Gear Library Coordinator & Program Instructor

Position Overview

This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of our Gear Library, as well as providing excellent program instruction for our Mountaineers youth programs. Program instruction will support a combination of partner programs, in-house after-school and camps programs, and year-round clubs programs.

As a part of a seasoned and collaborative staff team, this position will play a direct role in the growth of the Gear Library, which aims to provide low-cost, high-quality gear to our members. As a program instructor supporting a variety of youth programs, this position will have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with a variety of staff roles.

You will love this job if:

• You are energized by meeting new people and enjoy teaching others new skills
• You like to see projects through to completion and enjoy working with your hands
• You enjoy logic puzzles and collaborative problem solving
• You are comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
• You believe that time outside empowers people to lead healthier, happier lives and are excited to be part of a fun-loving team that makes outdoor recreation more accessible and sustainable.

Key Responsibilities

Gear Library Coordination (50%)

• Receive, review, and approve incoming rental requests through our rental platform
• Staff all Gear Library open hours
• Process rental check-in and check-out, from packing gear for pick-up to cleaning and restocking gear after it is returned
• Provide basic instruction on gear use to members
• Conduct annual and ongoing gear inventory
• Service and repair gear, as needed
• Work with Associate Programs Manager to promote and market Gear Library memberships
• Work with Associate Programs Manager to build creative gear storage solutions and implement long-term Gear Library strategy

Program Instruction (50%)

• Manage physical and emotional group safety during programs
• Set-up and manage program areas, including indoor and outdoor climbing walls
• Teach curriculum in 1-2 hour blocks to youth and teens, ages 6-18. Curriculum may include:
  • Climbing
  • Map & Compass Navigation
  • First Aid
  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Leave No Trace
  • Snowshoeing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Other outdoor skills 
• Lead and/or co-lead day hikes, snowshoe outings, and day climbing trips to local crags (Exit 38)
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants who may be brand-new to the outdoor skills being taught
• Collaborate with other program instructors, volunteer instructors, and assistants to present programs
• Assist with set-up, clean-up and curriculum development, as needed
• Train volunteer assistants, as needed

Requirements

• Cultural humility and desire to work with people of all races, ages, genders, abilities, and economic background
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, database, email, virtual meeting, and calendaring applications
• Strong organizational skills and attention to details
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with members, participants, volunteers, staff, and the general public
• Ability to pass a national criminal background and sex offender check 

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in outdoor education
• Experience working with youth, including those historically excluded or underrepresented in the outdoors
• Proficiency belaying in a top-rope environment, or willingness to learn
• Ability to safely lead 5.6 sport climbs preferred
• Experience hiking, backpacking, and/or snowshoeing preferred
• Experience maintaining a fleet of gear preferred
• Current First Aid & CPR certification preferred

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 backgrounds. 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. The Gear Library is located in the basement of our Program Center, which is a multi-use space shared by staff, youth and adult programs, and other community stakeholders. Program Instructor work will occasionally take place at other locations in the greater Seattle area.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary
• Ability to lift and move 20 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Ability to travel to offsite programs; must have a valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation
• Ability to hike for 4 or more hours continuously
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and hike on uneven and hilly terrain continuously for up to ten miles; occasionally required to bend, squat, run, or climb as part of duties leading youth

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.

Benefits

This position is for a full-time, non-exempt employee. Compensation is $18-$20/hour, depending on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, and paid sick, vacation, and holiday time. 401(k) retirement plan available after three months.

Special Benefits

Additional benefits include:

• Free Mountaineers membership
• Opportunities to advance your outdoor skills with two free Mountaineers courses per year
• Two free tickets to most of our Mountaineers events
• Access to our three ski-in, ski-out mountain lodges, and our four on-site climbing and bouldering walls
• Bring your dog to work on Mondays and Fridays
• Free parking for your bike or car, and an office located right on a bus line, with alternative transportation reimbursement
• In-office shower for midday run, climbing session, or morning commute

Why work here

You'll love working here because you'll join a tenured team invested in your growth and success. You’ll be supported through the initial onboarding and with ongoing on-the-job learning, and will have the opportunity to identify and spend time working on projects that are of the most interest to you.

You'll also love working here because we hire smart, collaborative people who are passionate about the outdoors. Your colleagues will be people you love working with to creatively solve problems, and who you’ll want to adventure with on the weekends. In fact - you may already be adventuring with our staff! You'll often find team members volunteering to lead trips and learning new skills by taking courses across our branches (a free perk of working here).

Cultivating an inclusive staff is central to our focus on equity and belonging, and helps our colleagues see how their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We can only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we currently serve, and wish to serve. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of work. We're looking for a diversity of experience and skills combined with passion for the outdoors, whether you consider yourself a novice or an expert. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you.