Lead Instructor - Canoe/Backpack, Homeplace

Voyageur Outward Bound School • Ely, MN

2h • $130 - $170 • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Instructor is a mid-level, seasonal role at Voyageur Outward Bound School’s Ely Base, serving as a core member of the team delivering wilderness expedition courses. The role is intended as a pathway for Outdoor Educators with significant field experience to become VOBS lead instructors. New hires begin in a Lead Training role, learning local systems and the Outward Bound delivery model through direct training and co-instruction alongside an experienced Lead. Candidates are expected to transition to Lead Instructor within 30 to 45 VOBS field days. A pre-season training and skills assessment are required, with mentorship from another Lead Instructor during the first course identified as the ideal progression.

The position runs seasonally from May through August and works primarily in the field. Pre-employment training covers wilderness travel, technical skills, Outward Bound curriculum, and educational philosophy. Lead Instructors work with an Instructor to deliver safe and impactful programs using VOBS’s educational framework, outcomes, and values. Courses serve a range of student populations, mostly young people ages 14 to 25, and include classic expeditions lasting 8 to 22 days, specially designed programs, and programs for intact groups.

Under the Course Director’s supervision, the Lead Instructor helps design and implement experiential education programs tailored to each student group, leads course planning, trains and mentors Instructors, and upholds physical and emotional safety standards. The role also involves community-building at a wilderness basecamp, supporting emergency field response when needed, and participating in daily upkeep of shared spaces. Work can involve extended days, variable schedules, challenging outdoor conditions, and physically demanding expedition activities.

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old as of the employment start date.
• Demonstrate collaboration, communication, conflict management, continual learning, cultural competence, sound decision-making, trustworthiness, initiative, adaptability, and a positive approach in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrate risk-management ability, including assessing students’ abilities and backcountry hazards and mitigating risks associated with expedition-style travel.
• Demonstrate self-management, time management, situational adaptability, and the ability to complete tasks with an appropriate level of supervision.
• Have experience coaching, mentoring, or training youth, coworkers, or peers.
• Be able to assess and evaluate Instructors and provide constructive feedback and coaching.
• Demonstrate self-awareness when reflecting on staff judgment, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships.
• Demonstrate competency in canoeing, portaging, backpacking, campcraft, map-and-compass navigation, expedition logistics, and risk management.
• Have experience teaching outdoor technical skills to students and leading others.
• Demonstrate group facilitation and team-building skills.
• Be able to participate in all 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 on their feet most days, sometimes for 16 or more hours, and in outdoor weather conditions, including poor weather.
• Be able to lift, crawl, bend, carry, and pull; work may occur in confined spaces and at height.
• Be able to work a varied and flexible schedule, including weekends.
• Have the mental resilience to endure occasional physically or emotionally difficult situations, including emotionally charged interactions with staff, students, partners, chaperones, or parents.
• Be able to carry equipment weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Be able to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activities, including backpacking, paddling, portaging, running, carrying canoes overland, swimming, rock climbing, and kayaking.
• Hold Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications, or be able to obtain them after hiring.
• Hold Wilderness Water Safety or an active lifeguard certification, or be able to obtain the water safety certification provided to staff at reduced cost during the training cycle.

Nice To Haves

• A 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.
• Top-rope rock climbing, sea kayaking, or high-ropes course facilitation experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate under the Course Director’s supervision and while training Instructor(s) to design and implement experiential education programs aligned with VOBS’s mission and educational philosophy and tailored to each student group.
• Model Outward Bound values, including courage, inclusion, and integrity.
• Lead course planning, including educational and technical curricula, route planning, gear issue, meal planning, and food 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, effective oral and written feedback.
• Mentor Instructors in managing student behavior and facilitating group dynamics and processes.
• Support students, co-instructors, and the organization through teamwork, care, and professionalism.
• Contribute to the wilderness basecamp community, including daily upkeep and maintenance of public spaces.
• Follow local operating procedures, safety policies, and emergency procedures in the field staff manual.
• Mentor and supervise Instructors on VOBS policies and procedures.
• Serve as the single point of responsibility for the expedition.
• Manage student behavior and group dynamics and facilitate group processes.
• Support students’ emotional and physical safety during distress, including emergencies, inclement weather, and interpersonal conflict.
• Maintain a broad view of the expedition and consider safety in all decision-making.
• Support the basecamp on-call field response system as needed, which may include evacuating an injured student, answering the emergency field line, and preparing food and gear for evacuation teams.

Benefits

• Housing and meals provided while on contract.
• 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.
• Eligibility for Minnesota Paid Leave after earning at least $3,900 in the previous year in Minnesota.
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed