Intern

Voyageur Outward Bound School • Ely, MN

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The seasonal Internship is an immersive, on-the-job training program covering the logistical, community, and student-facing work of Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS). It is intended as an entry point for people interested in becoming instructors who have limited field experience. Depending on skills, experience, scheduling, and availability, some interns may advance to instructor during the same season; most complete the internship and may be eligible for rehire as field instructors the following season.

The program begins with a two-day basecamp orientation, an eight-day wilderness expedition training, and at least seven additional days of basecamp training. Training includes driver preparation, student management, technical skills, and an introduction to VOBS operations. Interns arrive in May or June and stay through August. The internship is designed as an educational experience, with approximately 35% of time in student contact and 65% supporting courses, course delivery, and the basecamp community.

Work varies and can include supporting climbing and ropes-course activities, meeting student groups at the airport, transporting students, preparing course food and gear, assisting with facilities maintenance, and supporting instructors and students. Interns may also assist with field response and evacuations. The position is based at the rustic Homeplace wilderness basecamp near Ely, Minnesota, where room and board are provided while under contract.

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old by the employment start date.
• Hold a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record under the Outward Bound MVR grading standard.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds and encourage the open expression of diverse ideas and opinions.
• Communicate ideas, facts, and information clearly in different settings and through different mediums.
• Manage and resolve conflict productively, address harm, and foster understanding and empathy.
• Recognize personal strengths and pursue continuous improvement through feedback, training, and goal setting.
• Recognize cultural differences and commonalities and adapt behavior in culturally appropriate and authentic ways.
• Make sound, timely decisions, including in uncertain or high-pressure situations.
• Build trust through honesty, integrity, authenticity, and consistency.
• Manage risk for oneself and others, set realistic goals, complete tasks on time, and work with an appropriate level of supervision.
• Adapt approach and demeanor to changing situations.
• Be willing to live in rustic conditions at the wilderness basecamp, with a common dining hall and shared washhouse.
• Be able to work a varied, flexible schedule, including weekends, and maintain flexibility during the May–August peak season.
• For Session 1 interns: hold Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications, and Wilderness Water Safety or active lifeguard certification. The posting notes these courses are available to staff during specified training periods.
• For Session 2 interns: hold Basic First Aid and CPR certifications, with at least 50% of the courses completed in person.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a wilderness training expedition modeled on an Outward Bound student experience.
• Learn about VOBS’s mission and how it is delivered in basecamp and field settings.
• Develop technical skills including flatwater paddling, rock climbing, top-rope anchor building, campcraft, and navigation.
• Develop facilitation skills including group dynamics, student management, conflict resolution, expeditionary leadership, and decision-making.
• Learn how a large outdoor program operates behind the scenes.
• Greet, supervise, and connect with students at the airport on arrival days.
• Drive students to and from airports, trailheads, and technical sites using passenger vans and equipment trailers.
• Assist with student gear issue and gear switches between activities.
• Assist at technical sites, including rock climbing, whitewater kayaking or canoeing, and high ropes.
• Supervise students who leave the field because of illness, injury, or behavioral incidents.
• Support instructors and students in the Intercept program during students’ final week at VOBS as they prepare to return home and reunite with their families.
• Help field instructors prepare courses by packing food and gear and setting up camp before student arrival.
• Assist the Facilities Manager with basecamp upkeep, which may include staining buildings, cleaning, grounds and yard work, and kitchen work.
• 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.
• Follow field staff manual procedures, safety policies, and emergency procedures.
• Drive defensively and safely in accordance with VOBS policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Room and board while under contract at the wilderness basecamp.
• Eligibility for a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching up to 2% of total earnings.
• Outdoor gear pro deals at discounted rates.
• Paid sick time accrued at one hour for every 30 hours worked.
• Access to the VOBS Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed