Summer Field Mentor

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

Wild Whatcom seeks enthusiastic educators to serve as Mentors in our Summer Camps. Mentors co-lead 4-day (M-Th) Pre-K 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 2024 summer season, June 17th-Aug 16th. 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 must be available beginning June 17th, 2024 for orientation and training.

Compensation ranges from $17.50-$18.75/hour.

Candidates experienced working with Pre-K youth populations are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Those hired for summer contracts 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 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 learning experience for all.
• 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 pre-camp 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 and 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 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 Gcalendar.
• Strong communication skills and a desire to engage in dialogue with both participants and families.
• Preferred: Current Wilderness First Aid (or higher) certification.