Operations Assistant: Equipment & Warehouse

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. 

Operations Assistants play critical roles in the day-to-day functions of the Wilderness Inquiry headquarters. By ensuring the safety, quality, and cost effectiveness of headquarters processes, Operations Interns help bring the Wilderness Inquiry mission to life for staff and participants on programs. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The ideal candidate would possess an interest in outdoor recreation and be familiar with activities and equipment related to hiking, paddling and overnight camping. Strong candidates will have a positive attitude, be self motivated, and are detail oriented. The Operations Assistant: Equipment & Warehouse works closely with our operations team to help organize and clean gear that comes back from Wilderness Inquiry’s adventures. This position also supports the operations team in other functions as needed. 

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

These duties may vary at the discretion of the supervisor. All staff members must be flexible and able to adapt to shifts in their job responsibilities as needed.

• Ensure gear and equipment used on trail promotes safety, quality, and cost effectiveness
• Follow all necessary safety policies 
• Follow all operating procedures
• Collaborate with Operations Manager to ensure all gear items are stocked, inventoried, cleaned, organized, and repaired (when applicable) and ready for Outdoor Leaders for trip pack-out on time
• Independently facilitate and direct the gear and equipment pack-in process with Outdoor Leaders when trips return from the field
• Support maintaining general warehouse and parking lot cleanliness, organization, and functionality
• Support program needs such as education kit inventory and assembly
• Report project status, issues, and concerns to supervisor
• Support kitchen and food systems processes including packing out meals for trips, receiving food orders, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness
• Attend required trainings
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Active certification in Basic First Aid & CPR (or ability to obtain by start date).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, in both an indoor and outdoor setting
• Ability to plan, implement and follow through with responsibilities is essential 
• The ability to oversee projects independently and as part of a team and utilize strong communication skills 
• Ability to work as a team and conduct themselves in a way that contributes to a positive working environment with peers
• Must be interested in working a job with elements that can be physically demanding  
• Must be willing to work schedule/hours outlined 
• Must pass a background check
• All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire
• Valid Driver’s License and a safe driving record dating back at least five years
• DOT Medical Exam and Motor Vehicle Certification (or ability to obtain by start date)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with individuals from diverse social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds
• Experience driving and backing large passenger vehicles and trailers
• Broad knowledge of outdoor gear and equipment including use, maintenance, and repair

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, 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 

Hourly compensation on a scale of $19-$21/hour.

SCHEDULE & TRAINING

Seasonal/hourly position 32-40 hours/week. The typical schedule is Sunday – Wednesday or Monday -Thursday.  Role is integral to summer programming success, therefore applicants’ availability over the course of the summer may impact eligibility for this position.

• May 4, 2026: Preferred start date 
• May 4 – September 25: Main operating season. Must be available Sunday afternoon/evenings, Mondays, and Tuesdays
  

For more information, please contact Evan Jones, Program and Staffing Manager, at: [email protected]