MWI Senior Youth Educator

Ready to dive into epic outdoor adventures and make a positive impact on the environment? Look no further than the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) - the oldest conservation, education, and recreation organization in the USA!  Our passion for the outdoors knows no bounds, and we want YOU to be a part of it. As an employee, you'll unlock access to exciting programs, policies, and procedures that empower you to make a real difference. Join the AMC team now and embark on the journey of a lifetime!  

Through MWI Educational programming, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) offers an engaging slate of staff-led outdoor experiences for the youth, adults, and families, which promote the appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, and responsible use of natural resources. We provide people of all ages and backgrounds with the skills to enjoy the outdoors and an increased understanding of their connection to the natural world.  To learn more about the AMC Maine Woods Initiative (MWI) visit Maine Woods Initiative | Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) 

The MWI Senior Youth Educator is a responsible, energetic individual who is excited to share their knowledge and love of the outdoors with young people.  Academic lessons on climate change, forest and watershed ecology, map and compass, geology, weather and climate, outdoor skills, community building, and leadership development are integrated and taught in a nature- and student-centered hiking-based program. 

During the summer months, MWI Senior Youth primarily develop and lead day and overnight camps. Educators are responsible for delivering outdoor skills instruction in hiking, backpacking, and canoeing, and environmental ethics as well as positive youth development activities on trips that are safety-focused and meaningful.   

What you will be doing at AMC

• Lead and facilitate single day and multiday programs for youth and families, including backpacking, hiking, paddling, XC skiing and snowshoeing trips. 

• Implement thematic, place-based environmental education, leadership, local culture & history, 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.   

• Lead and facilitate single and multi-day hiking, backpacking, canoeing, XC skiing and snowshoeing wilderness trips, which are student-centered and experiential.   

• Facilitate day programs within local communities and at schools and front-country and backcountry multi-day programs.   

• Ensure the physical, emotional, and social safety of 8-12 students and teen participants in summer programs.   

• Manage incidents in the backcountry; communicate effectively with the on-call team and facilitate evacuations when necessary.   

• Model responsible behavior in the outdoors and Leave No Trace ethics.   

• Perform logistics functions for the program such as inventorying, issuing, collecting, cleaning, and maintaining gear, preparing teaching supplies, organizing food, and evacuations.   

• Plan menus and handle food requisitions   

• Drive 12-passenger van carrying participants as well as towing a boat trailer 

• Maintain professionalism through lesson planning, personal appearance, and communication with other staff, chaperones, and/or participants.   

• Assist with seasonal educator training development and delivery. 

What AMC is looking for

• Friendly, outgoing, flexible personality with commitment and enthusiasm for teaching youth   

• Experience leading