Mentor – 2024-25 School Year

Wild Whatcom is an outdoor education non-profit organization based in Bellingham, Washington, serving people of all ages throughout Whatcom County, with a focus on school-aged youth. Programs are offered year round, including school day and after school programs, weekend outings, summer camps, community outings, and much more! Visit our website to learn more about all of our program offerings: www.wildwhatcom.org

Wild Whatcom is currently seeking 4-7 outdoor and environmental educators to fill salaried Mentor positions starting in the Fall of 2024. Mentors work across various programs to co-lead outings which include nature exploration, skills lessons covering a range of topics from plant identification to fire by friction, and stewardship projects in Whatcom County. Mentors are also responsible for communication with participant families, lesson preparation, and related clerical duties. 

Position Description

Salaried positions are based on a contract average of 30 hrs per week with seasonal variability. In addition to accrued paid time off, salaried positions received 9 paid holidays during the contract period. Positions typically include work on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and 3 weekdays. Occasionally weekday only positions available, please inquire during the application process. 

The start date for this position is August 26, 2024, beginning with 1 week paid training (hourly). After training, this position becomes a 40-week contract starting Monday, September 2, 2024 through Sunday, June 8, 2025. Staff working school year contracts will also be offered summer contracts for our summer camps and other summer programs. The salary range for the 40 week contract is $22,500-$23,100 (hourly equivalent $18.50-$19.25/hr); salary and hours will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. Wild Whatcom does not currently offer traditional health care benefits for this position. However, there are a variety of other benefits offered to staff, such as paid time off, sick leave, mental health stipends, paid professional development opportunities, subsidized wilderness medicine certifications, gear stipends, and Discover passes. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Co-lead a variety of outings with child-led, inquiry-based, experiential, and playful approaches
• Participate in all required training with enthusiasm and engagement
• Teach natural history and outdoor skills while exploring local areas to support participants in developing a sense of wonder about local natural environments
• Facilitate collaborative leadership and decision-making to augment developing life skills
• Practice effective risk management at all times, creating a safe learning experience for all
• Maintain clear, responsive, honest, and respectful communications with participants and staff
• Serve as a mentor to participants appropriate to their needs as individuals and as a group
• Work closely with other members of the field staff team to plan, prepare, and lead outings
• Assist with gear maintenance, storage, and coordination
• Assist with program logistics
• Support and contribute to documentation/record-keeping
• Share concerns and successes and seeks support from Program Coordinators or Managers, Program Director, and Executive Director to ensure program quality

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

This list includes some of the qualifications we think will set an individual up for success in this role. If you have a combination of them, similar experience, or believe you fulfill this role well, please reach out!

• Passion for facilitating meaningful connections to nature and community, ideally with a basic knowledge of ecology and/or outdoor skills
• Personal or professional experience recreating in wilderness environments
• Preschool staff will be required to have experience working with young children (ages 2-6)
• Evidence of professional work habits (punctual, responsive, organized, detailed)
• Experience working with children, specifically with behavior and risk management outdoors
• Flexibility and vision to engage with and support a growing organization
• Valid driver’s license and excellent driving record (background check is required)
• Ability to carry 20+ lbs in a variety of weather and terrain
• Current CPR certification (or willingness to obtain – subsidized by Wild Whatcom)
• Current Wilderness First Aid (or higher) certification (or willingness to obtain – subsidized)
• Experience with or willingness to learn Google Suite applications such as Google drive, Gmail, and Google calendar
• Strong communication skills and desire to engage in dialogue with participants and staff
• Experience communicating and collaborating with families, adults, and young people