Geoscience Summer Academy Counselor & Educational Coach

Overview

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). 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 1 through June 3, and the Academy is from June 3–13.

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.

• Day Counselors:
  Work with teams of ~6 GeoFORCE students to ensure safety and facilitate teamwork in the classroom and the field. 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. Attend nightly staff meetings, participate in pre-trip orientation and training, and help organize meeting areas and common spaces.
  
  May supervise student activities during free time, help to load/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: $1,820 total.
• Night Counselors:
  Serve as the primary point of contact for students during evening free time and after lights out. Ensure participant safety after instruction, 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, and maintain 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: $1,820 total.
• Trail Driver:
  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/unloading luggage, and maintaining meeting areas and vehicle interiors.
  
  Salary: $2,450 total.
• Educational Coach:
  Design and lead daily review sessions based on pre-Academy planning and consultation with the GeoFORCE Director. Work with the Instructor, Counselors, and students on the bus, in the field, and in the classroom to help students develop study habits, teamwork, vocabulary, concept connections, and completion of field projects. Serve as an advisor to staff on instructional design and student engagement.
  
  Responsibilities include proofreading/editing pre/post tests, participating in counselor training, advising counselors on educational questions, grading daily quizzes, and attending nightly staff meetings. Additional Requirements: (1) At least two years of experience teaching middle or high school students, preferably in rural Alaskan communities; (2) A Bachelor's degree in a related field (geoscience, geology, earth science, or education); (3) Participation in online planning sessions with the Director prior to June
  3. Salary: $3,300 total.

The University of Alaska reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at its facilities. Hybrid and remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the University's discretion. Remote work for…