YOUTH GROUP LEADER

TIME/WAGE: May-August: approx 35 program days. Pay level is dependent on skills and experience. Opportunities for advancement available upon demonstrated performance with Wilderness Inquiry. Staff housing and other stipends available.

SUPERVISOR: Director of Youth and Training Programs
Summary: Wilderness Inquiry (WI) is seeking Youth Group Leaders who are experienced in youth programming, outdoor leadership, and outreach for youth and families. The primary role of the Youth Group Leader is to provide direct service for WI’s Adventure Leadership Program (ALP) participants (approx. 10 – 16 youth, ages 13 – 18) while on daylong and multi-day trips.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Must be a Wilderness Inquiry Trail Staff (or have equivalent experience). The ability to work independently to plan and implement events and activities involving youth, families, staff, and volunteers is essential. This position requires excellent interpersonal communication skills and writing abilities. Must be capable of leading safe, quality and cost-effective day events and wilderness trips. YGLs are responsible for the lives and well being of WI participants throughout a WI adventure. Must be interested in leading trips for youth of all abilities, including youth with disabilities. Understanding of youth development is required. Knowledge of Macintosh operating system and software programs is a plus. Must be willing to work evening and weekend hours.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsible for providing leadership on WI trips for assigned ALP group. Skills necessary to lead successful wilderness trips for ALP groups include:

• Communicate with youth and families about the ALP program and events.
• Supervise secondary trail staff assigned to ALP wilderness trips and events.
• Work with Program Director and Director of Youth and Training Programs to develop program activities.
  
• Maintain regular contact with parents regarding their child’s participation and progress.
  
• Embrace a "servant leadership" ethic that places the participant first.
• Demonstrate a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done, including the physical stamina and personal fortitude to lead groups through all conditions.
  
• Visually and verbally assess group needs, capacities and desires to safely and effectively meet their needs.
  
• Effectively communicate WI policies and procedures.
  
• Proficiently perform activities conducted on WI single day events and extended trips including canoeing, sea kayaking, x-country skiing, dog sledding, etc.
  
• Navigate safely and accurately over land and water.
  
• Provide emergency first aid and conduct an evacuation under all conditions likely to be encountered.
  
• Work with logistics staff and participants to pack-in/out for wilderness trips including gear & food.
  
• Safely drive a 15-passenger van pulling a loaded trailer in all weather and road conditions.

Certifications: To be considered for a YGL position, applicants must possess or be actively seeking the following certifications. For information on how to obtain certifications visit www.wildernessinquiry.org/certs.

• First Aid: Wilderness First Responder preferred; alternatively a 16-hour course sponsored by WMI, WMA, SOLO, EMSRB, or Red Cross
  
• Water Safety: Lifeguard/Professional Rescuer, Wilderness Water Safety, or Swift Water Rescue
  
• CPR
• A current driver' s license and a safe driving record

Physical Requirements: Lift and carry heavy loads over rough terrain for distances of 10 feet to 2 miles. This could range from 30 lb. packs to adult individuals in need of transfer (transfers include, but are not limited to, transferring individuals from wheelchairs to boats). Transfers may need to be done with the assistance of others. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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