Base Camp Coordinator (Apostle Islands)

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. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Base Camp Coordinator (BCC) is a seasonal position based out of Wilderness Inquiry’s 40-acre Apostle Islands Kayak Base Camp near Bayfield, WI that hosts 60+ participants each week during the summer season. 

The BCC embraces our values by creating a welcoming and safe environment for all our guests. This position’s primary role is the proper care of our facilities, equipment, and grounds. The BCC ensures high standards when it comes to keeping our facilities clean, equipment in good order, and the grounds well maintained providing a positive experience for all participants. They are a motivated and dependable individual with a strong willingness to learn and grow in this hands-on, outdoor environment. The BCC reports directly to and works alongside the Sea Kayak Program Manager. Together, the Base Camp Coordinator and the Sea Kayak Program Manager support the success of our Outdoor Leaders and play a crucial role in providing positive experiences for all our participants

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

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Assist the Sea Kayak Program Manager in maintaining the inventory and quality of the warehouse, vans, trailers, kayaks, and equipment
• Support Outdoor Leaders pre and post trip through the equipment pack out and pack in processes
• Organize, clean and inventory outdoor gear and equipment, making repairs when possible
• Maintain cleanliness and ensure facilities are in working order including composting toilets, outdoor showers, campsites, pavilion, warehouse, and other outbuildings
• Keep campsites, trails, Base Camp roads, and common areas clear, safe, and presentable for participants and staff including grounds maintenance, clearing brush and downed trees, and ensuring trails and roads are clear of debris
• Perform quality checks and standard kayak repairs, progressing toward competence to perform them independently
• Depending on the individual’s skills and experience, special projects such as painting, staining, and carpentry
• Maintain an environment that deters unwanted wildlife encounters, specifically black bears, by securing food, other attractants, and facilities 
• Ensure program compliance with Wilderness Inquiry policies and risk management procedures
• Uphold Wilderness Inquiry’s Trail Community Agreements
• Other duties as assigned   

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Willing to live onsite at the Apostle Islands Base Camp or in the surrounding community
• Ability to plan, implement and follow through on responsibilities with attention to detail 
• Ability to oversee and complete projects independently exercising judgement and autonomy in decision making
• The ability to work as part of a team 
• Effective communication skills
• Willing to work a job with elements that can be physically demanding
• Must be willing to keep flexible hours
• 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
• Active certification in Basic First Aid & CPR (or ability to obtain by start date). 
• 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)
• Availability to attend required staff trainings

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One or more seasons of professional experience in outdoor recreation or education, guiding or other related experience
• Competence in basic tool use and knot tying
• Knowledge of outdoor equipment use, maintenance, and repair
• Prior experience in kayaking and/or kayak maintenance 
• Experience hitching, towing, and backing trailers
• Experience working with individuals from diverse social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds

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 and continue to perform the duties outlined in this job description within a wide variety of elements, including adverse conditions of the outdoor environment such as extremes in temperature, wind, thunder/lightning, rain/wetness/humidity, dry/arid conditions, elevated levels of poor air quality, and other conditions attributed to natural weather patterns outside of human control. 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.

ROOM AND BOARD 

Housing at Little Sand Bay Base Camp is provided in the form of two communal yurts. These are available for the Base Camp Coordinator and shared with Kayak Outdoor Leaders. Exceptions and flexibility may be made for applicants who live locally.

SCHEDULE & TRAINING

Seasonal summer position, 32-40 hours per week. Preferred schedule is Wednesday through Sunday. Exact start and end dates are flexible, with desired availability from May 11 to September 6, 2026.

• May 11- 15, at Base Camp: Kayak Base Camp Wake-Up, introduction to staff, facilities, and processes
• June – September: Main Kayak programming season 

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