Backcountry Camp Coordinator
The Backcountry Camp Coordinator (Summer) will work primarily to organize, plan, and lead the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies (CACS) overnight teen (ages 12-18) camps and expeditions. Camp themes include climate change, peatlands, marine science, and food systems. This position will work with other educators, naturalists, and CACS peer leaders/teen interns to plan and lead the trips, and will work alongside CACS coordinators, program directors, and naturalist educators to learn together about best practices in experiential, place-based education, and to gain knowledge of Alaskan coastal ecology. Work hours vary; camp and expedition days are full (with usually one meal off per day), and schedules are flexible during program planning weeks. Field sites feature rocky intertidal and sandy beaches, coastal forests, peatlands, salt and freshwater wetlands, and alpine areas in and around Kachemak Bay State Park.
This position reports to the Peterson Bay Field Station Coordinator.
Position runs from May 26 – August 19, 2026.
Pay is $21/hour depending on experience with shared housing provided ($24/hour without housing).
Core Duties:
Co-lead three expedition-style camps for teens in the front-country and backcountry, including facilitating educational and evening activities, group and individual check ins, guest presenter support, and meal preparation.
Lead the planning for those expeditions and camps, including arranging boat logistics, purchasing groceries, arranging guest presenters, and creating evacuation plans and risk management plans.
Communicate with participants and guardians before programs to help them prepare.
Develop and ensure a safe, fun, and positive environment for all youth participants. Work cooperatively with other staff to proactively and positively address behavior challenges as they emerge. Administer wilderness first aid as needed and support anxious, homesick, or otherwise uncomfortable participants.
Compile, organize and develop activities, information, and itineraries for programs to be referenced in the future and lead an iterative process for feedback and evaluation during and after each program.
Provide photos after each expedition for sharing with families and CACS social media.
Mentor peer leaders/teen interns and provide peer-to-peer feedback for co-leaders.
Maintain CACS program supplies, backcountry equipment, and gear.
We are a staff that works as a team and adapts to our communities’ needs; therefore this position may work on additional programs and duties as mutually agreed upon.
Training & Mentorship:
Required participation in paid naturalist training at the Peterson Bay Field Station and Homer at the start of the summer, which will include training on natural sciences, interpretation, and the cultures of Kachemak Bay. Additional opportunities offered throughout the summer for paid professional development in specific areas related to your work.
Participate in paid Instructor Training with our partners, Homer Wilderness Leaders (HoWL).
Qualifications:
Wilderness First Responder certification required. Youth Mental Health First Aid or similar certification (or willingness to obtain one) strongly preferred.
Experience working with youth in wilderness settings, including comfort leading camping and backpacking trips for youth. Experience kayaking, especially with youth, and managing risk in cold water. (Some additional kayak training may be available).
Demonstrated good judgment and experience with risk management in challenging settings.
Commitment to facilitating experiential, place-based, and inclusive learning experiences for teens.
Ability to work in a highly collaborative work environment, including skills for providing and receiving feedback.
Willingness to learn on the job and adapt to changing circumstances (such as weather, group needs, etc.)
Knowledge of, or strong interest in learning about, climate change and intertidal, marine, and forest ecology.
Strong communication skills with the ability to provide clear directions, communicate complex environmental concepts, and facilitate reflection.
Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in environmental education and willingness to understand race, class, gender, and other equity issues to create more inclusive camp programs. Dedication to our vision of healthy ecosystems, engaged and connected communities, and inspired environmental stewards.
We’ve left our list of desired qualifications flexible in recognition of the many forms of knowledge and experience that can exist both within and outside of typical employment or academic pathways. If you are passionate about the work and think you could do it well, please apply!
Our application form will ask for a 1-page résumé, a 1-page cover letter describing your desire to work with Coastal Studies as an organization, and a short-answer question asking you to describe your interest in the specific position. If you have questions about our application process, please navigate back to our Employment page and explore the FAQ.
