About the Role
About Company:
Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains at an elevation of 4,436 feet, just northeast of Asheville, NC, our established member-owned country club offers the very best in aviation, golf, and club living. Members enjoy an array of resort-style amenities including the highest private runway east of the Mississippi, an 18-hole golf course, Har Tru tennis courts, pickleball courts, a complete fitness and wellness center, Spa Tohi, the Outdoor Discovery Center, and children's accommodations.
We are driven by our Mission and guided by our Values of Respect, Customer Service, Sincere Integrity, Passion for Programs, Family-Centered, Transparency, and Fiscal Responsibility.
Mountain Air Country Club's staff culture is team-oriented and dedicated to advancement, excellence, and superior customer service. All positions offer a quality work environment, employee meals during season, 401k matching, a season-ending bonus, and more.
About the Role:
The Education and Program Coordinator is a vital member of Mountain Air’s Nature Team, keeping Mountain Air’s natural resources operations running smoothly. This well-organized naturalist is an enthusiastic administrator as well as an energetic instructor with a passion for sharing their knowledge with students of all ages. By creating, coordinating, and marketing educational programs, the Education and Program Coordinator helps to create remarkable, personalized nature experiences for the Mountain Air community. The 40-hour-per-week schedule parallels seasonal vacation activity; when other people play, we work. Expect to be busiest on weekends and holidays.
Schedule:
Weekend and holiday shifts are required; occasional evening shifts are likely. 40 hours per week, 5 days per week. 7-9 hours per shift, depending on the program schedule and individual circumstances.
Minimum Qualifications:
Energetic, engaging, and enthusiastic disposition
Bachelor’s or associate degree in natural science, education, or a related field, or commensurate experience in a science communication role
Extensive knowledge of southern Appalachian flora and fauna
Strong organizational skills
Nature enthusiast
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to deliver high service standards in a hospitality setting
Eager teacher and learner with boundless curiosity
Excellent judgment, decisiveness, and creativity when handling new or unexpected situations
Confidence when speaking to groups of adults and children of all ages
Attention to detail in written, spoken, and graphic communication
Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation to work
Preferred Qualifications:
At least two years of experience working with groups of children and/or adults.
Excitement about nature-based apps such as iNaturalist, eBird, and Seek, used to promote community science projects and collect data.
Proficiency with various software packages and platforms such as Publisher, Excel, Word, Instagram, and Facebook.
Personal or professional gardening or agriculture experience.
Ability to lead interpretive walks on rough terrain for at least 5 miles.
Personal or professional outdoor recreation experience: camping, hiking, paddling, fishing, etc.
Professional experience in a customer service setting
Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional 10-hour days, early mornings, and/or late nights
Ability to safely drive a 14-passenger van and meet Mountain Air vehicle insurance eligibility requirements.
Current first aid/CPR credential or willingness to train and certify for one
Responsibilities:
Create and maintain organizational and administrative systems to support nature programs and community garden operations
Create and sustain a welcoming, compelling indoor environment for ODC visitors
Assist with the hiring, training, and supervising of seasonal and part-time employees
Provide customized expert wildlife and forestry consultation to the Mountain Air community, including but not limited to flora and fauna identification and interpretation, and management of nuisance wildlife issues
Lead interpretive walks and hands-on nature programs for community members
Through social media, website presence, and e-newsletters, enhance community engagement with nature and garden activities
Maintain inventory and merchandise systems through a computer-based point-of-sale system
Aid in the coordination of Mountain Air’s emergency response procedures
Share coverage of all indoor ODC responsibilities, including administrative and interpretive tasks
Coordinate daily upkeep of ODC, including caring for resident animals, tending to the pollinator garden, updating educational exhibits, and performing basic housekeeping tasks
Develop and implement an annual calendar of nature-based educational programs for Mountain Air Country Club members and guests
Thoroughly locate, identify, and record the flora and fauna of Mountain Air through ongoing field surveys
Represent Mountain Air positively and professionally to Club members, guests, co-workers, contractors, the Yancey County community, and professional organizations
Work independently and cooperatively as part of a collaborative, creative team