Adventure Camp Field Instructor

Who we are:

The Mountaineers is a community of outdoor recreationists and conservationists founded in 1906 to explore the peaks and waterways of the Pacific Northwest. Today, we have more than 15,000 members and seven branches in Western Washington, where we deliver most of our outdoor education programming. Thanks to the work of generations of volunteers and our internationally recognized publishing division, we continue to enjoy an outstanding reputation in the fields of outdoor education, recreation, and public lands conservation and advocacy.

Our dedicated volunteers and staff get people outside to experience the power of the natural world. We advocate for access and protection of recreational lands so that future generations can enjoy these places too. Our core value of community reflects the belief that a diverse and inclusive outdoors inspires unity, respect, and passion for the places we love. Our 45 staff, divided between our program centers and our nonprofit publishing division, Mountaineers Books, and 2,500+ volunteers work together to achieve our mission to  enrich lives by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

Learn more at mountaineers.org .

Position Overview

The Adventure Camp Field Instructor provides positive, valuable, and safe experiences for Mountaineers campers on overnight trips. They are directly responsible for the daily supervision of the group and teaching a variety of outdoor skills and curriculum. They will prepare for each camp, including meal planning and gear organization, and cleaning up after each camp. The Adventure Camp Field Instructor should excel at spreading stoke and inspiring confidence in outdoor settings through personal connection and group facilitation. They will work collaboratively with other camp staff to create an inclusive and welcoming camp environment. Mountaineers Adventure Camps include camping and learning outdoor skills at Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park, camping and rock climbing in Leavenworth, and backpacking in various locations in Washington’s Cascade range. Most trips are 4 days in length, with the exception of a few shorter introductory trips. Adventure Camp trips are open to campers ages 10-14 and Teen Adventure Camp trips are open to campers ages 14-17.

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide a meaningful camp experience, keeping campers happy, healthy, safe, and having fun.
• Foster a positive sense of community within the group and seek ways to include all campers.
• Enthusiastically teach outdoor activities and curriculum.
• Assist in the preparation and planning of each camp.
• Along with other Field Instructors, provide outdoor instruction, such as climbing, backpacking, hiking, camping, leave no trace principles, trail etiquette, navigation, and outdoor cooking.
• Assist in setting outdoor climbing routes and safely managing climbing sites.
• Assist in emergency situations.
• Ensure The Mountaineers youth policies and procedures are followed and adhered to at all times.

Requirements

• Cultural competency and demonstrated ability to work with people of all races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds.
• Minimum age 21.
• Have a high school diploma.
• WFR/WFA certification, or ability to become certified before start date
• Ability to pass a national criminal background and sex offender check
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van and maintain a clean driving record

Desired Qualifications

• Summer camp experience, or comparable experience working with 10-17 year olds on overnight programs.
• Climbing and belaying experience.
• Ability to safely lead sport climbs at a 5.6/5.7 level, build climbing anchors, and rappel
• Strong organizational skills
• Positive attitude and ability to carry oneself in a professional manner to create positive experiences
• Flexibility and adaptability when things don’t go as planned.
• Experience teaching outdoor recreation skills such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, first aid, navigation, outdoor cooking, naturalist skills, teambuilding, or photography.
• Personal outdoor experience (i.e. backpacking, rock climbing, and hiking).

Cultivating an inclusive staff is central to The Mountaineers 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 experience and background. The Mountaineers is 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.

Work Environment 

This role is based in Seattle, WA at The Mountaineers Program Center in Magnuson Park, where program prep and clean up occurs. All Adventure Camp Programs start and end at the Seattle Program Center and take place in the field across Western Washington. This position is 100% in-person throughout the summer to support programs.

Physical Demands

Occasionally you will be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While you are performing the duties of this job, you may be required to stand for extended periods of time , and must be able to hike on uneven and hilly terrain continuously for up to five miles. As a requirement of instructing youth programs you will be required to bend, squat, run, or climb.

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.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is for a full-time, seasonal, exempt employee. Hours vary throughout the week, including daytime and evenings when in the field. Programs do not run on the weekend. Pay rate is $172/day. Position start date is June 12 and end date is August 29.

To Apply:

To apply, please submit a cover letter (1 page max) and resume (2 page max) through the link below. The cover letter should address 1) what experience, skills, and personal characteristics qualify you for this position and 2) why the mission and work of The Mountaineers appeals to you.  

We are unable to sponsor H1-B Visas at this time.