Science Educator- Multi-Day Programs and Presentations

Position type: Seasonal/Full time, hours may vary   
Location: Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska  
Pay: Daily rate while on course is $250- $300 per day, hourly rate $20-24 DOE 

Alaska Geographic is currently seeking experienced educators that enjoy having the wilderness as their classroom and can create meaningful connections for visitors to Denali’s amazing ecosystems. 

Who We Are 

Alaska Geographic is a non-profit partner with the National Park Service offering education programs and visitor services through the Murie Science and Learning Center in Denali National Park and Preserve. Denali is a six-million-acre wilderness recognized primarily for its large mammals. Denali also hosts an incredible diversity of fauna and flora, some of the largest remaining glaciers, and striking geology. The spectacular mountain scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities draw thousands of visitors each summer. Alaska Geographic supports the mission of the MSLC through a wide variety of education programs for all audiences. Our focus is to disseminate science through compelling and hands-on education offerings.      

Essential Functions 

Multi-Day Field Courses are a long standing and popular education opportunity in Denali, facilitated by an Alaska Geographic Guide. Many participants come back year after year! These three or four day programs are based at the Teklanika Field Camp which has rustic tent cabins, a camp kitchen, and pit toilets. A park scientist or local expert serves as the course content instructor while the Multi-Day Guide is responsible for safety, logistics, and visitor experience. The instructor and guide collaborate to plan engaging and educational hikes throughout the day and community camp experience in the evenings. AK Geo also hosts two to four programs for families and young adults which are guided and instructed by the Multi-Day Guides. When not working multi-day programs, science educators put on informative and engaging presentations for tour groups and independent visitors of all ages. Youth and family programs are a significant portion of these programs.  

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Coordinate with instructors to plan materials, instruction, and itineraries for each program and support the instructor throughout the course with the schedule and logistics
• Provide engaging, hands-on science education specific to Denali for diverse audiences
• Drive 12 passenger sprinter van on the park road (narrow, mostly gravel)
• Clearly communicate safety protocols to participants, maintain safe practices following the scope of the AK Geo risk management policies, and respond to incidents and emergencies if they arise
• Foster teamwork, cohesive community, and group morale
• Shop for, organize, and pack out food supplies and other gear
• Cook breakfasts and dinners at field camp kitchen for 12 participants including food prep, and clean up, as well as washing dishes
• Collect and record statistics about hiking routes, participants, road use, and gear
• Take and upload photos during the course and complete guide notes after each program
• Assist with food preparation, cleaning, equipment maintenance, facility projects, and program support/development as assigned
• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging and hands on activities for visitors of all ages, geared towards youth
• Deliver engaging and informative presentations focused on park research to tour groups
• Coordinate food service for presentations, assist with dining room set up and clean up, facilitate a smooth and pleasant visitor experience, and support kitchen staff

Qualifications 

• At least one year of experience as tour guide, naturalist, or environmental education experience with adults, families, and youth
• Significant experience with backcountry hiking, off trail travel, wilderness safety, and leave no trace principles
• Excellent public presentation skills and knowledge of professional teaching techniques
• Experience working with children in an educational setting
• Ability to communicate science topics in engaging and interactive formats for all ages
• Basic first aid and CPR are required, Wilderness First Responder is highly preferred
• Ability to work well with a diverse schedule and a high degree of responsibility
• Positive and upbeat attitude in customer service work environment
• In-depth knowledge of ecology and natural systems, ability to apply this knowledge to interpret the subarctic ecosystem
• Experience with computers and common office software programs
• Must have a valid driver’s license with 5 years driving experience and a clean driving record subject to a background check
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. (we do not sponsor employment visas)

Position Details 

Our season is from early May through early September. We will prioritize applicants who can commit to the entire season but will consider shorter durations. 

• Schedules will vary throughout the summer based on program bookings. Multi-day programs are typically worked from 2pm on day one through 5pm on day three, there are some four-day programs.
• Daily rate while on course is $250- $300 per day, hourly rate for office work is $20-24 DOE
• Low cost, on-campus, shared housing may be available. Details will be given in the interview
• Pro Deals on outdoor brands, $150 towards uniform gear, and 15% discount on Ak Geo products
• Season completion bonus
• Live, work, learn, and play in a spectacular wilderness setting!