distance of the Spruce Knob Mountain Center in Circleville, WV. The position will require travel to locations around West Virginia and adjoining states.
Dates: Full-time starting in spring 2013
Application Deadline: April 5, 2013
Position Description:
The Mountain Institute’s Appalachia Program is seeking a qualified Education Coordinator for its Mountain Learning Programs. Under the supervision of the Associate Director for Mountain Education, this person will implement and manage a range of environmental, outdoor, and professional development education programs.
The Mountain Institute’s Appalachia Program focuses on developing understanding and appreciation for the complex interaction between community, culture and natural ecosystems. Our Mountain Learning Programs help people become knowledgeable, confident individuals with a clear vision of their responsibilities and potential for improving the human condition and the natural world. The Education Coordinator will be part of the management team that implements programs at The Mountain Institute’s Spruce Knob Mountain Center, elsewhere in Appalachia, and in local communities. Program elements include hands-on science, service-learning projects, team building, and character development through inquiry and personal growth. Our customized curricula aligned with public school standards, includes: stream, forest, beaver, and cave ecology; soil science; plant kingdom investigation; insect studies; ecosystem restoration; geological investigation; orienteering; and service-learning. Programs combine group process and academic topics in weeklong field based programs and shorter residential courses. Off-site activities include canoeing, backpacking and the occasional rafting or climbing trip.
Responsibilities:
Primary responsibilities for this position include the design, promotion, delivery and evaluation of outdoor and environmental education programs at The Mountain Institute’s 400-acre nature preserve on the shoulder of Spruce Knob, the highest mountain in West Virginia. Programs target West Virginia public schools and other education groups. The position requires close coordination with a team of colleagues, enthusiasm for The Mountain Institute’s mission, a strong work ethic, and an entrepreneurial approach to program development and problem solving. Specific duties include:
• Recruitment and coordination with public and private schools including pre-course program design, scheduling and post-program evaluation
• Development and implementation of professional development workshops for teachers
• Coordination with TMI course directors
• Ongoing internal training for TMI field staff
• Support revision, development, and expansion of environmental education curricula
• Support development of evaluation methods, data collection and analysis to document accomplishments and guide program modifications
• Support donor cultivation, proposal preparation and reporting
• Administrative duties such as budget development and oversight, correspondence, website support, and reporting
• Outreach, networking and representation to elected officials, educational agencies and personnel, school systems, educators, local communities, and partners
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have an educational background and work experience that has successfully blended education and environmental sciences. Specific requirements include:
• Bachelor’s degree in related field with a graduate degree strongly preferred
• Classroom or outdoor education teaching experience (at least five years preferred)
• Proposal writing experience preferred but not required
• Strong course background or demonstrated proficiency in the natural sciences
• Strong writing, presentation, public relations, and interpersonal skills
• Experience with grants management and budgeting
• Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and manage time effectively
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Working knowledge of GIS or online mapping programs preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR Certifications (may be obtained after hiring)
In addition to the above, candidates must clear a background check required for working with minors. Candidates must also be comfortable working in a substance free environment (including tobacco).
Salary and Benefits:
$30,000/year plus benefits: health insurance (including partial dental and vision care), retirement plan (403B), disability and life insurance, and paid vacation and holidays. Long or short-term on-site housing may be available at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three references to Kevin Stitzinger at kstitzinger@mountain.org
The Mountain Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Seasonal Instructor
Location: Spruce Knob Mountain Center – Circleville, WV
Dates: June 2013 - August 2013 with potential for extension through late October or mid-November
Application Deadline: Currently accepting applications
Position Description:
Spruce Knob Mountain Center Instructors are the cornerstones of The Mountain Institute’s Mountain Learning Programs. Instructors are responsible for preparing, teaching, and guiding groups of students and adults through high quality educational and recreational programs. It is their responsibility to guide groups of students with skill, knowledge, and passion through meaningful experiences drawing out essential lessons along the way. Instructors typically work five days a week, although there will be some longer blocks of work required.
The Mountain Institute’s Mountain Learning Education Programs are classic outdoor environmental education programs that combine group process and academic topics in an outdoor environment to achieve client goals. The mission of our Mountain Learning education programs is to help people become powerful, secure, knowledgeable individuals with a clear vision of their responsibilities and potential for improving the human condition and the natural world. The overall theme is experiential learning prompted by what we see in the field.
Our programs can be broken into six general categories:
Responsibilities:
• Prepare and deliver hands-on, experiential and inquiry-based lessons in an outdoor setting in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain during both the day and evening
• Lead small groups on day adventures (hiking, canoeing, orienteering) through National Forest lands
• Occasionally co-lead 3-5 day field courses
• Facilitate team and community building activities within field groups
• Implement and model excellent risk management and maintain a safe environment for our participants
• Administer first aid as needed.
• Clean facility and gear as part of both pre-trip and post-trip responsibilities
• Occasionally prepare and cook meals for visiting groups
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 cooking, minor carpentry and repairs, general logistics and emergency response. Typically, these activities fit into slow weeks or take place during scheduled work time.
Qualifications:
• Effective communication, leadership and interpersonal skills
• Teaching experience (formal or non-formal)
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent life experience
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and some weekends
• Desire to teach and work with young people
• Positive attitude
• Interest in learning and growing
• 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
Salary:
Starting pay is $60 per day. Seasonal 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:
Please send a cover letter, resume and names and contact information for three references by email or mail to:
Dave Martin
Spruce Knob Mountain Center
18 Woodlands Way
Circleville, WV 26804
NO PHONE CALLS OR HAND DELIVERED RESUMES PLEASE
The Mountain Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer
