Huts Education Coordinator

Appalachian Mountain Club

SEASON DATES: April 15, 2024 – November 1, 2024

Ready to dive into epic outdoor adventures and make a positive impact on the environment? Look no further than the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) - the oldest conservation, education, and recreation organization in the USA!  Our passion for the outdoors knows no bounds, and we want YOU to be a part of it. As an employee, you'll unlock access to exciting programs, policies, and procedures that empower you to make a real difference. Join the AMC team now and embark on the journey of a lifetime!

The Huts Education Coordinator (HEC) is responsible for coordinating the education and interpretation efforts at each of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s eight backcountry huts in the White Mountain National Forest. The HEC works closely with each of the eight naturalists and hut crews to facilitate connections between visitors and the natural and cultural history of the White Mountains. This person ensures all huts have the needed educational and informational resources, develops and provides pre-season trainings for naturalists and hut crew, performs regular field visits to backcountry huts, creates educational materials and displays, produces a weekly education newsletter for the hut system, and maintains records of program attendance. They also coordinate with AMC’s research staff to train and support the hut naturalists in the collection of plant phenology data to support AMC climate research. Working as a part of the Huts Management team, this individual provides operational and logistical support for the hut system.  

Through this self-motivated, skilled employee, the AMC is able to strengthen the opportunities we provide for guests and visitors to deepen their understanding of, and appreciation for, the outdoors. The huts department depends on this individual to represent the organization and ensure an enjoyable and educational mountain experience for each overnight guest and day visitor.  

The HEC position requires excellent education and guest service skills, backcountry experience, and a demonstrated commitment to the goals of the organization. It also requires exemplary communication skills, organizational ability, and a practical (and ideally academic) background in environmental education, natural history, or interpretation. Strong knowledge of the White Mountains and the local natural and cultural history is useful. Wilderness First Aid certification and a B.A. or B.S. in the natural/environmental sciences, education, or interpretation field is desirable. Experience with writing, graphic design, spreadsheet-based data management, and working with young adults is helpful. The HEC must be willing and able to hike long distances and carry heavy loads over rugged terrain. 

What you’ll be doing at AMC 

• Work closely with the eight backcountry hut naturalists, hut leadership teams, and hut crews to ensure all hut-based educational programs are accurate and engaging. 
• Demonstrate and support “active” educational efforts in the huts, including: mealtime talks, daily programming (staff and volunteer-led), the AMC Junior Naturalist program, and routine communication between front-facing staff and our guests. 
• Develop and maintain “passive” educational materials at the huts, including training manuals, on-site libraries and games, Junior Naturalist materials, educational resources, posters, displays, and binders. 
• Assist with pre-season opening of huts: prepare educational materials and resources, support helicopter supply airlifts, perform opening hut cleaning, and ensure each hut receives and sets up necessary supplies. 
• Meet regularly with huts management team to support hut operations and monitor education and research efforts. 
• Coordinate with AMC’s research staff to ensure naturalists consistently and accurately collect plant phenology data, and to promote AMC community science opportunities. 
• Maintain program records, producing end-of-season summary data and charts that quantify and communicate the extent of AMC’s hut-based educational work. 
• Maintain inventories of the huts’ educational resources, games, and libraries to guide annual ordering and resupply efforts. 
• Coordinate with AMC in planning and leading training sessions that are critical to the success of educational programs in the huts. 
• Act as an interpretive resource for staff and visitors when at the huts or on the trail. 
• Coordinate efforts to integrate Leave No Trace principles, AMC community science, and AMC Risk Management Standards into hut education programs. 
• Stand in for hut naturalists and/or hut crew and caretakers during staffing emergencies to maintain appropriate levels of guest service. 

Qualifications

What AMC is looking for

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental education, or related-field, preferred. 
• 2+ seasons working as a naturalist/interpreter/environmental educator, preferred. 
• Strong communication skills, management skills, attention to detail, and a high level of organization. 
• Solo backcountry travel experience, preferred. 
• Wilderness First Aid certification, desirable. 
• Certified Interpretative Guide training, desirable.  

What AMC Can Offer You

Salary range: $15.00 / hour

We are committed to equitable compensation practices, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits

• Room & Board:  Dorm-style room for $45/week – meals included, too!
• Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 32 hours per week
• Retirement: VOLUNTARY 403(b) with 4% matching employer contributions
• Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of Paid Time Off depending on length of service
• Other Team Member Perks: 
  • 30% discount on AMC Merchandise 
  • Free Annual AMC Membership
  • 4 Free nights at AMC locations
  • Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!