Job Description

Who We Are:

We are a community of outdoor recreationists and conservationists founded in 1906 to explore the peaks and waterways of the Pacific Northwest. Today, we have 14,000 members and 7 branches throughout Washington state, and thanks to the work of generations of volunteers we continue to enjoy an outstanding reputation in the field of outdoor education and recreation. Our dedicated staff and volunteers get people outside to experience the power of the outdoors and we advocate for access and protection of recreational lands so that future generations can enjoy these places too. Our program centers have 40 staff, and Books, our nonprofit publishing division, has 25 staff all helping to achieve our mission of enriching lives by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Please visit mountaineers.org to learn more.

Who you are:

The Program Instructor is responsible for providing excellent program leadership for The Mountaineers' youth clubs. Program Instructors will work with the youth clubs members on their outdoor trips (Pathfinders, Nomads, Explorers, Junior MAC, and MAC). The youth clubs are year-round programs for youth designed to introduce the participants to a variety of outdoor activities and skills including hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, skiing, and others. Most of the youth club trips take place on the weekends outdoors. Some programs take place indoors on weeknights. The Program Instructor will be the primary leader of the trips & programs they are assigned and will be supported by other adult chaperones and/or volunteers.

Key Responsibilities: 

Trip Preparation 

Prepare and load up required gear for programs. As part of leading outdoor trips or indoor programs, the Program Instructor will be expected to report before the scheduled start time of the event to pull any gear that may be needed from the  facility in Seattle.

Specifics of each type of trip or program will vary and the Program Instructor will be briefed on exactly how to carry out a given trip or program by the Youth Field Coordinator and/or Associate Program Manager.

Trip Leadership

Attend and lead weekend outdoor trips and/or mid-week indoor programs. Logistics planning and communication with members will be coordinated by the Associate Program Manager and/or Youth Field Coordinator. The Program Instructor is not obligated to create the itineraries or other elements of the plan for any trips or programs, but the option to take more ownership over trip planning will be available.

Trip Wrap-Up

Ensure that all company gear used on the trip or program is well inventoried and returned in good condition. This may require the Program Coordinator to return the gear themselves or arrange a time for the participants to return the gear. Maintain a gear tracking sheet for each trip to ensure no gear is lost.

Report to Youth Field Coordinator and/or Associate Program Manager on the attendance and learning outcomes of the trip/program. This will require the Program Instructor to take notes throughout the trip/program and during the debrief.

Quality Service 

The Program Instructor is expected to actively contribute to the creation of a positive learning environment by conducting themselves in a professional, friendly, and supportive manner.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Extensive personal experience hiking, backpacking and/or snowshoeing
• High school diploma
• Current First Aid/CPR certification
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Experience working with youth and/or customer service experience in the non-profit or volunteer sectors
• Outdoor education experience
• Proficiency belaying in a top-rope environment
• Climbing experience not required but preferred, on the job training for basic climbing skills available

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to stand for extended periods of time while leading youth, and must be able to hike on uneven and hilly terrain continuously for up to 10 miles. The employee is frequently required to bend, squat, run, or climb as part of duties leading youth.

Compensation and Benefits: 

This position is for a part-time, as-needed employee, averaging 16-32 hours per month (more in the summer; subject to change with demand). Hours vary between weekdays, weekends, daytime and evenings. Wages: $15.50-$17/hour

How to Apply: 

Cultivating a staff that welcomes all people into the outdoors is central to The focus on advancing equity and inclusion. We seek applicants who can work with colleagues of varied experiences and backgrounds. We are an equal-opportunity employer, and candidates from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, please submit the following materials.

• Cover letter (1 page max), Attention Carl Marrs, explaining:
• What experience, skills, and personal characteristics qualify you for this position
• Why the mission and work appeals to you
• Resume detailing work/education history and relevant skills/certifications
• 3 professional references; First Aid/CPR certification cards
• Click the apply online link below to submit the documents

Cultivating an inclusive staff is central to our focus on advancing equity. Our core values are Adventure, Advocacy, Community, Education, and Volunteerism, and we believe a diverse and inclusive environment inspires unity, respect, and passion for our work and one another. We’re interested in hearing from people who can work with colleagues of varied experiences and backgrounds. We are an equal-opportunity employer, and candidates from all backgrounds are considered, and as an organization that values equity and inclusion, we highly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, and veterans to apply.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

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