Summer Camp 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 5-8 enthusiastic educators to serve as Mentors in our Summer Camps. Mentors co-lead 3-day (M-W), 4-day (M-Th) and 5-day (M-F) day camps in parks in Whatcom County, focusing on naturalist knowledge and wilderness skills such as firecraft, carving, and camouflage. This contract position is for Wild Whatcom’s 2023 summer season, June 19th-Aug 18th. 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 fewer hours as that may also be available.

Potential applicants must be available beginning June 19th, 2023 for orientation and training.

Compensation ranges from $16.00-$17.50/hour.

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 increased hours.

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:

• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19, booster strongly recommended when eligible.
• 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 wilderness environments.
• Strong work ethic and professional work habits (punctual, responsive, organized, detailed).
• Experience working with children, specifically with behavior and risk management outdoors.
• Flexibility and vision to engage with, and support, a growing organization.
• 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

To Apply: 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two references to jobs@wildwhatcom.org with “Your Name, Mentor Application, Summer 2023” in the subject line. All materials should be sent as attachments in PDF (.pdf) format. Direct any questions to the Wild Whatcom Hiring Team at  jobs@wildwhatcom.org.  

*Priority application deadline is March 31st. Position to remain open until filled.*

Before actual hire, prospective employees must pass a thorough background check. If any concerns arise, we will review them with the candidate and evaluate potential implications within a broader context and relevance to the position.

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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status in employment or the provision of services.