DEC Overview:
Denali Education Center (DEC) is a non-advocacy, for-purpose organization and partner of Denali National Park and Preserve. Our mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of Denali through fun, informative, and inspiring programs. Our 10-acre campus is home to 12 guest cabins, a combined classroom and dining hall, a yurt, and a community event building. We operate week-long adult learning vacations in cooperation with numerous educational groups and organizations, primarily Road Scholar. In addition, we offer a suite of youth programs, lectures, and community programs.
Position Overview:
Field educators are responsible for developing and teaching 3-hour classroom-based interpretive programs (primarily for our adult learning vacation participants), leading on-trail interpretive hikes in Denali’s front country, and providing 1-hour educational programs for tour groups. Through these programs, DEC Field Educators aim to inform and inspire land stewardship.
Main Position Responsibilities:
Assignment of work for field educators is dependent on the demand for programs. Field educators will most often be scheduled to work four to five days each week. Regular duties include:
- Develop and present in-depth natural history classes (1-3 hours in length) for guests that stay on DEC’s campus, visiting tour groups, or guests at area hotels. Topics may include but are not limited to subarctic ecology, adaptations, and Denali’s mountaineering history.
- Guide interpretive hikes on front-country trails for groups of up to 25 people.
- Travel with groups on a chartered bus into the Park and provide Denali and subarctic ecology interpretation along the way.
- Assist with set up, tear down, and clean up for programs (some may include food service).
- Other shifts and duties may be assigned including assisting Youth or Hospitality staff with program preparation, tear-down, or cleaning depending on the summer schedule and needs. This helps ensure that all staff is familiar with campus resources, and DEC’s suite of youth and adult programs.
- Assist with DEC’s sustainability efforts by actively recycling and composting, and sorting recyclables into the proper bins for collection. Use environmentally friendly products when possible. Help educate guests about DEC’s efforts to recycle and compost, encouraging them to participate.
Qualifications:
- Comfort speaking both formally and informally to large audiences with diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to develop multi-faceted educational programs that highlight various learning styles.
- Experience managing large group dynamics including risk management and group travel.
- Strong interpersonal skills for use with participant audiences, park visitors, co-workers, and members of the Denali community.
- Solid understanding of scientific processes and the ability to familiarize yourself with information specific to Denali, Alaska, and the subarctic.
- Ability to have fun, be flexible, and maintain a positive attitude during a fast-paced summer season.
- Possession of current CPR and First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain.
- Desire to live and work in a remote community in Denali, AK.
Preferred Knowledge and Skills:
- Experience in outdoor recreation. Experience leading hiking groups in remote areas preferred.
- Understanding or background in Alaskan-specific scientific processes including biology, wildlife ecology, botany, geology, natural history, transportation systems, relevant legislation (ANILCA/ANCSA), history, prehistory, and infrastructure.
- Familiar with wildlife etiquette including but not limited to hiking in bear country and LNT practices.
- Familiar with Denali National Park, its trails, and its infrastructure.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands:
- Hikes typically range from 3-5miles in length with 800-feet of elevation change but can be up to 9-miles in length with up to 2,000 feet of elevation change.
- Hikes are on established trails that may contain loose rock, roots, slippery conditions, uneven footing, switchbacks, and short sections of exposed terrain or any combination of these conditions.
- Be prepared to hike in all weather conditions including but not limited to wind, rain, snow, sleet, freezing temperatures, high elevations, and mountainous terrain, sometimes all in one day!
- Able to lift 50lbs and hike comfortably throughout the day with a pack that could weigh up to 25lbs.
Compensation:
- Pay is made bi-weekly and is commensurate with experience. The starting wage for field educators is $17.00/hour. Work schedules will vary each week based on need. On average field educators will work between 30-35 hours/week over 4-5 days.
- End-of-season tips will be pooled and offered upon completion of summer work agreement.
- Housing may be available for a nominal fee ($200/month). Employee kitchen, laundry, and shower facilities are shared and jointly maintained with other employees.
Disclaimer:
This position description reflects Denali Education Center’s best effort to describe the essential functions and qualifications of this job. It is neither an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications nor a contract. This position requires interaction with the public. Although maintaining COVID safety is Denali Education Center’s priority, there is a possibility of exposure through the assigned duties of a Field Educator.
Denali Education Center is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel is chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation in accordance with federal and state law and in conjunction with the culture of our organization. DEC values diversity and encourages people from all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.
To Apply: Candidates should email their cover letter, resume, and three professional references to [email protected]. Inquiries and questions can be addressed to Keith Reimink, Program Director. Please include the position title or titles for which you are applying in the subject line of your email.