Intern

Voyageur Outward Bound School • Ely, MN

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Intern is an immersive seasonal position at Voyageur Outward Bound School’s Ely base that provides on-the-job training in the organization’s logistics, community, and student-facing work. The internship is an entry point for people interested in becoming instructors who do not yet have significant field experience. Depending on skill, experience, scheduling, and availability, some interns may be promoted to instructor during the same season; most complete the internship and may be eligible for rehire as a field instructor the following season.

The program begins with a two-day base-camp orientation, followed by an eight-day wilderness expedition training modeled on a student experience. Interns then return to base for at least seven days of additional training, which may include driver training, student management, technical skills, and further organizational orientation. Interns arrive in May or June and remain through August. Their duties vary and may include course support, student transportation and supervision, technical-site support, course preparation, and facilities work. The internship is designed as an educational experience, with approximately 35% of time in student contact and 65% supporting courses, course delivery, and the base-camp community.

This is a seasonal, exempt position. Compensation is $50 per day during initial training, then $80 per day worked during the first five weeks after training. After the first five weeks, interns promote to support staff and receive $95 per day for the remainder of their contract. If promoted to instructor, instructing work starts at $110 per day. Room and board are provided while on contract at the wilderness basecamp, or a stipend is provided. Other offerings include eligibility for a 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match up to 2% of total earnings, discounted outdoor-gear purchases through pro deals, paid sick time, and access to the employee assistance program.

There are two sessions: Session 1 runs from early May through August 14, and Session 2 from early June through August 14. Course work is possible but not guaranteed for Session 1 and possible but unlikely for Session 2. The contract may potentially extend through September 20. Hiring is rolling and continues until positions are filled. Work assignments are provided after training and depend on student enrollment; interns must remain flexible during the peak season from May through August. Some year-round work opportunities may be available.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old by the employment start date.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record acceptable under Outward Bound’s MVR grading standard.
• Ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds and encourage open expression of varied ideas and opinions.
• Clear communication across different settings and mediums.
• Ability to manage and resolve conflict productively, address harm, and foster understanding and empathy.
• Commitment to continual learning, self-awareness, feedback, training, and improvement.
• Cultural competence, including the ability to recognize cultural differences and commonalities and adapt behavior appropriately.
• Ability to make sound, timely decisions under uncertainty or pressure.
• Ability to build trust through honesty, integrity, authenticity, and consistency.
• Risk-management ability to anticipate, mitigate, and engage in healthy risks.
• Ability to set realistic goals, complete tasks on time, and work with an appropriate level of supervision.
• Ability to adapt approach and demeanor to changing situations.
• Willingness to live in rustic conditions at the wilderness basecamp, with a common dining hall and shared washhouse.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather, including poor weather, and on a varied, flexible schedule that includes weekends.
• Mental resilience to manage occasionally physically or emotionally difficult situations involving staff, students, partners, chaperones, or parents.
• Ability to participate in site and course activities and maintain the ability to support students and instructors.
• Ability to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activities, including backpacking, paddling, portaging, running, carrying canoes overland, swimming, rock climbing, and kayaking.
• Ability to lift, crawl, bend, carry, and pull; occasionally carry equipment weighing up to 75 pounds.
• For Session 1 interns only: Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications. A WFR course is available to staff onsite at a reduced cost in late April.
• For Session 1 interns only: Wilderness Water Safety or active lifeguard certification; training is available during all-staff training.
• For Session 2 interns: Basic First Aid and CPR courses, with at least 50% of the coursework in person.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a wilderness training expedition modeled on an Outward Bound student experience, including challenge, intentional community living, and skill development.
• Learn about the organization’s mission and how it is delivered in base-camp 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 education 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 issuing student gear on arrival days and changing gear when course activities shift.
• 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 its final week, including transition-home and family-reunion preparation.
• Assist field instructors with course preparation, including packing food and gear and setting up camp before students arrive.
• Assist the Facilities Manager with base-camp upkeep, including building maintenance, cleaning, grounds and yard work, and kitchen work.
• Participate as needed in the base-camp on-call field response system, including wilderness evacuations, answering the emergency field line, and preparing food and gear for evacuation teams.
• Follow local operating procedures, safety policies, and emergency procedures in the field staff manual.
• Drive defensively and safely in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Room and board while on contract at the wilderness basecamp, or a stipend.
• Eligibility for a 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match up to 2% of total earnings.
• Pro deals offering discounted outdoor gear.
• Paid sick time accrued at one hour for every 30 hours worked.
• Access to the VOBS Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed