Employment Opportunities

Seasonal Field Instructor - Location: Spruce Knob, WV

The Mountain Institute is currently hiring Seasonal Field Instructors for Mountain Learning Programs.  Mountain Learning programs are classical outdoor environmental education programs that combine group process and academic topics in a challenging backcountry environment to achieve client goals.  The common thread is experiential learning that is 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 the small group setting.  Field instructors make this experience work by observing their group, drawing out the 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, talk deeply about various 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 are realizing that Mountain Learning Programs are not just out-of-the-ordinary, fun, growth experiences, 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 other jobs on site, including feeding animals, cooking, minor carpentry and repairs, general logistics, emergency response and so on.  Typically this sort of activity fits in to slow weeks or takes 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 will try to take additional time off to compensate, catch up 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, First Aid and CPR, a positive attitude, interest in learning and growing and a desire to live in a wild and rugged place, with an outstanding community of outdoor professionals and work hard to make positive change in our world.  Starting pay is $60 per day, and will be reassessed after the first week of work based on advanced certifications (WFR, LNT, Swiftwater Rescue, etc.) attitude, work ethic, and prior experience.  Seasonal Field Instructors also receive room (space to pitch a tent or a bed in a dormitory room with other Instructors at Instructor option) and board during their period of employment.

To Apply for 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

Resident Field Instructor - Location: Spruce Knob, WV
The Mountain Institute is currently hiring Resident Field Instructors for the 2008 Season.  Baseline responsibilities are the same as for Seasonal folks.  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 an 8 month full time salaried position with full benefits including paid vacation/holiday time, sick time, health insurance, retirement etc.  Resident Instructors will also have their own residence (hence the snappy title) in our small 1 room yurts, geodesic domes, octagons etc.  Pay starts at $7000 for the season.

To Apply for 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

Watershed Education Coordinator - Location: Elkins, WV and Spruce Knob, WV

Design and delivery of outdoor and environmental education programs, primarily for local public schools, but also for other participant groups visiting The Mountain Institute.   

Principal focus will be to manage the implementation of multiple grant funded watershed education programs targeting public schools in West Virginia counties.  Watershed Education programs are primarily outside in all kinds of weather.  Duties include teacher and school recruitment, implementation of training for teachers and students, staff coordination, web site operation, data analysis, and liaison with education and watershed organizations, fundraising as well as other water quality initiatives and projects in the region.  Administrative duties will include budget oversight, correspondence, networking with educational agencies and personnel, and partnership building.

To the extent that work load allows, the Coordinator may also work with ongoing outdoor and experiential programs at TMI as a course director or field instructor, leading groups in a range of multi-disciplinary activities that integrate physical,  natural, and social sciences with group process dynamics such as team building, collaborative decision-making, and leadership.

The Coordinator will be part of a team of professionals that designs, improves, and innovates educational programs through The Mountain Institute, not only at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center but also in the communities.

Other responsibilities include promotion of environmental education programs, conceptualization of new projects, and participation in proposal development, TMI representation at professional conferences, and outreach to local school systems.

Benchmarks, short-term goals, training, and work plan will be developed in coordination with the Program Director.
 
Position will be based in Elkins, WV but programs will travel frequently to The Spruce Knob Mountain Center.  Training will also occur at The Spruce Knob Mountain Center.

Qualifications and Resources

• BA/BS degree or equivalent in related field, masters preferred   
• Strong writing, presentation, public relations and interpersonal skills
• Working knowledge and understanding of watershed issues
• Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and manage time effectively
• Proficient use of MS Word, Excel, and Power Point.  GIS a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Compensation:  Range $24,000- $28,000 DOE plus benefits for 75%-100% time

to apply for the Watershed Education Coordinator position:

• Send cover letter and resume
• A separate sheet containing names, titles, addresses and phone numbers of 3 professional references
• Mail or email all of the above to:

The Mountain Institute
Attention:  Nathan Hayes
HC 75 Box 24
Circleville, WV 26804
nhayes@mountain.org

Internship Opportunities

Spruce Knob Intern - Location: Spruce Knob, WV

Internships are available at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center, and are typically centered around giving candidates a good overall understanding of what it takes to work in the outdoor education field and run an outdoor ed center.  You’ll learn 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.  This is a fantastic experience for anyone feeling over educated and under-experienced.  If you have a particular skill (photography, for example) you are fine tuning and need someone to be your guinea pig, we might also be your kind of animal. 

Duration: 10 weeks.
Pay: $100 per week.

To Apply for Intern position:

Send a resume, a cover letter, and references via email to: Dave Martin (dmartin@mountain.org)

or write to:
The Mountain Institute
HC 75 Box 24
Circleville, WV 26804
or call: (304) 567-2632 for more information.

HQ Office Intern - Headquarters, Washington, DC

We are offering internships for the Spring, Summer, and Fall of 2008. The work will entail helping with research projects, both long and short term. In addition there may be need for assistance arranging events as well as with smaller clerical jobs such as writing thank you letters, some filing, and office management chores. We are looking for volunteers. However, one position could potentially be a paid internship, depending on the experience and time commitment of the applicant.  Ideal  candidates are dependable, motivated, and upbeat. This is a great opportunity to see the inner working of an international, non-profit headquarters office.

Application instructions:

Please send a resume, a cover letter, references and availability via email to: Jesus Villeda jv@mountain.org

Volunteer Opportunities

Headquarters Office Volunteer - Location: Headquarters, Washington, DC

We have a small, dedicated staff of three at our headquarters office with enough work for six.

Help needed in these any of these areas:
Bilateral and Multilateral Organization Research
Mountain Resources Research
Foundation Research
Clarification of literature (a writer)
Office File Organization
Office Organization in general
Data Entry
Database Organization
Website assistance (Design, development, organization)

Times and Dates:
Any time from 8am to 8pm
Monday through Friday (weekends can be negotiated)

If interested, please fill out an application by clicking here and downloading the MS Word document. When finished, please e-mail this completed document to: summit@mountain.org.

Website Volunteer - Location: Headquarters, Washington, DC

We need help with our new Website Project. We are trying to do it in house, however there are a few things that always come up that cause some road blocks. Someone who is willing to assist in answering questions and assist with the web design and development process would be a great help for our organization.

If interested please contact Jesus Villeda, jvilleda@mountain.org.