The Lead Instructor is a mid-level position and stands at the core of Outward Bound course delivery. They hold the responsibility for training and mentoring the Assistant Instructors, creating and facilitating course curriculum, and upholding physical and emotional safety standards. Lead Instructors must have extensive prior knowledge of educational, technical, and interpersonal skills to meet the educational outcomes and safety expectations of an Outward Bound course. Lead Instructors will participate in multiple weeks of annual training to familiarize themselves with VOBS policies, procedures, educational approach, and local course area knowledge. The instructional team of Lead and Assistant Instructors are responsible for using a wilderness expedition to deliver safe, educationally-effective courses using Outward Bound’s educational framework, outcomes, and values. The expedition lead is responsible for leading backpacking and canoeing overnight expeditions with youth and young adults, including but not limited to, a diverse group of urban, suburban, and international students.

The Twin Cities Base delivers both multi-day (Expedition) and day-long (Insight) experiential education programming. This position is for a multi-day, Expedition Lead Instructor. Two expedition activities are run from the Twin Cities base: backpacking with a rock-climbing element, and canoeing. Programming focuses on self-discovery, problem-solving, team development, collaboration, and communication in small group settings.

Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated teambuilding facilitation, top-rope rock climbing, river canoeing, backpacking, high/low ropes course facilitation experience
• Professional experiential education experience (NOLS, Outward Bound or similar organization) with minimum of 100 professional days in the field; some of which should be on extended overnight expeditions.
• Teaching, training, and/or group leadership experience
• The following certifications (or the ability to obtain them after hiring) are required: Wilderness First Responder and CPR, Water Safety or Lifeguard Certification
• Growth-oriented mindset in pursuing self-development as well as the growth of fellow staff
• Ability to teach, train, mentor, and coach an Assistant Instructor throughout overnight courses
• Ability to assess and evaluate Assistant Instructor
• Lead Instructors need to show a high level of self-awareness when reflecting on decision-making, staff-student relationships, and judgement skill
• Ability to be flexible and positive in a dynamic, team-oriented work environment
• Exceptional communication skills
• Maintains motor vehicle record within OBUSA policies and procedures, ability to drive 15-passenger vehicle with trailer in all seasons (including towing canoe and equipment trailers), minimum age of 21
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or training youth, coworkers, or peers

Working Environment and Physical Requirements

• Ability to participate in moderate to rigorous physical activity including, but not limited to, paddling, backpacking, running, carrying canoes overland, swimming, or rock climbing. High-output activity levels and outdoor exposure is varying weather conditions required, especially during emergency situations
• Ability to work a varied and flexible schedule including many weekends
• Ability to pass background & motor vehicle record check
• Ability to lift and move up to 70 pounds on occasion, 40 pounds regularly
• Physically and mentally capable to participate in all course activities with reserve energy to safely support students