Educator

Position:                         Educator

Compensation:         $19.50-$21.50/hour. Educators that work the length of the season will receive a $500 End of Season Completion Bonus. Health insurance benefits are available for employees working 6 months and longer.

Mileage reimbursement may be available for offsite work-related travel.

Term of Employment:         Hourly; temporary; seasonal; non-exempt: 30-40 hours/week. April  - October. From April - mid-June: M-F schedule. Summers and fall: weekends. Overtime will occasionally be required.

Closing Date:        Applications will be evaluated starting Feb. 1 and will remain open until filled.

3 - 4 educator positions will be available.

Start Date:         April 7, 2025 - Oct. 24, 2025

ARE YOU:

• Passionate about youth education, geology, ecology, and the outdoors?
• Excited to work as part of a small team facilitating memorable learning experiences?
• Interested in spending a season living and working near the beautiful Mount St. Helens volcano with access to hikes with breathtaking views such as the Boundary Trail and Coldwater Lake?

SUMMARY:  The Mount St. Helens Institute Educators facilitate meaningful experiences for our guests, including leading hikes and other educational activities, helping students build confidence and a sense of belonging in the outdoors, and sharing their enthusiasm for Mount St. Helens with our guests.

During the school season from April - June and September - November we serve elementary to high school-aged youth for day and overnight field trips.

• The size of school groups ranges from small groups of 15 people to upwards of 60 people.
• MSHI works to maintain the desired ratio of 1:15 for staff/volunteers to students.

Summer events hosted by Mount St. Helens Institute (including Family Adventure Camp, Sky & Star Party, and Base Camp) are capped at 75 participants.

• Our rental programs and summer events serve people of all ages.

Other programs include GeoGirls (a youth weeklong summer camp), youth groups, and other camps.

We host multiple community events including but not limited to seasonal foraging event series with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, summer Family Adventure Camps, summer Sky & Star Party, GeoGirls youth summer camp, backcountry running events, and more!

Educators will work with a small group of individuals under the direction of the Youth Education & Rental Programs Manager and with the support of the Youth Education & Rental Programs Coordinator. Because we operate in a remote location, we seek applicants who are motivated and self-directed.

Read about our education programs and our facility, the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Implementation: Education Programs, Family Camps & Events (~70% of the time)

• Meet the MSHI mission to help students & other program participants “SEE” Mount St. Helens through “Science, Education & Exploration” during in-person programs.
• Collaborate with the education team to plan, prepare for, and implement programs and activities to best meet the groups’ goals and needs.
• Complete training about the geology & ecology of Mount St. Helens to build foundational knowledge for leading educational activities & programs.
• Maintain a safe, friendly, and inclusive learning environment for all.
• Lead & co-lead place-based geology & ecology activities and interpretive hikes as part of the Mount St. Helens Institute curriculum. Read more on our Volcano Outdoor School website.
• Serve as a role model for students, campers, and peers: use positive behavior guidance strategies and display maturity, responsibility, flexibility, enthusiasm, and sound judgment.
• Professionally communicate with teachers, group coordinators, and parents during programs.
• Promptly and professionally respond to risks, complaints, and injuries according to risk management protocols.
• Actively and positively contribute to program debrief meetings.

General Program Support (~25% of the time)

• Work flexibly and cooperatively with all MSHI and partner staff and volunteers.
• Maintain inventory and organize program supplies; repair program supplies & gear as needed.
• Support kitchen staff & food service operations during overnight programs which include food service. This includes but is not limited to assisting with meal preparation, food service, meal cleanup & group management during meals.
• Participate in general facility cleaning (vacuuming, wiping tables, organizing program supplies) after each program.
• File waivers, evaluations, and other program documentation in a timely manner.
• Work overnight on-call shifts throughout the season (nightly flat rate compensation provided; respond to participants phone calls during on-call hours).
• Support the ongoing development of the MSHI education curriculum.
• Occasional participation in marketing and development projects: photography, blog posts, etc
• Drive vehicles to area locations for activities and guided hikes, including occasionally driving personal vehicles.

• The majority of program locations are within a 5-mile radius of the Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center and nearby staff housing.
• Occasional travel to the nearby Washington State Park at Seaquest may be required.
• Mileage reimbursement may be available if MSHI vehicles are not available.

Implementation: Rentals & Events (~5% of time)

• Provide site tours, expectations, and facility use instructions to day & overnight rental groups
• Support events with tasks such as event setup, cleanup, and leading activities
• Deliver excellent customer service to guests during their stay
• Work with a wide variety of ages from infants and toddlers to retirees in our mixed-age rentals and events.

As a small non-profit, we all wear many, many hats. Expect to take on many different roles throughout the year! Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated 1+ year experience teaching and leading outdoor, science-based education programs for youth, such as at a camp or education center;
• Demonstrate personal and professional commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural competency;
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace practices and environmental awareness;
• Working knowledge of place-based natural history focused on geology & ecology;
• Excellent communication skills including public speaking, group facilitation, and writing;
• Demonstrated computer competency including use of Google Suite, Google Calendar & Gmail, to take photos and videos and upload with timeliness, etc.;
• Enthusiasm for the mission of the Mount St. Helens Institute;
• Be able to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Be willing to be coached and open to feedback;
• First aid and CPR (or higher) certification or willingness to obtain before beginning position;
• Have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record for the past three years

We know many candidates do not apply to jobs unless they meet all qualifications. If you meet most characteristics and believe you would bring the skills and approach we are looking for, we encourage you to apply.

ABILITIES:

• Ability to frequently travel 3 miles on trails while carrying program gear (first aid kits, extra water, etc.,)  ~ 10 pounds of weight.
• Some days will require more than 10 hours per day while standing and walking.  
• Work will frequently be conducted outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and terrain including rain, snow, and sun. Some outdoor gear for staff including rain jackets, rain pants, backpacks, and other gear is available to borrow on request.
• Ability to occasionally move heavy objects (up to 30 lbs), such as bins containing program gear or bulk food in our kitchen.
• Ability to live in a remote location that is 30 miles from a gas station and 45 miles from the nearest city with grocery stores, medical services, etc. This requires appropriate planning.
• While a personal vehicle is not required for this job, we recommend having a reliable vehicle that can maintain driving back and forth to the mountain many times throughout the season for personal trips, personal groceries and other personal needs.  

WORKING HOURS: This is a temporary seasonal position.

• Weekly working hours will vary based on the programming schedule. Work weeks will typically be between 30 and 40 hours, depending on program registration. The season includes one week-long unpaid break at the beginning of July and one at the beginning of September.
• The work schedule will vary based on the program schedule; the schedule is final at least 2 weeks in advance. 
• The majority of the schedule for the year will be provided at the start of the season.
• Overtime may be required as approved by the supervisor. Overtime compensation is at the rate of one-and-one-half (1½) times their regular hourly base-pay for all hours over 40 actually worked in a single workweek (Monday-Sunday).  
• Work days are highly variable in schedule. Some work days will be longer than 10 hours. Some work days may include a split shift starting in the morning and breaking in the afternoon and returning to work in the evening. Evening work shifts run until 8:30 PM.
• Work schedule is typically Monday - Friday from April - June, Wednesday - Sunday July - Sept. and Monday - Friday mid-September - the end of October. Weekend work in the summer season is required. Occasional weekend work days (including some weekend training days) in seasons other than summer may be required.
• Overnight on-call shifts are required and reimbursed at a flat rate. Overnight on-call means being available to answer the phone in case a group calls with questions. Staff rotate who is in the overnight on-call role.

TRAINING: This position will include 2 weeks of paid training in advance of the start of the season and training throughout the season. Training will include:

• Presentations by guest experts in geology & ecology and about instructional strategies
• Practice leading educational activities with staff team before leading with youth groups
• Shadowing activities & program flow
• Access to online resources for learning including recorded lecture series about Mount St. Helens
• MSHI will host several all-staff training days throughout the season as training for summer events, fall specialty programs and more.

LOCATION & HOUSING: This position is based full-time at the Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center on the northwest side of Mount St. Helens.

• The Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center is located 40 miles east of the small quaint town of Castle Rock, WA; approximately 2 hours from Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR.
• Wifi is available at the Science & Learning Center and at staff housing. Cell phone reception is not available at either of these locations.
• Low-rent housing is available within a short walking distance from the Science and Learning Center with shared rooms and bathrooms; housing is shared between MSHI and US Forest Service employees. Please view this document for photos and descriptions of our housing and facility.
• Travel around Mount St. Helens and neighboring communities may be required for programs on occasion; mileage reimbursement will be available. 

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A final offer of employment is contingent upon the completion of a background check that may include social security verification (social security number, date of birth, former addresses); prior employment verification; personal and professional references; education verification; motor vehicle records; and criminal history.

ABOUT US:

• We are committed to advancing understanding and stewardship of the Earth through science, education, and exploration of volcanic landscapes.
• We are united in our common passion for Mount St. Helens and connecting folks of all backgrounds with science, the outdoors and each other.
• We value diverse perspectives, good challenges, adventure, fun, partnership, and community.
• We believe in the power of transformative partnerships to steward public lands.
• We are committed to working in a safe and inclusive environment free of discrimination.

All candidates applying for this position will be reviewed without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran or marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Review the Mount St. Helens Institute’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement.

TO APPLY

Please send the following items to apply@mshinstitute.org with the following information by February 1st for priority review. The position will remain open until filled.

• Email subject line: 2025 Educator
• Cover Letter: titled with the following format “2025 Last Name First Name_Cover Letter_Educator”
• Resume: titled with the following format “2025 Last Name First Name_Resume_Educator” 

If you would like to apply for other MSHI positions, please send separate emails with application materials and include the job title in the subject line. Review all available positions on our career site.