Instructor, Ely Summer - Sea Kayak 2024

Who are we?

At Voyageur Outward Bound School, we believe in the potential of every individual. We believe when people discover strength of character, an aptitude for leadership and a desire to serve, it has a positive impact on their lives and the lives of those around them. And that discovery has the power to make the world a better place.

Voyageur Outward Bound School is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks staff as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Outward Bound has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority.

We know that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage any interested applicant to apply, even if you don’t meet every one of our qualifications listed.

POSITION SUMMARY

This is a seasonal position (arriving in May and continuing through August) working primarily in the field. Candidates are required to attend a pre-employment training before the season begins that includes wilderness travel training, technical skills training, OB curriculum and educational philosophy.

On-the- job training continues when the Sea Kayak Instructor (I) begins working in the field under the supervision of a Course Director and Lead Instructor (LI). Working as part of an instructional team, Instructors are expected to observe, learn, and practice the art of facilitating educationally effective Sea Kayaking programs and teaching students the skills necessary to thrive on a wilderness expedition. They are also expected to learn and follow VOBS safety policies and procedures meant to mitigate the risks inherent to remote Sea Kayak travel.

VOBS serves a wide range of student populations. The majority of our students are youth and young adults between the ages of 14 and 25. Some of our programs (Intercept) specifically work with youth and young adults who are struggling to make positive decisions in one or more areas in their lives and whose needs cannot be met through participation in a standard or “Classic” expedition format. The bulk of our programming occurs during the summer months, with students participating on canoe expeditions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and backpacking on the Superior hiking trail. VOBS also has a small Sea Kayak program with courses in both the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the Lake Superior Marine Conservation Area in Black Bay, Ontario. The Sea Kayak Instructor should be capable and willing to work in both the canoeing and Sea Kayaking program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Delivery & Implementation

• Collaborate with VOBS staff to design and implement a nature based, experiential expedition that serves students and is in line with Outward Bound mission and educational philosophy
• Willingness to role model the values Outward Bound seeks to teach to students, including character, leadership and service
• Participate in course planning and logistics including: development of educational and technical curricula, route planning, and food and equipment planning and pack-out

Community Development

• Committed to actively participating in building a community where all students and staff feel a sense of belonging
• Provide clear, effective and timely communication with co-instructor, Course Director and other staff
• Able to give and receive timely, effective oral and written feedback
• Assist in managing student behaviors, group dynamics, and facilitating group processes
• Work with VOBS staff to facilitate workshops and restorative conferences with parents of students participating in Intercept courses

Student Supervision & Safety

• Assist in identifying, assessing and managing environmental, physical, social and emotional risk during all course activities
• Adhere to local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures as outlined in the field staff manual
• Assist in managing student emotional and physical safety in times of duress, such as field emergencies

Other Duties as Assigned