Position: Professional Outdoor Instructor (1 Canoeing and 2 Backpacking)

Employer: Johns Hopkins University Office of Experiential Education

Location: Baltimore, MD and various locations in West Virginia

Employment Type: Seasonal- May 15, 2023 to May 28, 2017

Program Description:

The Johns Hopkins University Experiential Education Department is a collegiate outdoor program that employs and trains 100 students to lead outdoor trips throughout their four years in school.  Every year the EE program runs three wilderness leadership courses, Hopkins Outdoor Leadership Training (HOLT), for the 24 recently hired outdoor instructors.  Two courses are backpacking in the Cranberry Wilderness and the Dolly Sods, WV and one is canoeing on the Greenbrier River and the North Branch of the Potomac, WV.  These three trips are the culmination of two semesters of classroom and field training in outdoor leadership, risk management and group facilitation.  These courses are designed to be an experience based leadership course that promotes the development of our outdoor instructors’ skill and leadership ability.  HOLT occurs directly after the spring semester and is 10 days long.  We are seeking professional outdoor instructors for each trip to help instruct and facilitate new outdoor instructor’s foundational experience in outdoor and leadership skills.

Instructor Duties and Responsibilities:

• Fully participates in course planning, including development of educational and technical curricula, route planning, food and equipment organization/packing.
• Assists EE Director and co-instructors in the delivery of JHU EE mission, educational framework and required components.
• Able to manage a student group in emergencies.
• Able to locate and use communication systems in the event of an emergency.
• Adheres to all local and JHU operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures outlined in the staff manual.
• Able to provide clear, effective and timely communication with co-instructors, Course Director and other staff.
• Able to instruct with one other professional instructor and/or a student instructor.
• Consistently strives to give and receive feedback with co-workers and supervisor.
• Demonstrates the ability to behave as a role model for students.
• Ability to lead a group of 7 to 10 college students

Knowledge and Skills (Technical Skills)

Backpacking Skills:

• Carry 40 – 60 lb pack on and off trail
• Ability to navigate with map and compass
• Has a level of competence in outdoor, camping and backpacking skills and experience that enables the individual to focus on students’ performance rather than own needs.
•  A minimum of 20+ nights in the field, including extended expeditionary travel, is strongly suggested
• General expeditionary backcountry experience and ability to teach backcountry skills
• Ability to teach and facilitate lessons on outdoor leadership.
• Previous work with college students preferred

Canoeing Skills:

• Has a level of competence in outdoor, camping and canoeing skills and experience that enables the individual to focus on students’ performance rather than own needs.
•  A minimum of 20+ nights in the field, including extended expeditionary travel, is strongly suggested.
• Whitewater and expedition style canoeing experience necessary.  Knowledge of Swift Water Rescue also necessary.
• Ability to navigate with map and compass
• General expeditionary backcountry experience and ability to teach backcountry skills
• Ability to teach and facilitate lessons on outdoor leadership.
• Previous work with college students
• ACA Whitewater Canoe Instructor Certification and SWR training preferred.

Education and Work Experience

• 2 years of field experience in outdoor education programs preferred.
• Holds current and valid Driver License.
• Holds current and valid certifications in WFR and CPR.

Specific Location Details

• Facilities: The EE office is located in Baltimore on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus.  
• Housing: In the field you will camping under tarps.  In Baltimore you will be staying in a hotel.
• Transportation: Travel to and from Baltimore will be arranged by the EE Director.  ON course you will be provided minivans, cars and on canoeing trips a Suburban and traveler.
• Food: Food is provided while on contract.

Job Starting Date: Canoeing instructor starts May 15, 2023. Backpacking instructor starts May 16, 2023. Course ends on May 30th.  In field days are May 20th to 29th. All other days are planning and evaluation days. 

Salary and Compensation: $150.00 per day.  Food in field will be provided.  In Baltimore you will receive $35.00 per diem.  Travel and lodging to and from Baltimore will be arranged.  

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume and experience log to:

Kevin Osborne, Coordinator of Experiential Education

[email protected]

410-516-4424

3400 North Charles St.

Attn: Recreation

Baltimore, MD 21218

Johns Hopkins University is committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students. As such, Johns Hopkins does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristic in any student program or activity administered by the university or with regard to admission or employment.