Seattle Day Camp Program Instructor

Who We Are

The Mountaineers is a community of outdoor recreationists and conservationists founded in 1906 to explore the peaks and waterways of the Pacific Northwest. Today, we have more than 15,000 members and seven branches in Western Washington, where we deliver most of our outdoor education programming. Thanks to the work of generations of volunteers and our internationally recognized publishing division, we continue to enjoy an outstanding reputation in the fields of outdoor education, recreation, and public lands conservation and advocacy.

Our dedicated volunteers and staff get people outside to experience the power of the natural world. We advocate for access and protection of recreational lands so that future generations can enjoy these places too. Our core value of community reflects the belief that a diverse and inclusive outdoors inspires unity, respect, and passion for the places we love. Our 45 staff, divided between our program centers and our nonprofit publishing division, Mountaineers Books, and 2,500+ volunteers work together to achieve our mission to enrich lives by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

Learn more at mountaineers.org.

Position Overview

Program Instructors play the most important role in supplying a positive, valuable, safe experience for Mountaineers summer campers. They are directly responsible for the daily supervision of a group of 8-12 campers ranging in age from 6-12. They design and teach varying outdoor curriculum, including first aid, navigation, and safe methods of recreating outdoors. They will work collaboratively with other camp staff and CITs to create an inclusive and engaging camp environment. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide a meaningful camp experience, keeping campers happy, healthy, safe, and having fun.
• Foster a positive sense of community within the group and seek ways to include all campers.
• Plan creative outdoor activities for group of campers using Mountaineers curriculum.
• Teach games and activities to group of campers.
• Participate as a leader during large group and all camp activities.
• Assist in the set up and break down of camp.
• Participate in weekly field trips off campus with campers (includes activities such as hiking and rafting)
• Participate in extended care with other staff either before camp (7:45-9:00am) or afterwards (4-5:30pm) at least once over the summer.
• Participate in Thursday overnight program when necessary.
• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Ensure The Mountaineers youth policies and procedures are followed and adhered to at all times.
• Be a mentor and role model for Counselors In Training.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• Cultural humility and desire to work with people of all races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to pass a national criminal background and sex offender check
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and relationship-building skills
• Flexibility and adaptability when things don’t go as planned
• Positive attitude and ability to carry oneself in a professional manner to create positive experiences

Desired Qualifications 

• Summer camp experience, or comparable experience working with 6-17 year olds in single day or overnight settings
• Climbing and belaying experience
• Experience working with youth
• Experience teaching outdoor recreation skills such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, first aid, navigation, outdoor cooking, naturalist skills, teambuilding, or photography.
• Current First Aid & CPR certification or willingness to obtain

Cultivating an inclusive staff is central to The Mountaineers focus on advancing equity. Our core values are Adventure, Advocacy, Community, Education, and Volunteerism, and we believe a diverse and inclusive environment inspires unity, respect, and passion for our work and one another. We’re interested in hearing from people who can work with colleagues of varied experience and background. The Mountaineers is an equal-opportunity employer, and candidates from all backgrounds are considered, and as an organization that values equity and inclusion, we highly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, and veterans to apply.

The Mountaineers believe a diverse and inclusive outdoors inspires unity, respect, and passion for the places we love. We are committed to building a culture where all people feel emotionally and physically safe. In support of this commitment, all prospective employees must agree to abide by The Mountaineers Code of Ethics and our Child Protection Policies. We do not tolerate discrimination, sexual misconduct, harassment, micro-aggressions, retaliation, assault, or any form of child abuse. 

Work Environment 

This role is based in Seattle, WA at The Mountaineers Program Center in Magnuson Park. This position is 100% in-person throughout the summer to support programs. 

Physical Demands

• Ability to work and manage a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend hours, as necessary
• Ability to life and move 20 pounds regularly and up to 50 occasionally
• Ability to be outside and active for extended periods of time, in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to bend, squat, run, or climb as part of duties leading youth; ability to hike on uneven and hilly terrain continuously for up to 8 miles.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is for a full-time, seasonal employee. Regular schedule will be 40+ hours a week. Hours vary across weekdays, including daytime and evenings. Compensation ranges from $20.00-22.00/hour depending on experience. Benefits include membership in The Mountaineers, a prioritized week of vacation time, and accrual of paid sick time. Position start date is June 10 and end date is August 23.