Winter Environmental Educator

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Description

SUMMARY

Bogus Basin's Environmental Education program is seeking an energetic and knowledgeable field instructor to teach snow science and winter ecology to school field trip groups during the winter season. This position will report to the Environmental Education Supervisor. As a Winter Environmental Educator, you'll lead students on snowshoes through the Boise National Forest while engaging them in hands-on environmental education activities such as digging snow pits and analyzing snow crystals. The goal of this program is to connect students to the natural world and winter environment that surrounds them. We hope to foster the next generation of ecologists, land managers, environmental stewards, and more, who will stand for access and preservation of our public lands and the world around them. The Environmental Educator will be trained to lead students through educational activities, mentored on how to provide positive learning experiences for children in a field trip setting, encouraged to create activities of their own interest that fit into our curriculum, and expected to positively redirect students' behavior when necessary. Winter Environmental Educators will support our adult programming by creating and leading at least one guided nature program on a theme of their choice for the general public.

The team will be working towards these goals:

1. Connect People to Land Through Outdoor Experiences

We aim to foster a personal and lasting connection to the natural world by offering hands-on, place-based education programs that encourage curiosity, observation, and stewardship.

2. Provide Accessible, Affordable, and Inclusive Environmental Education

We are committed to reducing barriers to participation in environmental education by keeping programs affordable, accessible to diverse communities, and welcoming to people of all ages and backgrounds. Our volunteers help us extend our reach and reflect the diversity of our community, making programs more personal, welcoming, and supported.

3. Empower the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards

Our core programming serves youth ages 9-14 through camps, field trips, and school partnerships, helping them build knowledge, confidence, and a love for the outdoors.

4. Expand Meaningful Learning Opportunities for Teens and Adults

We will broaden our impact by creating more teen and adult programs, including thematic tours, workshops, and immersive experiences that support lifelong learning.

5. Educate for Climate Action and Environmental Awareness

We integrate climate education into our programming to deepen understanding of local impacts, inspire hope through solutions, and encourage responsible decision-making.

Transportation: Transportation is provided up and down the mountain from the Harrison Hollow parking lot 2600 N Harrison Hollow Ln, Boise, ID 83702.

Duration: This is a full-time seasonal position. 30 hours a week Monday-Friday.

Winter Orientation is on November 14th. Training is December 14th-16th.

The season will take place between January 4th and April 9th.

MLK Day (January 18th) and Presidents Day (February 15th) will be off.

Spring Break STEM Camp March 15th - 19th (40 hours).

Field trips typically run from 10am - 2pm with the Winter Environmental Educator work hours running from around 9:15am - 3:15pm. Daily commitment hours being 8:30am - 4pm with transportation up and down the mountain included.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Teach snow science, hydrology, and winter ecology to students (grades 3-12) and community members.
• Lead snowshoe-based explorations, guiding students through field activities and scientific investigations.
• Coordinate day-of logistics with instructors, interns, teachers, and volunteers.
• Connect participants from diverse backgrounds with Bogus Basin's SnowSchool curriculum.
• Maintain snowshoe trails, signage, igloos, and program equipment.
• Assist the Sustainability Team with recycling, trail maintenance, and other tasks.
• Ensure a safe learning environment for all participants.
• Positively redirect misbehavior when necessary.
• Maintain a professional attitude toward all students, staff, supervisors, and other departments.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Collect program payments when needed.
• Assist with volunteer coordination and communication.
• Support participant data collection and reporting.
• Clear and shovel snow a required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Academic or professional background in ecology, biology, hydrology, education, conservation, natural resources, environmental science, outdoor education, leadership, or similar fields.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Strong interest in nature education and inspiring youth.
• Passion for Bogus Basin's and SnowSchool's mission.
• Experience delivering place-based, experiential education.
• Ability to snowshoe on uneven terrain for 1-4 miles daily while carrying up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to communicate with students ranging from 3rd grade through adults.
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and safety-minded.
• Ability to make sound decisions under stressful situations.
• Demonstrated ability to perform multiple tasks in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Ability to perform essential duties efficiently and accurately, with or without supervision, and without injury to incumbent or others.
• Ability to stand, balance, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to navigate mountainous terrain with or without GPS or maps.
• Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Outdoor environment; exposed to inclement weather and adverse conditions.

Working with groups of children daily.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Bogus Basin provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Application assistance available upon request.

Salary Description

$18 per hour