SUMMARY
At the VOBS Twin Cities Center, we provide experiences that challenge an individual’s own perception of what is possible through single and multi-day expeditions. Our mission is to change lives through challenge and discovery.
The Course Director oversees the safety, quality, and educational effectiveness of all courses. Primary responsibilities include supervising, training and evaluating Instructors, managing technical student sites, overseeing logistical details of courses in the field, and ensuring safety and program quality across the board.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as the primary resource and mentor for instructors, ensuring courses of high educational quality, designed and conducted according to national and charter operating policies and procedures.
Schedule and facilitate course planning to ensure all courses are designed according to OB design principles, VOBS education consistencies, age progression and partner/OE goals.
Oversee instructors in the field including field checks, logistics coordination, emergency communications and coordination, and technical site management.
Facilitate course debrief, complete all course paperwork, and oversee equipment check in and wrap up.
Ensure OB national and local safety policies and procedures are adhered to during course, evaluate all incident reports for each course and complete other required documentation.
Develop field staff through mentorship, feedback and pairing meetings, and in-service training.
Instruct staff training to help instructors develop individual, technical and educational skills.
Maintain professional communication between VOBS staff, students, parents, partners and chaperones during pre-course, course, and wrap up. This includes emergency situations.
Secondary Duties and Responsibilities
Assist in the refinement and educational effectiveness of VOBS programming.
Ensure course documentation and data retention from students & staff is delivered according to expectations.
Maintain professional presence and relations at sites, and with parents, program delivery partners and public interactions.
May be required to step into Lead Instructor role as program and staffing needs indicate.
Reconnaissance of new course areas.
Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of OB programs and philosophy.
Detail oriented with great organizational skills.
Strong technical skills and working knowledge specific to canoeing, backpacking, rock climbing, winter activities, and urban adventures, ideally in local course areas.
History and knowledge of working with student populations that reflect a diversity of cultures, ages, faiths, orientations and a wide range of identities.
Ability to accurately assess field staff and teach to a variety of learners.
Able to provide challenging feedback, manage diverse staff identities and facilitate conflict resolution processes.
Ability to solve problems, prioritize and multi-task successfully within tight timelines and under high stress.
Ability to manage a flexible and dynamic work schedule for self and supervisees.
Single Pitch Rock Climbing Site Manager (PCIA, AMGA or ability to obtain equivalent certifications).
Whitewater canoeing skills, including knowledge of hazards in Class I-II environments (Swiftwater Rescue training or the ability to obtain training after employment).
Education, Work Experience, or Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree and at least 2-3 years of experience instructing courses in the outdoor education/experiential learning field.
Valid Wilderness First Responder certification.
On feet most days – sometimes for up to 16+ hours a day (could be longer in an emergency)
Ability to lift, carry, and move 40-60 lbs, generally in the form of a backpack.
Sufficiently fit to participate in vigorous physical activity including but not limited to running, swimming, backpacking, climbing, skiing and canoeing..
Valid driver’s license with at least three years of driving experience.
For the protection of minors, must complete criminal background check as well as motor vehicle record check prior to employment
Per Diem according to VOBS’ Field Staff Pay scale (Course director salary $101-154 per diem based on experience).
Online applications will be accepted until both positions are filled. Interviews start March 23rd.
6-month position starting in early April or May, extending through September/October.
