Aspiring Course Director -Southwest Program

Colorado Outward Bound School • Moab, UT

17d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aspiring Course Director role is a pathway for experienced Outdoor Education Lead Instructors to become Course Directors at Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS). Staff begin in the Instructor role to learn local systems and the Outward Bound model through training and work, and are expected to progress toward the Course Director role within 45 to 100 COBS field days. These positions are accountable for field safety and course delivery. Lead Instructors supervise and develop Instructors and Interns, and are supervised by Course Directors and Program Managers. The position’s manager is the Associate Program Director (APD) of Staffing and Training.

Lead Instructors supervise, instruct, and facilitate students throughout primarily wilderness-based courses. They also support course preparation and follow-up, including planning, packing, course structuring, debrief paperwork, safety analysis and learning, and gear cleaning. The work combines outdoor education, technical field instruction, risk management, student supervision, and basecamp responsibilities. Applicants should meet the minimum criteria for at least one technical discipline: Southwest rafting, Southwest canyoneering, Southwest canyon backpacking, or rock climbing. Seasonal hiring varies by discipline, and someone with only climbing or canyon backpacking experience could expect part-time work through this role.

Requirements

• At least 120 field days with another Outward Bound school or similar expedition-based program, including at least 30 days as the person with Single Point of Accountability for program safety and quality.
• At least five overnight expeditions lasting four or more days with students aged 11–17.
• Experience teaching leadership skills to youth.
• Experience designing courses or selecting curriculum based on student population needs.
• Ability to plan and deliver engaging, experience-based educational lessons to achieve desired outcomes.
• Current Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT certification, CPR certification, and Wilderness Epinephrine administration certification.
• Ability to articulate an activity lesson plan and demonstrate group presentation skills.
• Sound and accurate judgment; proper use of equipment and materials; and ability to report potentially unsafe conditions.
• Successful completion of the technical credentialing or assessment for the relevant course activity.
• Ability to be a role model for students, new Instructors, and other staff, and to manage a range of student behaviors positively.
• Ability to work effectively on diverse teams and with a diverse range of people.
• Emotional regulation and balanced decision-making in stressful situations.
• Professionalism and strong leadership attributes in work and community environments.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and openness to change.
• Personal motivation, initiative, follow-through, and commitment.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a positive team member.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to give and receive positive and constructive feedback.
• Ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Sufficient fitness to participate in all site and course activities and maintain the energy, strength, and focus needed to assist students and instructors.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including prolonged time on foot, outdoor work in varied weather, lifting, crawling, bending, carrying, pulling, working in confined spaces and at height, and vigorous to moderate activity such as backpacking, rafting, or rock climbing.
• Meet the minimum criteria for at least one technical discipline: Southwest rafting, Southwest canyoneering, Southwest canyon backpacking, or rock climbing.

Nice To Haves

• Willingness to obtain a Backcountry Food Manager License for Southwest rafting.
• Experience in multiple technical disciplines; the posting states that more skills can lead to more work.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the Outward Bound mission and outcomes while teaching course components, including character development, leadership, and service.
• Participate in course planning, including developing educational and technical curricula, route planning, and organizing and packing food and equipment.
• Support instructors and the Course Director in all aspects of course safety by identifying, assessing, and managing environmental and social risks.
• Use ‘THE plan’ as a risk-assessment and decision-making tool.
• Model positive behavior for students and manage a range of student behaviors constructively.
• Manage a student group and emergencies if the co-instructor is absent, as required.
• Locate and use communication systems during emergencies.
• Follow warehouse and basecamp systems, including packing, cleaning, repairing, and inventorying gear and food.
• Serve as a role model in the Outward Bound community during work and off hours.
• Communicate concerns through appropriate channels and seek solutions where possible.
• Participate in the emergency on-call system, supporting evacuations and responding to field emergencies when needed.
• Follow local operating procedures, safety policies, and emergency procedures in the Field Staff Manual and Employee Handbook.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and promptly with instructors, Course Directors, supervisors, and other staff; share and receive feedback.
• Support COBS Inclusion and Access efforts.
• Support pre- and post-course needs, including course planning and structuring, debrief paperwork, safety analysis and learning, and gear cleaning.

Benefits

• Onsite housing option with meals included while in the field and when working on base.
• Paid training in outdoor education facilitation, backcountry risk management, and technical skills.
• 56 hours of sick pay per year.
• Employee Assistance Program, including free counseling sessions.
• Eligibility for up to $1,000 in professional development funds after the first season.
• Outdoor professional gear discounts.
• Ability to borrow gear from the COBS equipment library.
• Opportunities for growth and potential employment through COBS and its partner schools.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed