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WEEKEND PACK-IN COORDINATOR

TIME/WAGE: Temporary summer position, 6-15 hours per week. Exact start and end dates are flexible but should be available June 7 to Sept 15. $9.00/hr. Housing available as part of compensation package. May be combined with other part-time positions.

SUPERVISOR: Director of Administration

Wilderness Inquiry (WI) is a non-profit organization that focuses on getting people from all walks of life to personally experience the natural world. Since 1978, WI has served over 150,000 people, including many who have disabilities or otherwise do not fit the "wilderness traveler" stereotype. In addition to multi-day outdoor adventures, WI conducts a variety of activities including community events, research, training, equipment design, trail and facility assessments and policy development.

SUMMARY: The Weekend Pack-in Coordinator assists trail staff coming back from trips in unloading, cleaning, and inspecting gear to insure that is clean, dry, in good repair and ready for the next trip. Essentially, the Weekend Coordinator serves as a coordinator for weekend pack-ins. Must be willing to keep flexible hours, generally arriving 1-2 hours before 2 or more trips are scheduled to arrive. Good organizing skills essential! Must be willing to give direction to people. Most trips return on Sunday evenings. Duties below may vary at the discretion of the Director of Operations:

  • Arrive at WI at least 1-hour before first trip of the evening returns to coordinate volunteers.
  • Make sure the warehouse is clean and ready—supplies, vacuums, brooms are in the right place, soap is stocked, towels are available, etc. Put away items that are laying around outside of cage pallets, including all tools, cups, and other materials that may get lost during pack-in.
  • Fill black water tanks—1 with soapy water and the other with rinse water. If 3 or more trips are returning on the same evening fill two tanks for each purpose. If sea kayak trips returning prepare a watre tank with enzyme cleaner to kill bacteria that can live in neoprene.
  • Set up and supervise power sprayer—it is somewhat fragile and staff can easily damage it.
  • Set up 6-10 portable drying lines in parking lot so they do not block traffic. Lines are found in the cleaning supplies cabinet, and have carabineers attached to them. Use the fence and run lines to other trailer or canoe racks.
  • Move pallets for incoming trips to Pack In section (east side of warehouse) so that staff may easily access them.
  • Empty all trash containers in warehouse and kitchen after pack-in (before if they are full).
  • Talk to trail staff and inspect gear as it is going into the pallets. Make sure it is clean, dry, and in good repair before it goes back into gear bin.
  • Supervise what is being put into the repair bins—encourage staff to clearly explain what the problem is on the tag, and, if possible, do simple items themselves—such as replacing missing tent stakes, etc.
  • Direct traffic flow of vans and trailers, as well access to sinks, drying racks and cleaning stations.
  • Communicate weekend progress/occurrences as needed to full time staff (e-mail, voicemail, notes) decide what merits weekend calls to full time staff.
  • Clean up warehouse and parking lot, sweep, throw all trash in dumpster, clean out sinks, and generally straighten things out.
  • Lock up and secure warehouse and office building after pack-in/-out (or, in rare cases, delegate security to a proven primary trail staff with reason to stay late). Be sure ALL gates are locked and the security system is properly activated. Close bay door between kitchen and warehouse to conserve energy.
  • Help create a lively get-things-done environment during pack-in/-out with music, snacks, a positive atmosphere, etc.
  • Report any problems or issues to Warehouse Coordinator or Director of Operations.

CERTIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

  • A current driver' s license and a safe driving record.
  • Must be able to lift and carry equipment and food up to 50 lbs.
  • Mechanical aptitude for vehicles, trailers, and outdoor equipment helpful.

Wilderness Inquiry is an equal opportunity employer.

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