DEC Overview:
Denali Education Center (DEC) is a non-profit organization that offers programs that foster appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of Denali National Park & Preserve wilderness and communities since 1989. DEC operates two unique educational campuses- a 10-acre campus just outside of Denali National Park and Preserve, as well as a 3-acre campus located in the downtown area of Talkeetna, AK- a gateway community to the Park. 2021 marked DEC’s first year of operating youth and educational programs on our new Talkeetna campus.
Talkeetna Winter Youth Programs:
Youth Virtual Programs: 1-hour educational programs hosted via zoom. Programs range in topic and are intended for a range of ages- from 3rd graders to adult participants. (Hosted during the school year) After School Programs: Weekly 3-hour after school program for 6th-8th graders. Hosted during the school year in partnership with local schools. Weekly topics vary but strive to inform and engage students in learning more about their homes.
Position Overview
The Talkeetna Youth Educator will work collaboratively with our Talkeetna Campus Manager to develop and teach DEC’s winter youth programs. Programs include virtual and in-person ‘field trips’ for 3rd-5th graders and after school science day camps each Friday for local 6th-8th graders. In addition, the Talkeetha Youth Educator will help refine educational content and develop new programs that resonate with DEC’s mission and goals for local youth engagement. This position is made possible through the Open Outdoor for Kids Grant through the National Park Foundation.
Main Position Responsibilities:
● Collaborate with DEC Program Director(PD), Youth Program Manager(YPM) and Talkeetna Campus Manager(TCM) to develop and refine a suite of in-person and virtual programs for 3rd-8th graders.
● Develop educational programs and curriculum to be presented both in-person and virtually, that ideally adhere to STEM and/or Next Generation Science Standards.
● Drive to schools in the Mat-Su Valley and Anchorage areas during the school year (up to 2.5 hours 1-way) to host in-person educational programs that highlight interior ecology and life in the north.
● Deliver 1-hour virtual ‘field trips’ for 3rd - 5th grade youth from across the United States that highlight Alaska’s ecology, Alaska’s National Parks, and life in the north.
● Assist TCM in coordinating with schools and answering teacher pre- and post-program questions.
● Help create virtual educational content for social media platforms including educational infographics, publications, and short videos.
● May be responsible for co-leading outdoor field trips for local students through these programs.
Other Responsibilities:
● Assist Talkeetna campus administrative staff to ensure campus spaces are clean and organized.
● Assist with Talkeetna Office Administrative duties including answering phones, scheduling, facility management, and light housekeeping duties.
● Assist with set-up and tear-down for educational programs and community events as needed.
● Assist with campus and program supply purchase, pick-up, or restocking as the need arises.
● Help ensure that campus sidewalks and entrances are free from snow and ice throughout the winter.
Qualifications:
● Ability to develop and deliver educational programing that highlights various learning styles
● Comfortable setting-up and teaching virtual ‘field trips’. Including ability to operate equipment and basic technology problem solving once fully trained.
● Desire to co-lead after school interpretive programs for middle school students
● Knowledge or basic understanding of Alaska’s natural history and ecology.
● Comfortable co-leading groups of youth on trails, in a variety of weather conditions, or have the desire to learn.
● Strong interpersonal and communication skills
● Ability to have fun, be flexible, and maintain a positive attitude
● Possession of current CPR and First Aid Certification or willingness to become certified. Reimbursement available for required training.
● Valid insurable drivers license or the ability to obtain.
● Must be able to pass a background check as a requirement of working with youth.
● Desire to live and work in the Talkeetna area
Preferred Knowledge and Skills:
● Previous experience working with youth and developing educational programs for all ages.
● Preferred understanding of Alaska’s interior including but is not limited to: biology, wildlife ecology, botany, geology, natural history, history, prehistory, and infrastructure or ability to familiarize.
● Familiar with Mat-Su Valley, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park
Working Conditions & Physical Demands:
● This is a winter position, adverse driving conditions and weather are possible- including snow, sleet, ice, rain, wind, and low temperatures.
● Hikes would be on established routes up to 3-miles on uneven terrain; should be able to carry 25 lbs.
Scheduling and Hours: Assigned hours for the TKA educator each week will vary. On average they will be scheduled 2-3 days/week for an estimated 15-20 hours/week. Fridays are a required winter shift as educators will need to help co-lead after school programming. Shifts that fall outside of duties outlined above may be available depending on program schedules and staff’s desire for work.
Benefits:
● Pay is made bi-weekly. The starting wage is $17.00/hour and includes time for required training and program development.
● On average this position will work between 20-25 hours/week.
Disclaimer:
This position description reflects Denali Education Center’s best effort to describe the essential functions and qualifications of this job. It is neither an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications, nor a contract. Denali Education Center is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.
To Apply:
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and two references emily@denali.org. You may address your inquiry and any questions to Emily Fleissner- our Talkeetna Campus Manager. We look forward to hearing from you.