POSITION SUMMARY
This position supports the work of Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning (HMCOL), a registered charity and non-profit society working to strengthen people’s connection with nature. Through shared outdoor experiences, HMCOL seeks to improve people’s health and the health of ecosystems. Building an understanding and love of the outdoors is the best way to inspire people to become better stewards. That’s why HMCOL provides outdoor programs and events for all ages and abilities, spanning all seasons. Programs are professionally led, with educational experts who explore topics ranging from ecology and human history to backcountry skills.
HMCOL is seeking to hire a part-time (20 hrs per week) Outdoor Educator with knowledge, energy and passion for sharing this kind of information with all ages – toddlers to grandparents – to help HMCOL maintain its high standard of programming.
With guidance from the Program Director, the Outdoor Educator’s main responsibility is the planning, delivery and reporting on all HMCOL’s environmental education school programs (K-6) throughout School District 78 (Fraser-Cascade), which are mainly carried out in the spring and fall months. During the rest of the year, the Outdoor Educator assists the Program Director as needed with various educational outdoor recreation and conservation programs to the general public in Hope and the surrounding areas.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
● Coordinate and schedule with school teachers and administrators the delivery dates and
details of school programs.
● Plan, deliver and report on K-Grade 6 school programs (see https://hopemountain.org/education/) in the classroom and out in the field (parks, beaches, forests, etc.)
● Keep the program content up to date so that is it always meets BC Curriculum outcomes
● Clean, organize and keep program props, equipment, and the storage unit in which they are kept (located in Hope) in good working order.
● Maintain program statistics. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of and participation in programs, and provide monthly and annual reports to the ED and Board of Directors, as well as information as-needed upon request for funding applications and report.
● Assist the Program Director with educational outdoor recreation and conservation programs, events and activities to meet the needs of the community and to fulfill HMCOL objectives. Assist in the marketing and distribution of program information including drafting content for the website and emails, and some social media posting/engaging.
● Assist other team members as-needed for various marketed, conservation andIndigenous programs, as well as community and fundraising events.
● Attend monthly and annual staff and board meetings in Hope.
Qualifications and skills required:
• Hiring is subject to providing HMCOL a clear Criminal Records Check including a Vulnerable Sector Check within 2 weeks of employment start date.
• Strong public speaking skills
• Experience working with (ideally teaching) kids of all ages.
• Extensive knowledge and interest in local wildlife, plants, environment conservation issues, various British Columbia ecosystems found in the Hope region.
• Staff member must hold a current Remote/Wilderness First Aid level or above
certificate, or willingness to get certified within 3 months of employment start date.
• Comfortable working outdoors in every season and weather condition
• Valid driver’s license and regular access to a vehicle that can carry large educational props. Vehicle must have winter tires, and candidate must have experience/comfort driving on mountain and forest roads in all seasons and conditions by employment start date.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Able to work both independently and as a team player.
• Flexible schedule.
Assets:
• Knowledge of local trails.
• Knowledge about and respect for Indigenous culture and history.
• Experience with mountain sports/activities.
• Passion for mountain culture.
Minimum educational requirements:
• Biology, ecology, education, conservation and/or resource management studies
diploma, degree or related and equivalent work experience. Other relevant areas of study/experience may be considered.
Minimum related work or experience:
• 1+ years experience teaching/delivering outdoor education, conservation and/or recreation programs.
TERMS
The position is a remote job requiring you to work from home, as well as at various locations throughout the Hope area for program delivery including schools, local parks, and remote backcountry.
The Outdoor Educator is permanent, salaried position requiring a flexible schedule. The job involves some evening and weekend work as well as weekday work. Salary paid is equivalent to 20 hours per week at $25/hour, inclusive of vacation pay. HMCOL will provide CPP, EI and WCB coverage. Note that the Outdoor Educator must have flexibility in their schedule to work more than 20 hours per week during the spring and fall months (usually 25-35 hours) in order to deliver all school programs during those timeframes, and work less in the months before and/or after to balance it out.
Mileage from Hope centre to work location is reimbursed according to CRA guidelines (currently $0.68/km). Partial phone allowance will be provided.
Position begins as soon as the right candidate is found so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please submit your resume along with a cover letter and contact information for two employment references in a single PDF file no later than February 12, 2023 by email to Kristine Pérez de León at kperezdeleon@hopemountain.org.
