GeoFORCE Alaska Academy-Counselors and Trail Driver positions

GeoFORCE Alaska is hiring for three distinct positions: Day Counselors, Night Counselors and a Trail Driver. Mandatory training and orientation is from June 1st thru June 3 and the Academy is from June 4th-14th. Each position, its duties, requirements  and pay are detailed below.

Application review date: Review of applications will begin February 24, 2025. To ensure consideration, include your cover letter detailing your interest, which position(s) you are interested in and short summary of qualifications, a resume, and 3 professional (prior work related if possible) references with contact information. 

**To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized for unrestricted employment in the United States. No work visas will be sponsored for this position.

POSITIONS:

Day Counselors:  Day Counselors work with teams of ~6 GeoFORCE students to ensure safety and facilitate teamwork in the classroom and the field. They will coordinate group work during projects, answer students' questions, promote positive peer interactions, and assist the Instructor, Coordinator and Educational Coach during classroom activities, field stops, review sessions, and exams. Counselors are also expected to attend nightly staff meetings, participate in pre-trip orientation and training sessions, and help organize meeting areas and common spaces. They may also be asked to supervise student activities during free time, help to load or unload luggage, or make morning wake-up calls. Requirements: 1. Completion of a two-semester introductory sequence in Geosciences (physical and historical geology) with a minimum grade of B- in each course. 2. Attendance at staff training and orientation sessions as noted above. 3. Completion of additional online training prior to the start of the Academy as noted above. 4. Possession of a valid driver's license. 5. Must be willing to share a room with other staff at hotels and dormitories. 6. Must pass a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment. 7. Must not consume alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, CBD oil, or other drugs on campus or at any time during the Academy; UAF is a drug-free workplace. Salary is $1650 total 

Night Counselors: Night Counselors serve as the primary point of contact for students during evening free time and after lights out. Their duty is to ensure participant safety after the conclusion of instruction. To this end, Night Counselors supervise free-time activities, distribute snacks and reminders, and respond to requests for supplies or assistance after hours. Additional duties include organizing students during travel, assisting the Trail Driver with logistical tasks, loading or unloading luggage, and maintaining meeting areas and common spaces. Requirements: 1. Attendance at staff training and orientation sessions as noted above 2. Completion of additional online training prior to the start of the Academy as noted above. 3. Possession of a valid driver's license. 4. Must be willing to share a room with other staff at hotels and dormitories. 5. Must pass a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment. 6. Must not consume alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, CBD oil, or other drugs on campus or at any time during the Academy; UAF is a drug-free workplace.  Salary $1650 total 

Trail Driver: The Trail Driver (TD) will serve as the primary driver of the program trail vehicle (a minivan or SUV) for the duration of the trip, provide logistical support to staff and student participants, and purchase takeout meals, snacks, and instructional supplies as needed. Additional duties include organizing students during travel, providing instructional support in classroom or field settings, loading or unloading luggage, and maintaining meeting areas and vehicle interiors. Requirements: 1. Attendance at staff training and orientation sessions as noted above 2. Completion of additional online training prior to the start of the Academy as noted above 3. Possession of a valid driver's license. 4. Must pass a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment. 5. Must not consume alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, CBD oil, or other drugs on campus or at any time during the Academy; UAF is a drug-free workplace. Salary $2100 total

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Justine Schmidt, GeoFORCE Program Coordinator at (907) 712-7540 or jaschmidt4@alaska.edu.  If you have questions about the application process, please contact Sheri Hall, CNSM HR Manager at (907) 474-6714 or sahall5@alaska.edu