BOLD & GOLD Winter Wilderness Instructor - Snowshoeing

YMCA Of Greater Seattle • Seattle, WA

86d • $135 - $165

About The Position

Do you want to make a difference in the world and have fun while doing it? As a BOLD & GOLD Winter Wilderness Instructor - Snowshoeing, you and a co-lead will be responsible for the physical and emotional safety of up to 10 participants while engaging them in activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, outdoor skills workshops, and snowshoeing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Wilderness Instructors work from a set itinerary, manage the risks of backcountry travel, and facilitate a variety of workshops and activities that help participants develop their own leadership style. This is an Authorized Driver position; read more in the Position Qualifications. The Winter 2026 season runs early January to mid-March 2026. BOLD & GOLD is dedicated to inspiring courage and confidence in diverse groups of youth through outdoor adventures. As a program of the Camping & Outdoor Leadership (C&OL) branch of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, BOLD & GOLD offers year-round partnership programs and summer expedition experiences. Partnership programs engage with schools, non-profits, and community-based organizations to design and implement transformative outdoor experiences. BOLD & GOLD experiences take place in Mt. Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, National Forests, Washington State Parks, and local green spaces. Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing, and skills workshops. The goal of BOLD & GOLD is to increase confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, wonder, and community awareness in our participants. BOLD & GOLD believes these traits are the foundations of leadership and works to inspire participants to develop their own leadership style. BOLD & GOLD prepares young people to be the next generation of leaders through multicultural experiential education in the natural world.

Requirements

• You are 21 years of age or older.
• Two or more years of experience working with teens in an organized setting, including facilitating activities that address issues facing adolescents.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of developmental needs of teens; demonstrated understanding of the needs of teens and the ability to evaluate their needs individually.
• Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the everyday lives of underserved youth.
• Personal or professional experience in backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and/or snowshoeing.
• Be able to hike and/or backpack over a variety of terrain and teach techniques for approaching that type of terrain.
• Have experience and knowledge of basic backcountry equipment or techniques such as stove use, bear hangs, water purification, and/or shelter craft.
• Have experience and knowledge of reading maps and using them for navigation.
• Effectively manage physical risks for yourself and participants including terrain, weather, and wildlife interactions.
• Current WFA and CPR Certification.
• Current Washington State Food Handlers Permit.

Nice To Haves

• Current WFR or W-EMT Certification.
• Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).
• Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
• Experience with anti-racism practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead 1- to 2-day wilderness-based snowshoeing, camping, or outdoor skills-based courses with an emphasis on multicultural leadership.
• Build strong rapport with participants and staff; foster positive group development, create structure, and draw learning from experiential activities.
• Model cultural humility and celebrate diversity, effectively working with people of different identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
• Ensure both a physically and emotionally safe and inclusive environment for youth and staff.
• Transport participants in 14-passenger minibuses to and from program areas.
• Manage the unique risks of wilderness-based programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Individual membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle
• Free access to mental health resources
• Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO)
• Subsidized ORCA Transit Pass
• Access to discounted gear and equipment through pro deals

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees