GeoFORCE Alaska Academy-Counselors, Educational Coach and Trail Driver positions

About the role

GeoFORCE Alaska is hiring for three distinct positions: Day Counselors, Night Counselors, Educational Coach, and a Trail Driver for the 2026 Academy (June 1- June 13, 2026).

Responsibilities

• Attendance at staff training and orientation sessions June 1-3
• Completion of additional online training prior to the start of the Academy on June 3rd
• Possession of a valid drivers' license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria
• Willingness to share a room with other staff at hotels and dormitories
• Commitment to not consume alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or other drugs on campus or during the Academy
• Completion of a background check if not working for UA in the last 5 years
• Completion of a two-semester introductory sequence in Geosciences (physical and historical geology) with a minimum grade of B- in each course
• Organize group work during projects, answer students' questions, promote positive peer interactions, assist instructors, coordinators, and coaches during classroom activities, field stops, review sessions, and exams
• Attend nightly staff meetings, participate in pre-trip orientation and training sessions, help organize meeting areas and common spaces, supervise student activities during free time, help load/unload luggage, or make morning wake-up calls
• Supervise free-time activities, distribute snacks and reminders, respond to requests for supplies or assistance after hours
• Organize students during travel, assist the Trail Driver with logistical tasks, load/unload luggage, maintain meeting areas and common spaces
• Design and lead daily review sessions based on pre-Academy planning and discussion with the GeoFORCE Director
• Work closely with the GeoFORCE Instructor, Counselors, and students on the bus and in the field to ensure information is delivered at the appropriate level
• Work directly with students on the bus, in the field, and in the classroom to help them develop good study habits, work as a team, master vocabulary, connect concepts and features, and complete field projects
• Serve as an advisor to the staff on issues of instructional design and student engagement
• Proofread and edit pre/post tests and daily quizzes, participate in face-to-face or online counselor training, and advise counselors with educational and/or developmental questions
• Grade daily quizzes and participate in nightly staff meetings to prepare for the following day's activities
• Provide logistical support to staff and student participants, purchase takeout meals, snacks, and instructional supplies as needed
• Organize students during travel, provide instructional support in classroom or field settings, load/unload luggage, maintain meeting areas and vehicle interiors

Requirements

• Completion of a two-semester introductory sequence in Geosciences (physical and historical geology) with a minimum grade of B- in each course
• A Bachelor's degree in a related field (i.e. geoscience, geology, earth science, or education)
• At least two years of experience teaching middle or high school students, preferably in rural Alaskan communities
• Participation in online planning sessions with the Director prior to June 3
• Completion of a two-semester introductory sequence in Geosciences (physical and historical geology) with a minimum grade of B- in each course
• Completion of a two-semester introductory sequence in Geosciences (physical and historical geology) with a minimum grade of B- in each course
• Completion of a two-semester introductory sequence in Geosciences (physical and historical geology) with a minimum grade of B- in each course

Qualifications

• Completion of a two-semester introductory sequence in Geosciences (physical and historical geology) with a minimum grade of B- in each course
• A Bachelor's degree in a related field (i.e. geoscience, geology, earth science, or education)
• Completion of a two-semester introductory sequence in Geosciences (physical and historical geology) with a minimum grade of B- in each course
• Completion of a two-semester introductory sequence in Geosciences (physical and historical geology) with a minimum grade of B- in each course
• Completion of a two-semester introductory sequence in Geosciences (physical and historical geology) with a minimum grade of B- in each course

Skills

• Ability to work long hours, travel, and work together to create a positive learning environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with instructional design and student engagement
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities
• Knowledge of Alaska geography and geology

Benefits

• No work visas will be sponsored for this position
• Hybrid and remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the University's discretion
• Remote work for employees based outside the State of Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or when required by the position's job duties

Pay

• Day Counselors: $1820 total
• Night Counselors: $1820 total
• Trail Driver: $2450 total
• Educational Coach: $3300 total

Schedule

• Day Counselors: Long hours, travel, and work together to create a positive learning environment
• Night Counselors: Long hours, travel, and work together to create a positive learning environment
• Trail Driver: Long hours, travel, and work together to create a positive learning environment
• Educational Coach: Long hours, travel, and work together to create a positive learning environment