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

GeoFORCE Alaska is hiring for three distinct positions:
Day Counselors, Night Counselors, Educational Coach and a Trail Driver or the 2026 Academy (June 1
- June 13, 2026). GeoFORCE is a field-based, summer geoscience program for high school students from rural communities in the Interior, North Slope, Northwest Arctic and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Staff will live and learn with students at UAF and accompany them on field trips. GeoFORCE staff positions are intense but rewarding. Staff must be able to work long hours, travel, and work together to create a positive learning environment.

Mandatory training and orientation will be held from June 1st thru June 3 and the Academy is from June 3rd-13th. Requirements, position duties and pay are detailed below.

Application review date:
Review of applications will begin February 9, 2026 and continue until all positions have been filled.

To be considered, the following are required to be submitted:

* A cover letter stating which position(s) you are interested in;

* A resume; and

* 3 professional references (prior work related if possible) with contact information.

REQUIREMENTS for ALL positions:

1. Attendance at staff training and orientation sessions June 1-3

2. Completion of additional online training prior to the start of the Academy on June 3rd

3. Possession of a valid drivers' license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria

4. Must be willing to share a room with other staff at hotels and dormitories

5. Must not consume alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or other drugs on campus or at any time during the Academy; UAF is a drug-free workplace

6. The successful applicant is required to complete a background check if they have not worked for UA in the last 5 years. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

️ If you have questions re:
GeoFORCE Alaska, please contact Justine Schmidt stions re: the application process should be directed to Sheri Hall, CNSM HR Coordinator, at sahall5, or .

To be eligible for these positions, 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. Additional Requirement:
Completion of a two-semester introductory sequence in Geosciences (physical and historical geology) with a minimum grade of B- in each course. Salary is $1820 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.

Additional Requirement:
Completion of a two-semester introductory sequence in Geosciences (physical and historical geology) with a minimum grade of B- in each course. Salary is $1820 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.

Salary $2450 total

Educational Coach:
The Educational Coach (EC) for GeoFORCE Alaska is responsible for designing and leading daily review sessions based on pre-Academy planning and discussion with the GeoFORCE Director. Throughout the Academy, the EC works closely with the GeoFORCE Instructor, Counselors, and students on the bus and in the field to ensure that information is delivered at the appropriate level. The EC will work directly with students on the bus, in the field, and in the classroom in order to help them develop good study habits, work as a team, master vocabulary, connect concepts and features, and complete field projects.

The EC also serves as an advisor to the staff on…