Job Description

OVERVIEW

At Wilderness Inquiry, we believe that  everyone belongs . We work to ensure this belief holds true in our workplace, in our community, and in the outdoors. We pursue this belief through our mission and shared values of  paddling together ,  seeking the exceptional ,  finding a way, and nurturing inclusion .

Outdoor Leaders create the magic at Wilderness Inquiry. Leading single to multi-day adventures for adults, youth, and families of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities, Outdoor Leaders bring Wilderness Inquiry programming to life in the field and ensure the safety, quality and cost-effectiveness of Wilderness Inquiry experiences. Life as a Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leader can be fun, exciting, challenging and incredibly rewarding.

POSITION SUMMARY

Canoemobile focuses on introducing youth and young adults from historically marginalized communities to their local outdoor spaces. Canoemobile experiences include day trips in the Twin Cities Metro Area and extended national tours ranging from 2-12 weeks in length. Canoemobile Outdoor Leaders (OLs) lead outdoor-based field trips that incorporate: canoeing, environmental education activities focused on STEM, natural resources, historical and cultural interpretation, and team-building. Canoemobile OLs are caring adults who deliver programming that centers social emotional learning.

We recognize that as an industry, there is much to do to increase representation in our field to reflect the communities we aim to serve. We also know that diversity of identities and experiences results in better solutions for our communities. For this reason, we especially encourage folks from communities who experience systemic barriers — including people of color, women, LGBTQI+, and people with disabilities — to apply for this position.

CURRENT OPENINGS

Start date offered on a rolling basis; preferred start date by August 26, 2024.

• Twin Cities Local Day Trip Outdoor Leaders (Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN)
• Extended Tour Outdoor Leaders

SCHEDULE & TRAINING

Wilderness Inquiry’s Canoemobile program has seasonal full- and part-time employment opportunities annually from  March to November . Canoemobile OLs are hired on a rolling basis with a preferred start date of August 26, 2024. Schedule will be discussed during interview; earlier start dates available upon request. For more information, please contact Evan Jones, Program and Staffing Manager, at  [email protected] . Upcoming fall season and training dates include:

• August 26 – September 6, 2024:  Wilderness Inquiry Fall Canoemobile Training
• September 7 – November 12, 2024: Fall Canoemobile Programming Season. Variety of full- to part-time work available depending on individual availability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Canoemobile Outdoor Leaders are responsible for leading participants through a cohesive day of Wilderness Inquiry programming. A leader’s goal is to connect participants with the natural world and each other by providing engaging activities and education. 

Group Facilitation & Environmental Education

• Provide excellent leadership for Wilderness Inquiry program participants
• Work collaboratively with a team of Co-Leaders and Primary to build a safe, engaging, socially/emotionally supportive, and welcoming learning program environment for participants and team members.
• Demonstrate flexibility and creative problem-solving.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the variety and complexities of relationships Wilderness Inquiry audiences may have with the outdoors based on race, gender, experiences, age, and backgrounds.
• Accurately and professionally represent the Wilderness Inquiry brand to program partners, participants, media, and the public.
• Use effective judgment and decision making regarding trip implementation
• Uphold Wilderness Inquiry’s Trail Community Agreements
• Dedicate time to learn relevant curriculum, location specific interpretation, social emotional learning, and group goals.
• Connect and adapt the curriculum to support the learning objectives of the day.

Technical Skills & Safety

• Ensure program compliance with Wilderness Inquiry policies and risk management procedures.
• Assess participant ability and expectations to safely and effectively meet individual and group needs.
• Proficiently perform, or show willingness to learn, activities conducted on trips including North/Tandem canoeing, hiking, camping, navigating routes, cooking, etc.
• Provide emergency first aid in an outdoor setting (contingent upon certification).
• Care for Wilderness Inquiry program equipment
• Safely drive a 15-passenger van pulling a loaded trailer in all weather and road conditions (contingent upon driver eligibility).

Pre-Trip & Post-Trip Administration

• Actively participate in event-specific pre-trip meetings and post-trip debriefings with your team.
• Collaborate and coordinate with operations staff to pack-in and pack-out gear and food accordingly.
• Complete post-trip paperwork including evaluations, incident reports, expense entry, and trip summaries.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Basic First Aid & CPR Certification (or ability to obtain)
• Desire to lead, motivate, and manage groups of varying ages, abilities, and identities in an outdoor setting
• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Ability to work as a team and conduct themselves in a way that contributes to a positive working environment with peers
• Willing to keep flexible hours
• Must pass a background check
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be legally allowed to work in the United States
• Once hired, attendance at annual Outdoor Leader trainings and any activity-specific training required in order to accomplish the position including: North canoe training and assessment and driver training (if eligible).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Wilderness Water Safety, Lifeguard, or other Professional Rescuer
• Current driver’s license* and a safe driving record dating back at least five years
• One or more seasons or years of professional experience in outdoor recreation or education, leadership or guiding, group facilitation, or other related experience.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Spanish, American Sign Language, Hmong, or Somali

*Driver’s license status will not impact eligibility for hire but may impact eligibility to work specific programs/events

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; and use hands to handle, or touch objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On a regular occasion the employee may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. Must be able to lift and carry heavy loads up to 50lbs over rough terrain for distances of up to 1,000 feet. To meet the demands of the job, the employee must be able to make loud verbal commands, sit and stand for significant periods of time while also directing vessels such as a canoe or kayak, use vision to directionally navigate safely, and endure a wide variety of temperatures and elements. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

COMPENSATION

Outdoor Leaders are classified according to skill and experience. Compensation varies depending upon program type:

• Day Programs: Hourly compensation on a scale of $18-$19/hr
• Extended Canoemobile Tour Pay: Compensated for 6 out of every 7 days spent on tour over 13 days in length. Compensation starting at $172-$182/day, plus hourly pay for pre and post tour work where applicable.
• Overnight Programs:  Compensated on a per event basis on a scale of $172-$182/day, plus additional compensation for pre-trip preparation work.

Further details on compensation are available upon request. Opportunities for advancement available upon demonstrated performance with Wilderness Inquiry. Professional service stipends available.

All Outdoor Leaders regardless of position/experience are compensated at $18/hr and/or $172/day for training.

Wilderness Inquiry is an equal opportunity employer.

Why work here

At Wilderness Inquiry, we recognize the experience of our staff is just as important as the experience of our participants. Check out some of the perks and improvements we offer to make sure our staff have a fun and rewarding experience working for Wilderness Inquiry:

Training: We'll prepare you for the work you will do whether or not you're a wilderness expert, never camped in your life, or just interested in leading land-based local day activities. Our training is paid at $18/hr, or $172/day for overnight experiences.

Wages: Our seasonal staff wages range from $18-$19/hr for daily work or $172-$182/day for extended programs.

Professional Certification Stipends: We know the cost of obtaining and maintaining certifications required for professionals in the outdoor field can be a financial burden. We offer a $300 stipend to our Outdoor Leaders who work 55 trail days for Wilderness Inquiry while holding valid certifications to help offset these costs.

Inclusion: Not sure if you can see yourself working at Wilderness Inquiry? Don't hesitate to get to know us better! We've been making some big changes to our organization over the past few years and would love to connect with prospective applicants to talk about how you can become a part of the Wilderness Inquiry community!

When we say "community" we mean it! Many of our current and former staff's lifelong friendships and careers have come from their time working for Wilderness Inquiry. If you're looking for a place to make friends, participate in cool experiences, get paid to spend time outside, and work with a crew of amazing individuals where you feel like you truly belong and make a difference- work for Wilderness Inquiry!

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