Residential 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

The Residential Camp Program Instructor provides positive, valuable, and safe experiences for Mountaineers campers on residential trips. They are directly responsible for the daily supervision of the group and teaching a variety of outdoor skills and curriculum. They will prepare for each camp, including itinerary planning and gear organization, and cleaning up after each camp. The Residential Camp Program Instructor should excel at spreading stoke and inspiring confidence in outdoor settings through personal connection and group facilitation. They will work collaboratively with other camp staff to create an inclusive and welcoming camp environment. Mountaineers lodge camps run weekly from mid-June through mid-August at The Mountaineers Baker, Meany, and Stevens Lodges. 

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.
• Enthusiastically teach outdoor activities and curriculum.
• Assist in the preparation and execution of each week of camp.
• Along with other Program Instructors, provide outdoor instruction, hiking, camping, leave no trace principles, trail etiquette, navigation, and outdoor cooking.
• Assist in emergency situations.
• Ensure The Mountaineers youth policies and procedures are followed and adhered to at all times.

Requirements

• Minimum age 21.
• Cultural humility and desire to work with people of all races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds.
• Experience working with youth
• Ability to pass a national criminal background and sex offender check
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van 
• Ability to travel to offsite programs
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. 
• Must have (and maintain) an acceptable driving record to drive Mountaineers vehicles.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to details
• 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 
• WFR certification, or ability to become certified before start date

Desired Qualifications 

• Summer camp experience, or comparable experience working with 10-17 year olds on overnight programs.
• Experience teaching outdoor recreation skills such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, first aid, navigation, outdoor cooking, naturalist skills, teambuilding, or photography.
• Personal outdoor experience (i.e. backpacking, rock climbing, and hiking). 

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, where program prep and clean up occurs. All Lodge Camp Programs start and end at the Seattle Program Center for staff and occur fully onsite at one of our residential lodges. This position is 100% in-person throughout the summer to support programs.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work and manage a flexible schedule as necessary 
• Ability to life and move 20 pounds regularly and up to 50 occasionally
• Ability to sleep in bunkhouse style beds four nights a week 
• 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.

This position is for a full-time, seasonal, exempt employee. Hours vary throughout the week, including daytime, evenings, and overnight when in the field. Programs do not run on the weekend. Housing will be provided during camp weeks (June 23 to August 24); independent housing arrangements must be made during in-town training weeks and wrap-up days. Pay rate is $180/day. Position start date is June 10 and end date is August 28.