Assistant Instructor – Intercept (Struggling Teens & Families Program), Ely – Homeplace Basecamp (Variable Hour/Seasonal, Exempt, Per Diem)

Reports to: Staffing Director

Overview

Field Instructors oversee the safety, quality and educational effectiveness of programs during individual courses. Assistant Instructors carry out all instructor responsibilities while under the training of Instructors, Course Directors and other program staff.

The Assistant Instructor for the Intercept Program requires prior experience in expedition leading and/or youth-work. Assistant Instructors will receive training in the Spring including wilderness travel training with other staff, technical trainings including rock climbing and ropes course, and training on VOBS curriculum and education philosophy. The training is intended to provide familiarity with VOBS policies, procedures, educational approach, as well as knowledge of the local course area (the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness). On-the-job training continues when the Assistant Instructor begins working in the field with student populations under the supervision of a Course Director and a Lead Instructor. The instructional team of Lead and Assistant Instructor are responsible for using a wilderness expedition as the means for delivering educationally-effective and safe Outward Bound courses to a wide-range of populations. During the summer season, the majority of work will be with youth and young adults, with a focus on the Intercept Program which serves struggling teens and their families.

You can find more information about the Intercept Program here.

Assistant instructors maintain a schedule that allows for both instructing field work (70%) and logistical support work (30%).  

Role and Responsibilities

Mission Delivery

• Understands and supports VOBS values and mission with students and staff
• Strong commitment to professional development and personal growth
• Support an equitable environment that promotes inclusion of all team members
• Other duties as assigned

Student Engagement/Management

• Under supervision of Instructor and Course Director, collaborate to design and implement experiential education programs that are in line with VOBS mission and educational philosophy and are tailored to the particular student population or group.
• Build and maintain rapport with diverse student groups
• Teach and utilize conflict management & communication skills for groups and individuals
• Support and maintain a positive tone that fosters mutual engagement between students and staff
• Other duties as assigned

Safety/Judgement

• Role model safety and situational awareness during all course activities
• Support physical and emotional safety of students and staff
• Participate in medical/behavioral field evacuations and emergencies as needed
• Actively understand and adhere to local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures as outlined in field staff manual and able to differentiate between personal and institutional standards
• Assess students’ ability and the hazards of conditions or activity to ensure all programs are delivered safely and appropriately
• Other duties as assigned

Expedition and Interpersonal Activities

• Provide clear, effective and timely communication with co-instructor, Course Director and other staff.
• Participate in expedition planning, Course Starts and Graduations, and other course activities
• Actively adapt communication skills and techniques to environment and student population
• Manage personal needs and self-care without negatively impacting the student experience
• Participate and guide in expedition skills including canoeing, backpacking, campcraft, map and compass navigation, expedition logistics and decision-making, and ability to teach & model these skills to students
• Facilitates a Family Conference at the end of the course that promotes vulnerability and communication within the family unit
• Other duties as assigned

Trainee

• Participate in all required staff training including travel training, technical training, staff orientation
• Growth-oriented mindset in pursuing self-development as well as the growth of fellow staff
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience with team-building facilitation, top-rope rock climbing, flatwater canoeing, backpacking, high/low ropes course facilitation experience, or youth development
• Ability to be flexible and positive in a dynamic, team-oriented work environment
• 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
• Professional experiential education experience (NOLS, Outward Bound or similar organization) with minimum of 45+ professional days in the field; some of which should be on extended overnight expeditions
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or training youth, coworkers, or peers
• Valid Lifeguard, Wilderness Water Safety, or Swiftwater Rescue certification (equivalent training offered at discounted rate)
• Required Certifications: First Aid and CPR (Wilderness First Responder required for Field Instructors), Valid Driver’s License

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

Compensation, Benefits, and Dates

• Per Diem compensation in accordance with VOBS’ Field Pay Scale for all preparation, duration, and completion of coursework; plus eligibility for 403(b) plan with 2% match
• Staff housing provided on the Homeplace Basecamp
• Eligible for ProDeal (professional discounts from a variety of outdoor companies)
• Summer staff training will begin in Mid-May
• All field staff schedules are dependent on student enrollment.  As a result, Instructors will receive their specific work assignments after training. Instructors must maintain flexibility during the peak season (May-August) and opportunities for year-round work may be available
• Applications should be submitted online at www.vobs.org/jobs.
• Hiring happens on a rolling basis beginning in November and positions will remain open until filled