Science Educator- Single-Day Programs

Position type: Seasonal, full time, hours may vary 
Location: Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska 
Pay: $20-24 per hour, 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  

This role’s primary responsibility is delivering high-quality, in-depth science education on day long excursions in Denali. Visitors on these programs are usually extremely knowledgeable of ecosystem dynamics and the educator must be able to meet them at their level and engage them in didactic learning about current park research, Denali’s diverse and changing ecosystems, and other natural history subjects.  

Single-day field courses are a new program for the 2024 season and is a 7-8-hour road-based program which includes interpretation along the park road and short hikes on durable surfaces to engage with nature. The Single-Day Guide will be responsible for driving and leading hikes and roadside programs of up to ten guests. These are booked by independent visitors of all ages including families with children. 

Murie Excursions are 7 or 9 hour narrated bus tours into Denali. Alaska Geographic guides provide relevant natural history and park research to tour groups, as well as leading 2 off bus hikes. The educator will coordinate with the bus driver throughout the excursion about timing and stops. These programs are booked by tour groups of either youth or adults. 

This position may also be asked to assist on other programs which include multi-day field courses, short hikes and hands on activities for families, and science education presentations. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Create cohesive and thematic program content including information on park research
• Drive 12 passenger sprinter van on 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 with program participants
• Top notch group management including flexibility to adapt programs to groups’ interests and ability
• Provide up to nine hours of engaging content on Denali’s unique ecosystems
• Connect and build rapport with visitors, park concessionaires, and tour directors
• 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
• Shopping for, preparing, and packing food for back country programs
• Cleaning and organizing equipment and teaching materials
• Cleaning and basic maintenance of company vehicles
• Statistics record keeping, team communication including email updates and program/ staff schedule information
• Programming support and/or development

Qualifications 

• At least one year of experience as tour guide, naturalist, or environmental education experience with adults, families, and youth
• Excellent public presentation skills
• Basic first aid and CPR are required
• Ability to work well with a diverse schedule and a high degree of responsibility
• Positive and upbeat attitude in a 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
• A valid driver’s license with 5 years driving experience and a clean driving record is highly preferred. Staff cannot drive company vehicles without meeting this requirement. All staff must pass a background check.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. (we do not sponsor employment visas)

Position Details 

Our season is April 29th through mid-September. This position requires a commitment to the full season due to the training schedule. 

• A typical work week will be five days on, two days off but schedules and hours vary depending on program bookings
• $20-24 per hour, 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!