INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
North Cascades Institute
Environmental Education Internship
Summary of Position
North Cascades Institute, in collaboration with the Mt. Baker Ski Area, is seeking interns for Mt. Baker Snow School.
The program combines hands-on science education with snowshoe-powered outdoor
exploration for middle school students at Mt. Baker Ski Area. During a one-day field trip, students investigate and learn about winter ecology, snow science, watersheds, mountain safety and public lands.
Snow School interns will work under close supervision by the Snow School Coordinator.
Primary duties will include facilitating a positive outdoor experience for small groups of youth and teaching applied science in the winter mountain environment. Interns will receive training in program curriculum and logistics and will have continuous support from the supervisor who will observe, advise and assist as needed.
Responsibilities
Teaching (80%): Instruct and guide groups of students at Mt. Baker Snow School. Ensure safety and well-being of program participants. All teaching will be under the close supervision of the Snow School Coordinator.
Administration and operations (10%): Attend weekly Snow School meetings; set-up and take-down for the Snow School program; assist with the maintenance of program supplies, equipment and facilities. Assist with other duties as required.
Training and Evaluation (10%): Attend Snow School training, end-of-season debriefs, participate in instructor observations and feedback. Training will include group facilitation techniques, risk management, mountain safety, natural/cultural history lessons and program logistics. If gaining academic credit, complete a written, in-depth reflection and personal evaluation paper at the end of the internship.
Professional Development Opportunity:
● Receive professional development through mentorship of professional teaching staff
● Gain teaching experience working directly with middle school students
● Promote a healthy, active lifestyle through winter recreation by teaching students outdoors at the Mt. Baker Ski Area
● Receive approximately 100 hours towards academic credit
Qualifications Required:
● Enthusiasm for engaging youth in environmental education in an outdoor winter setting
● Attend Snow School training Saturday, January 11 at Mt. Baker Ski Area office and Sunday, January 12 at Mt. Baker Ski Area
● Ability to teach all sessions on either Thursday or Friday during the Snow School season
● Familiarity with the winter alpine environment and physically able to work in all weather conditions
● Ability to hike and snowshoe for 2 miles in uneven, snowy terrain while carrying a 10 lb pack
● Excellent organization and communication skills
● Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently
● Experience working successfully in teams
● Ability to use independent judgment to ensure the safety of program participants
● Ability to practice and enforce policy and safety practices as trained
● Reliable, independent worker and team player
● Reliable transportation to and from the carpooling site
● Must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the internship
● Must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate college or university
● Acceptable background screening and criminal history check
Preferred:
● Some coursework in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Education, Biology or related field
● CPR/First Aid Certification or advanced certification (Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder)
● Experience working with youth Internship Terms
This is an unpaid internship and is a part-time position. Interns receive one complimentary ticket voucher to Mt. Baker Ski Area for each day worked (exception of training). Interns should expect to teach at least 1 field day per week (Thursday and/or Fridays) for the entire Snow School season. Interns are required to attend Snow School training January 11-12th, 2020. Interns are responsible for providing their own food,
housing, health insurance and transportation (carpooling may be available). It is the responsibility of the intern to complete paperwork with their university necessary to receive credit for the experience.
Internship Duration
January 11-March 20, 2020
Application Deadline
November 22, 2019.
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis and will conclude on November 27, 2019.
To Apply
Please apply online on our website at: http://ncascades.atsondemand.com/
Complete the online application and upload a cover letter, resume and the names of three references with current contact information.
Equal Opportunity Employer Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry,
marital status, age, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.
About North Cascades Institute
The Institute’s mission is to inspire and empower environmental stewardship for all through transformative educational experiences in nature. Since 1986 we have helped connect people, nature and community through science, art, literature and the hands-on study of natural and cultural history. Our goal is to help people of all ages and backgrounds experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife
of the Pacific Northwest – so all will care for and protect this special place. The Institute is committed to innovation and excellence in environmental learning and leadership in the nonprofit community. We believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity.
