Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) works to advance understanding of the natural systems that create Earth’s weather and climate by operating a weather station at the summit of the Northeast’s highest peak for the past ninety years. MWOBS seeks interns to serve as a School Programs Educator starting October 2, 2023, through June 28, 2024.
Our ideal candidate is someone who can clearly articulate how the program is going to help them in their career goals. Individuals who excel in this program display a curiosity and willingness to learn, remain flexible and open to new opportunities, can independently problem solve, are passionate about science education, are hard-workers, and work well both independently and as a team.
The School Programs Educator will be responsible for supporting the organization’s kindergarten-to-twelfth (K-12) grade school-based efforts, including but not limited to:
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Developing programs for K-12 students and teachers that expand their awareness and understanding of weather, climate, and the mountain environment as well as general introductions to Mount Washington and its weather, geology, ecology, relevant history, and the current activities on the mountain.
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Specifically developing at least one-to-two (1-2) six-week after-school programs and two-to-three (2-3) school-day weather and climate programs.
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Teaching in-person programs for students and teachers during the school year including but not limited to:
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School-day (goal of 8 per week);
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After-school (goal of 2 per week); and,
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Field trip programs (5-6 late spring 2024).
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Presenting outreach programs for learners of all ages at camps, libraries, science centers and other locations during the summer months.
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Offering weather station tours and other outreach and interpretative programming at the Extreme Mount Washington Museum and other spaces on the summit of Mount Washington.
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Participating in the White Mountains Connected Learning Ecosystem group, attending and presenting at monthly educator meetings.
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Supporting teacher professional development programming and materials.
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Creation, production, and distribution of ancillary program materials including lesson plans, worksheets, assessments and other classroom materials.
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Responding to general inquiries from the public about MWOBS’ educational programming and scientific activities.
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Submitting daily weather observations for the North Conway Cooperative Weather Station (NCON3).
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Contributing to general MWOBS educational program marketing and, in particular, marketing for school and adult programs (i.e., newsletters, blogs, social media and Windswept periodical articles and writing).
Minimum Qualifications
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Must be 18 years of age by October 2, 2023
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Able to lift 50 pounds
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Available from October 2, 2023 through June 28, 2024
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Must clear all required National Service Criminal History Checks;
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Must be a United States citizen, United States national, or legal permanent resident of the United States; and,
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Must be high school graduates, GED recipients, or must be working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service.
Work Environment
This position is primarily based at MWOBS’s administrative offices in North Conway, New Hampshire. The typical forty-hour work week is 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. The School Programs Educator responsibilities are accomplished in the office and through the teaching of programs at schools and other locations. Additionally, regular travel and overnight stays are possible at the Mount Washington summit weather station for field trip programs, weather station tours and interpretative programming support. The job does require regular regional travel, and as such candidates must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving history. Remote and flexible time is encouraged for this position as responsibilities allow. Opportunities for professional development exist with this position.
Benefits
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Wilderness First Aid & CPR training and certification.
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Housing allowance: $750.00/month (9 allotments).
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Living allowance: $250/week distributed bi-weekly.
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AmeriCorps Education Award: if eligible, intern will be able to apply for an award valued at $4,546 upon successful completion of program.
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Worker’s compensation.
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Use of MWOBS vehicles for travel to programs.
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Cooperative Weather Observer training.
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MWOBS clothing and gear, pro-deals access to clothing and gear.
Accountability
The performance of the School Programs Educator will be evaluated in part by:
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Quality of programs provided, as evidenced by participant feedback.
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Number of programs provided.
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Successful development of new programs.
Employment at Will
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between MWOBS and employee and is subject to change as needs evolve through your work.
Position ID: PO-00735025
Expected Dates: October 2, 2023 - June 30, 2024
Location:
2779 White Mtn Hwy
North Conway, NH 03860
US
Training Provided: Wilderness First Aid/CPR, weather observation/forecast training.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Cooperative weather observer training, public speaking, visits and overnight stays at the summit weather station on Mount Washington.
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Main Area of Focus: Education and Interpretation
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
Limited public transportation and/or taxi services exist in rural northern New Hampshire, and frequent travel to schools is required for this position; however, the Observatory has a company vehicle that may be used in many, but not all cases.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
C.Partner will pay the SCA to provide housing allowance for the member.
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes