Coös County Senior Educator

Through Guided Youth Outdoors (GYO) programs, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) offers an engaging slate of staff-led outdoor experiences for the youth, adults, and families, promoting the appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, and responsible use of natural resources. We provide people of all ages and backgrounds with the skills to enjoy the outdoors and an increased understanding of their connection to the natural world. 

Through our partnership with the Tillotson Fund, AMC offers programming specific to the needs of the youths of Coös County; the largest and northernmost county in New Hampshire. Predominantly rural, Coös County stretches from the Canadian border down into the White Mountain National Forest. The demographics of this area vary greatly as you progress North up the Androscoggin and Connecticut River watersheds. While Coös is the largest New Hampshire county by land area, Coös has the smallest population of any county of the State. AMC’s Coös Program works to increase the educational and recreational opportunities available to youths across this region.

The Coös County Senior Educators are responsible, energetic individuals who are excited to share their knowledge and love of nature with Coös youths. They will primarily operate programs with public school students in Coös County, home-schooled students and other youth groups. Day and overnight programs are based in local schools and communities in Coös County, NH, as well as AMC facilities.

During the academic school year, the Coös County Senior Educator will predominantly plan and lead educational programs for the students of Coös County (grades k-12). These programs include school-based (60%) curriculum-centered science education programs and hiking focused field trip programs, based at AMC Huts and Lodges (40%). Field trip programs can range from 1-5 days and include overnights. Academic lessons on climate change, forest and watershed ecology, map and compass, sense of place, weather and climate, outdoor skills, community-building and team building are integrated and taught in a nature-centered hiking or schoolyard-based programs. The Coös Senior Educator is responsible for curriculum planning for these programs. 

During the summer months, outside of the school year, Coös County Senior Educators primarily work with a co-leader to facilitate 3 to 6 day backcountry trips for Coös County teenagers aged 12 to 17. These multi-day, single- and multi-element outdoor experiences take place on public lands either in the backcountry or while base camping. Educators are responsible for delivering outdoors skills instruction in hiking, backpacking, and canoeing

Schedules are typically Monday through Friday, but flexibility is necessary for weekend programs. Educators can expect 4 days off per 2-week period.

What you’ll be doing:

• Implement thematic, place-based environmental education, leadership, and community building lesson plans that meet the needs of diverse student populations, are culturally relevant, transferable for students and incorporate the learning objectives of the program. 
• Work independently or collaboratively on projects such as curriculum development, the creation of teaching tools, and logistical tasks such as communicating with teachers, schools, and community partners. 
• Create and foster an inclusive group culture and learning environment among participants and co-workers. 
• Assist with AMCR seasonal trainings in spring, summer, and fall.
• Lead and facilitate day programs within local communities at schools and AMC lodges
• Lead and facilitate multi-day hiking, backpacking, and canoeing wilderness programs, which are student-centered and experiential. 
• Ensure the physical, emotional, and social safety of 8-10student and teen participants on field-based programs.  
• Manage incidents in the backcountry; communicate effectively with on-call team and facilitate evacuations when necessary. 
• Model responsible behavior in the outdoors and Leave No Trace ethics. 
• Perform logistics functions for the program including issuing, collecting, cleaning, and maintaining gear, preparing teaching supplies, organizing food, and evacuations. 
• Plan menus, handle food requisitions, and cook meals when huts are self-service
• Drive 12-passenger vans carrying participants. 
• Maintain professionalism through lesson planning, personal appearance, and communication with other staff, chaperones, and/or participants. 
• Collaborate with other AMC Guided Outdoors Staff to guide day-long or multi-day adult and family workshops. 

Qualifications – What we’re looking for:

• Friendly, patient, flexible personality with a commitment and enthusiasm for teaching and guiding youth.
• Experience leading student/youth groups in the backcountry.
• Prior experience – and/or willingness to build skills in – curriculum development and teaching.
• Wilderness First-Aid & CPR certification (WFR preferred) or the ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment. 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience 
• Work requires backcountry travel. Requires ability to hike 6 – 8 miles per day on uneven terrain, carrying a backpack and other equipment up to 40 pounds, in all weather conditions. 
• Willingness to, at times, work long hours in mentally and physically demanding conditions 
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and ability to work with youth across a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. 
• Able to effectively collaborate and communicate with co-leaders that may have varying leadership and communication styles. 
• Able to create an emotionally safe and inclusive learning environment, create a positive group culture, and build healthy rapport with youth. 
• Satisfactory driving record and background check, as verified by state record check. 
• 21+ years old and ability to obtain DOT medical clearance to drive vehicles strongly preferred. 

THIS IS A LONG-TERM SEASONAL POSITION (January 6th, 2025, to November 14th, 2025)
Start dates can be flexible. Please inquire during the interview process.

Compensation- What AMC can offer you:

Pay rate: $18/hr

We are committed to equitable compensation practices, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits

• Room & Board: Dorm-style room for $45/week – meals included, too!
• Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 32 hours per week
• Retirement: Voluntary 403(b) Contribution
• Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of paid earned time depending on length of service

Other Team Member Perks:

• 30% discount on AMC Merchandise
• Free Annual AMC Membership
• 4 Free nights at AMC locations
• Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!