Instructor - Intercept (Struggling Teens) - Ely, MN

Voyageur Outward Bound School • Ely, MN

2d • $110 - $125 • Onsite

About The Position

The Instructor works primarily in the field on seasonal wilderness expeditions, with an emphasis on the Intercept Program and flexibility to work on other course types as needed. The role begins with pre-employment training before the season, including wilderness travel and technical skills, Outward Bound curriculum, and educational philosophy. On-the-job learning continues under the supervision of a Course Director and Lead Instructor. As part of an instructional team, Instructors learn and practice facilitating educationally effective programs, teach students wilderness expedition skills, and follow safety policies and procedures for remote travel.

The Intercept Program serves youth and young adults seeking to make positive decisions whose needs cannot be met through a standard expedition format. Intercept courses include a family component to support students’ transitions back home. The school’s students are primarily ages 14–25. Instructors help students build communication, resilience, self-awareness, leadership, and lasting connections through challenging wilderness experiences.

This seasonal, exempt position is based in the field and at a wilderness base camp. The position is expected to begin in early May 2027 and continue through August. Work schedules depend on student enrollment, and instructors receive specific assignments after training. The role requires flexibility during peak season, including weekends, and may involve supporting the program when not instructing. Housing and meals are provided throughout the summer.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old by the start date.
• Must 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.
• Must be able to work a varied and flexible schedule, including weekends.
• Must have mental resilience to endure occasional physically or emotionally difficult situations, including emotionally charged circumstances involving staff, students, partners, chaperones, or parents.
• Must occasionally carry equipment weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Must be able to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activities, including backpacking, paddling, portaging, running, carrying canoes overland, swimming, rock climbing, and kayaking.
• Must demonstrate competency in outdoor technical skills such as canoeing, portaging, backpacking, campcraft, map and compass navigation, expedition logistics, and risk management.
• Must demonstrate experience teaching outdoor technical skills to students and experience leading others.
• Must demonstrate the ability to assess students’ abilities and backcountry hazards and use that information to mitigate risks during expedition-style travel.
• Must demonstrate collaboration, communication, conflict management, continual learning, cultural competence, sound decision-making, and the ability to instill trust.
• Must demonstrate risk management, self-management, situational adaptability, and the ability to teach and coach others.
• Must hold or be able to obtain Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications.
• Must hold or be able to obtain Wilderness Water Safety or an active lifeguard certification.
• Must be able to work in outdoor weather conditions, including poor weather, and perform duties involving standing, lifting, crawling, bending, carrying, and pulling; work may occur in confined spaces and at height.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with VOBS staff to design and implement nature-based, experiential expeditions aligned with the Outward Bound mission and educational philosophy.
• Model the character, leadership, and service values taught to students.
• Participate in course planning and logistics, including educational and technical curricula, route planning, food and equipment planning, and pack-out.
• Help build a community where students and staff feel a sense of belonging.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and promptly with co-instructors, the Course Director, and other staff; give and receive timely oral and written feedback.
• Work with VOBS staff to facilitate workshops and restorative conferences with parents of students in Intercept courses.
• Contribute to life and daily upkeep of the wilderness base-camp community.
• Help identify, assess, and manage environmental, physical, social, and emotional risks during course activities.
• Help manage student behaviors and group dynamics and facilitate group processes.
• Follow local operating procedures, safety policies, and emergency procedures in the field staff manual.
• Help manage students’ emotional and physical safety during times of duress, including field emergencies.
• Support the base camp’s on-call field response system as needed, including responding to emergencies, evacuating injured students, answering the emergency field line, and preparing food and gear for evacuation teams.
• Teach students outdoor expedition skills and facilitate educationally effective programs.
• Participate in pre-employment and on-the-job training.

Benefits

• Housing and meals provided throughout the summer.
• Outdoor gear available through pro deals at discounted rates.
• Paid sick time accrued at one hour for every 30 hours worked.
• Eligible 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.
• 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