Instructor (Sea Kayak Specialty)

Reports to: Associate Program Director

Status: Exempt, per diem

Salary: $110 per day

Anticipated Start Date: May 1, 2024

NWOBS is seeking seasonal instructors with at least 15 days of open water Sea Kayak expedition experience to join our Mazama base camp team! Mazama, WA is located in the beautiful Methow Valley, and is home to trees, rocks, rivers, and wildlife. Courses at Mazama often include a Sea Kayaking element, in addition to other activities such as backpacking, climbing, etc. We are excited for you to join our mission of changing lives through challenge and discovery!

• $110 per diem starting rate (see Advancement Plan for pay structure)
  • If you believe you qualify for lead instructor, please follow the link HERE to apply.
• Full room and board; amenities include communal lodge, prepared lunch and dinner, river access; washer and dryer available
• NWOBS New Staff Training, stipend of $1200.00 paid in 2 installments
• NWOBS training & professional development opportunities (Technical training opportunities include: backpacking, rock climbing, river, and mountaineering workshops. Instructor facilitation trainings include: Lead Instructor Training, Mental Health First Aid, Student Management Skills, Community Resilience, and EID. Further nationwide staff invitationals available throughout our network)
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) -- valued at ~$1,000 per case
  • Comprehensive resource & referral center, including financial, legal, well-being coaching, child-, and eldercare
  • Free counseling (therapy), 5 sessions per occurrence
  • 24/7 Crisis line
• Industry Pro-Deals, discounts from partner brands and other top outdoor gear providers.
• 50% course tuition discounts for staff and their family members.
• Opportunity to apply for discounted technical training, such as Swiftwater rescue, Single Pitch Instructor, and Wilderness First Responder certifications.

Instructors intentionally design inclusive and culturally relevant courses, build rapport with students, facilitate difficult conversations and empower students in interpersonal and outdoor skills. They craft an appropriate progression of the levels of responsibility to meet our outcomes of character development, leadership skills, and an ethic of engagement and reciprocity towards others and the environment.

Applicants must be available to attend training during the month of May, in order to be assigned courses from June-August or September. Upon successful completion of training, staff are guaranteed a minimum of 40 days of work.

Safety: Appropriately manage physical and emotional safety on course. Manage student groups in hazardous terrain (i.e. rough water or uneven terrain). Develop safety plans and manage emergencies per policy utilizing your best judgment.

Outdoor Knowledge and Skill: Skillfully manage students and risk in two or more course activities including: backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, white water rafting, Sea Kayaking, and canoeing. Please view the Minimum Skills Standards for this position. Download our Outdoor Skills Log template, fill it out in detail, and be prepared to upload during the application process.

Course Delivery: Participate in course planning, including development of experiential, educational, and outdoor skill curricula, route planning, food and equipment organization, and packing. Effectively assess student needs and facilitate lessons, activities, and discussions to meet student needs and achieve stated course outcomes.

Interpersonal Knowledge and Skill: Work effectively with students 12-18+ years in age who have never camped before, as well as students from marginalized communities. Work with staff that have different styles and backgrounds. Take initiative and carry out necessary tasks individually and work cooperatively as a team.

Uphold NWOBS values and expectations on course and at base: We commit to personal growth in areas of equity, and inclusion; to act with integrity, role modeling excellence and craftsmanship while demonstrating compassion and respect for the diverse lived experiences of peers, students, and families.

• Must be 21 years of age or older on May 1st, 2024.
• Must possess current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR Certifications or must demonstrate intent to obtain prior to the start of training.
• Possess the mental stamina, adaptability, and emotional maturity to work and thrive in austere/remote/challenging course environments while living and traveling with students and co-instructors 24/7.
• 1 year (or seasonal equivalent) of extensive and comparable experience in risk management, experiential learning, and/or outdoor education.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people, to create an environment of inclusion and cooperation on course and at base camp. Ability to take ownership and practice humility in your personal journey toward building a more inclusive and safe workspace.
• Ability to plan and facilitate activities, lessons, and discussions, including presenting culturally relevant and engaging lessons that meet learners' needs and reflect their experience beyond their course.
• Must be sufficiently fit to participate in all duties as assigned and maintain ample energy and focus to aid students and staff.

SEA KAYAKING SKILLS (REQUIRED FOR SEA KAYAKING COURSES)

1. General Skills including:

• Knowledge of potential hazards pertaining to weather and sea states.
• Familiarity with coastal camping and travel.
• Knowledge of marine ecosystems.
• Familiarity with Leave No Trace practices.
• Knowledge of basic knots: bowline, reef knot, rolling hitch, etc.

2. Basic Navigation Skills including:

• Familiarity with navigation using chart and compass.
• Knowledge of the basic concepts of tides and currents.
• Ability to read tide and current tables.

3. General Sea Kayaking Skills including:

• 15 days on the sea in a variety of weather and tidal conditions (large swell, strong winds, tidal races, fog and inclement weather)
• Experience and comfort paddling in Force 3-4 conditions.
• Ability to read inlet water as well as open water sea states.
• Experience with loading kayaks for an expedition.
• Experience with basic paddling stroke techniques.
• Experience with self and group rescue techniques in rough seas.
• Ability to use safety and rescue equipment.