Summer Field Mentor

Wild Whatcom is a Bellingham, WA-based non-profit organization dedicated to fostering lifelong connections to nature through outdoor education programs offered to all ages, identities, and groups in Whatcom County. We provide inclusive experiential learning opportunities that inspire participants to explore, connect, and serve, while building healthy relationships with nature, community, and self.

Wild Whatcom is actively committed to social equity and justice and encourages candidates of all racial and gender identities, cultural and economic backgrounds, and of any sexual orientation to apply.

Wild Whatcom seeks enthusiastic educators to serve as Mentors in our Summer Camps. Mentors co-lead 4-day (M-Th) Pre-K (ages 3-5) day camps and 5-day (M-F) 1st-8th grade day camps in parks in Whatcom County , focusing on naturalist knowledge, outdoor activities, and wilderness skills such as firecraft, carving, and camouflage. This contract position is for Wild Whatcom’s 2025 summer season, June 13th-August 15th . Hours will vary each week, 25-40 hours, depending upon scheduled camps, with an average of 30 hours per week over the course of the 9 week summer; however please let us know in the hiring process if you desire more or fewer average hours as that may also be available.

• Potential applicants should expect to be available beginning June 13, 2025 for orientation and training. Wild Whatcom will work with candidates if exceptional circumstances don’t allow starting on that date.
• Compensation ranges from $18.75 – $19.75/hour.
• Candidates experienced supporting Pre-K (ages 3-5) or marginalized youth populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Those hired for summer who would like to continue working with us may also be considered for academic-year positions starting in late August, with potential for pay increase and a salaried position.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead a variety of outings with child-led, inquiry-based, experiential, and playful approaches.
• Awaken a sense of wonder in participants by teaching games, natural history, and outdoor skills while exploring local areas.
• Facilitate collaborative decision-making with participants to support leadership development.
• Practice effective behavior and risk management at all times, creating a safe and inclusive experience for all participants.
• Maintain clear, responsive, honest, and respectful communications with participants and staff.
• Serve as a mentor to participants, responding to their needs as individuals and as a group.
• Work closely with other members of the mentor team to plan, prepare, and lead outings.
• Assist with program logistics such as emails, parent communications, and gear and materials prep/maintenance.
• Support and contribute to documentation and record-keeping such as tracking attendance, recording any incidents in the field, etc.
• Share concerns, successes, and seek advice from Program Managers, Program Director, and Executive Director to ensure program quality.

Required Qualifications : 

• 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 outdoor environments.
• Strong work ethic and professional work habits (punctual, responsive, organized, detailed).
• Experience working with children, specifically with behavior and risk management outdoors.
• 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 Basic First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to receive certification, partially subsidized by Wild Whatcom).
• Experience with, or willingness to learn, Google Suite applications such as Drive, Gmail, and G-Calendar.
• Strong communication skills and a desire to engage in dialogue with both participants and families.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current Wilderness First Aid (or higher) certification.