Instructor - Canoe and Backpack, Ely, MN

Voyageur Outward Bound School • Ely, MN

2d • $110 - $120 • Onsite

About The Position

The Instructor - Canoe & Backpack is a seasonal field staff position at Voyageur Outward Bound School’s Ely base. The role arrives in May and continues through August, delivering wilderness expedition courses for youth and young adults, primarily ages 14 to 25. Courses include standard expeditions lasting 8 to 22 days, specially designed programs, and programs for intact groups.

Before the season, instructors attend required pre-employment training covering wilderness travel, technical skills, Outward Bound curriculum, and educational philosophy. On-the-job training continues in the field under the supervision of a Course Director and Lead Instructor. Instructors work on an instructional team to facilitate experiential learning, teach expedition skills, and follow safety procedures for remote travel. Schedules depend on student enrollment, and instructors must remain flexible during the peak season. Some year-round work may be available.

This is a seasonal, exempt position. Starting pay is $110–$120 per day, depending on experience; support work when not instructing is paid at $95 per day. Housing and meals are provided throughout the summer. Other offerings include pro deals, accrued paid sick time, eligibility for a 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match, and access to an Employee Assistance Program.

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old as of the employment start date.
• Have Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications, or be able to obtain them after hiring.
• Have Wilderness Water Safety or Active Lifeguard certification, or be able to obtain the required certification; a water safety class is offered to staff at reduced cost during the training cycle.
• Demonstrate competency in canoeing, portaging, backpacking, campcraft, map-and-compass navigation, expedition logistics, and risk management.
• Demonstrate experience teaching outdoor technical skills to students and experience leading others.
• Be able to assess students’ abilities and backcountry hazards and use that information to mitigate expedition travel risks.
• Be able to participate in site and course activities and maintain sufficient energy, strength, and focus to support students and instructors, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Be able to work a varied and flexible schedule, including weekends, and remain flexible during the May–August peak season.
• Be able to work outdoors in varying weather, spend most days on one’s feet (sometimes 16 or more hours), and lift, crawl, bend, carry, and pull.
• Have mental resilience to handle occasional physically or emotionally difficult situations.
• Be able to occasionally carry equipment weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Be able to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activities, including backpacking, paddling, portaging, running, carrying canoes overland, swimming, rock climbing, and kayaking.

Nice To Haves

• Valid driver’s license held for at least three years that meets Outward Bound USA screening criteria (strongly preferred).
• Experiential education experience in a leadership position, including some extended overnight expeditions.
• Team-building experience and/or experience with top-rope rock climbing, sea kayaking, or high-ropes course facilitation.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with staff to design and deliver nature-based, experiential expeditions aligned with Outward Bound’s mission and educational philosophy.
• Role-model character, leadership, and service for students.
• Participate in course planning and logistics, including curriculum development, route planning, and food and equipment planning and pack-out.
• Help build an inclusive community where students and staff feel a sense of belonging.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and promptly with co-instructors, Course Directors, and other staff.
• Give and receive timely, effective oral and written feedback.
• Contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of shared spaces at the wilderness base camp.
• Assist with student behavior, group dynamics, and group processes.
• Help identify, assess, and manage environmental, physical, social, and emotional risks during course activities.
• Follow local operating procedures, safety policies, and emergency procedures in the field staff manual.
• Help manage student emotional and physical safety during difficult situations, including field emergencies.
• Support the basecamp on-call field response system as needed, including wilderness evacuations, answering the emergency field line, and preparing food and gear for evacuation teams.

Benefits

• Housing and meals provided throughout the summer.
• Pro deals offering discounted outdoor gear.
• Paid sick time accrued at one hour for every 30 hours worked.
• Eligibility for a 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match of up to 2% of total earnings.
• Access to the VOBS Employee Assistance Program.
• Professional development opportunities through wilderness staff travels.
• A supportive, values-driven staff community and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed