Coos County Senior Educator

Appalachian Mountain Club; Gorham (NH); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dorm housing

Meals included

AMC membership

Job summary

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is seeking Coös County Senior Educators to lead outdoor education programs for K-12 youth across Coös County, NH. You will plan and deliver school-based science lessons, hiking-focused field trips, and multi-day backcountry trips with a co-leader.

You will supervise 8-10 students, ensure safety, and collaborate with schools, teachers, and community partners. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, WFR/CPR credentials, and the ability to hike 6–8 miles

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

Responsibilities

• Implement lesson plans and field trips for diverse student populations.

Skills

Outdoor education

Curriculum development

Teaching youth

Backcountry travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

WFR/CPR certification

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Pinkham Notch - Gorham, NH 03581

Position Type: Seasonal

Salary Range: $18.00 - $18.00 Hourly

Job Shift: Any

Job Category: New Hampshire

THIS IS A LONG-TERM SEASONAL POSITION (February 1st, 2027, to November 12th, 2027)

There is some limited start date flexibility. Please inquire during the interview process.

Applications submitted by October 13th will be given preference in the selection process. Application submitted after October 13th will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled.

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 programs are based in local schools and communities in Coös County, NH, with overnights taking place at AMC facilities across all 4 seasons.

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 overnight backcountry trips for Coös County teens aged 12 to 17. These multi-day trips take place on public lands either in the backcountry or while base camping. Educators are responsible for supervising and supporting the group on these immersive multiday programs. A training in basic backpacking skills will be provided, but prior backpacking / backcountry camping experience is preferred.

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 at AMC

• 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, libraries, community spaces, and AMC lodges


• Lead and facilitate multi-day hiking, backpacking, and canoeing wilderness programs, which are student-centered and experiential. These programs occur throughout all 4-seasons, including winter months.


• Ensure the physical, emotional, and social safety of 8-10 student and teen participants on field-based programs. Manage incidents in the backcountry; communicate effectively with on-call team and facilitate patient 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. At times planning menus, handling food requisitions, and cooking meals on multi-day trips.


• Drive 12-passenger vans carrying participants.

Qualifications

• Friendly, patient, flexible personality with commitment and enthusiasm for teaching and guiding youth in outdoor settings.


• 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.

What AMC Can Offer You

Salary range: $18.00/hr

We are committed to fair 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 $75/week – meals included, too!


• Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 30 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


• 30% discount on AMC Merchandise


• Free Annual AMC Membership


• 4 Free nights at AMC locations


• Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!

AMC’s commitment to working at the intersection of people and the outdoors extends to our hiring process. Every application is reviewed by real people and our team does not use AI to screen candidates or replace human judgment.

As we review your resume and setup interviews, our goal is to get to know you as an individual. While AI may be a helpful preparation tool, it is important to know that our priority is to understand your unique voice, experience, and perspective. If your application includes a writing prompt, please be prepared to discuss your reasoning and approach.

AMC encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you have a passion for the outdoors and believe your skills and experiences align with this role, we welcome your application.

The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility that serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.

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