Instructor - Canoe and Backpack, Ely, MN

Voyageur Outward Bound School • Ely, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Instructor is a seasonal field staff position based at Voyageur Outward Bound School’s Ely base. The role begins in early May 2027 and continues through August, with work primarily in the field. Instructors attend pre-employment training covering wilderness travel, technical skills, Outward Bound curriculum, and educational philosophy. After training, they receive on-the-job instruction under the supervision of a Course Director and Lead Instructor while working as part of an instructional team. They learn to facilitate educationally effective programs, teach students the skills needed for wilderness expeditions, and follow safety policies and procedures for remote travel.

Instructors help deliver wilderness courses, primarily for youth and young adults ages 14–25. Programs include standard expeditions lasting 8–22 days, specialized Pathfinder and Intercept courses, and programs for intact groups. The position supports students in building communication, resilience, self-awareness, leadership, and connections through shared wilderness experiences.

This is a seasonal, exempt position. Starting pay is $110–$120 per day depending on experience; program support work may be paid at $95 per day. Housing and meals are provided throughout the summer. Schedules depend on student enrollment, and specific assignments are provided after training. Instructors must remain flexible during the May–August peak season; some year-round work may be available.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old as of the employment start date.
• Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications are required, or the ability to obtain them after hiring.
• Demonstrated competency in canoeing, portaging, backpacking, campcraft, map-and-compass navigation, expedition logistics, and risk management.
• Demonstrated experience teaching outdoor technical skills to students.
• Demonstrated experience leading others.
• Ability to assess student abilities and backcountry hazards and use that information to manage expedition travel risks.
• Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activities, including backpacking, paddling, portaging, running, carrying canoes overland, swimming, rock climbing, and kayaking.
• Ability to work a varied and flexible schedule, including weekends.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather, including poor weather, and to lift, crawl, bend, carry, and pull.
• Ability to spend most days on one’s feet, sometimes for 16 or more hours, including potentially longer periods during emergencies.
• Ability to occasionally carry equipment weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Mental resilience to handle occasional physically or emotionally difficult situations, including emotionally charged circumstances involving staff, students, partners, chaperones, or parents.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and at height.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively across diverse backgrounds, manage conflict, learn continuously, demonstrate cultural competence, make timely decisions under uncertainty or pressure, and build trust.
• Ability to manage oneself, adapt to changing situations, teach others, and provide constructive feedback.

Nice To Haves

• A valid driver’s license held for at least three years that meets Outward Bound USA screening criteria; listed as strongly preferred.
• Experiential education experience in a leadership position, including some experience on extended overnight expeditions.
• Team-building experience.
• Experience with top-rope rock climbing, sea kayaking, or high-ropes course facilitation.
• Ability to obtain Wilderness Water Safety or Active Lifeguard Certification; a Water Safety class is provided to staff at reduced cost during the training cycle.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with VOBS staff to design and implement nature-based, experiential expeditions aligned with the Outward Bound mission and educational philosophy.
• Role-model character, leadership, and service.
• Participate in course planning and logistics, including curriculum development, route planning, and food and equipment planning and pack-out.
• Help build a community where students and staff feel a sense of belonging.
• Communicate clearly and promptly with co-instructors, Course Directors, and other staff; give and receive oral and written feedback.
• Contribute to life in a small wilderness base-camp community, including daily upkeep and maintenance of public spaces.
• Assist with student behavior management, group dynamics, and group processes.
• 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 and field emergencies.
• Support the base camp’s on-call field response system as needed, including wilderness evacuations, emergency field-line coverage, and preparing food and gear for evacuation teams.
• Teach students outdoor expedition skills and participate in field instruction under the supervision of a Course Director and Lead Instructor.
• Participate in course and site activities and maintain the energy, strength, and focus needed to support students and instructors.

Benefits

• Housing and meals provided throughout the summer.
• Outdoor gear pro deals at discounted rates.
• Paid sick time accrued at one hour for every 30 hours worked.
• Eligibility for a 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match 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