EOE STATEMENT
At Voyageur Outward Bound School we strive to embody our values, including diversity and inclusion. VOBS is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and supporting a vision of equity for the future. This organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military status, marital status, age, citizenship, or any other basis prohibited by law.  
LOCATION
Twin Cities Center  
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
We challenge you to change a life.
We challenge you to change your community.
We challenge you to change the world!

The need for leaders of character and compassion is great.

For over 50 years, Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS) has changed lives through challenge and discovery. We know that personal discovery leads to positive transformation. Our students grow character and compassion through nature-based adventure. Our vision is more resilient and compassionate people for a more resilient and compassionate world.

Voyageur Outward Bound School is a charter of Outward Bound USA, the leading provider of experiential education for youth and adults. We design and deliver intensive single-day and extended wilderness expedition experiences that build and develop character, leadership and service through shared experience.

VOBS delivers high impact programs across three sites: Twin Cities Center in St Paul, MN, Homeplace Wilderness Basecamp in Ely, MN and Big Bend Basecamp in Redford, TX.

Our values are integrity, excellence, compassion, inclusion and safety. Our instructors are highly trained and experienced. We are proud to be recognized as one of the 100 Best places to work by Outside magazine for consecutive years.

Collaboration with educational and non-profit organizations is critical to our mission. We partner with schools, colleges, non-profit organizations and families to serve their youth and young adults with programs that support specific educational goals.
 
CATEGORY
Field Positions  
DESCRIPTION

Summary

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

The Twin Cities Base delivers both multi-day (Expedition) and day-long (Insight) experiential education programming. These programs work with a diverse spectrum of students across an array of high impact activities including: urban adventure, canoeing, rock climbing, challenge course, environmental service, orienteering, and winter programs. Programming focuses on self-discovery, problem-solving, team development, collaboration, and communication in small group settings.

 

Essential Duties 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

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 rapport 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

SAFETY/JUDGEMENT

• Sufficiently fit to participate in all activities of course with reserve energy to support students
• Role model safety and awareness during all course activities. Support physical and emotional safety of students and staff.
• Able to differentiate between personal and institutional standards. Understands and follows local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures as outlined in the field staff manual
• Assess students’ ability and the hazards of conditions or activity to ensure all programs are safe and appropriate

EXPEDITION SKILLS

• Competency in expedition skills including canoeing, portaging, backpacking, campcraft, map and compass navigation, expedition logistics and decision-making, and ability to teach & model these skills to students.
• Can manage their personal needs and self-care without negatively impacting the student experience
• Ability to lift, carry, and move upwards of 75 pounds, often with the help of another person
• 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.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Provide clear, effective and timely communication with co-instructor, Course Director and other staff.
• Ability to be flexible and positive in a dynamic, team-oriented work environment.
• Can adapt communication skills and techniques to environment and student population.

TRAINEE

• Participate in all required staff training including travel training, Professional Learning Lab educational training, technical training, Staff Orientation, wilderness water safety, and pre-course training (if applicable).
• Growth-oriented mindset in pursuing self-development as well as the growth of fellow staff.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Minimum age requirement is 21 years old
• Demonstrated leadership experience with team-building facilitation, top-rope rock climbing, river canoeing, backpacking, high/low ropes course facilitation experience, or youth development
  • 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 Wilderness First Responder certification (certification course available for new hires).
• Valid Lifeguard, Wilderness Water Safety, or Swiftwater Rescue certification (training provided)

 

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting $81 per diem pay according to VOBS’ Field Instructor Pay Scale for all preparation, duration, and completion of coursework.
• Shared housing provided near the St. Paul office.
• Eligible for ProDeal (professional discounts from a variety of outdoor companies).
• Accident insurance and retirement plan available.

Dates & Application Information

• Hiring happens on a rolling basis beginning in November and position will remain open until filled.
• 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 hiring. Instructors must maintain flexibility during the peak season (May-August) and opportunities for year-round work are available.