Outdoor Site Leader

 

OVERVIEW:

Outdoor Leaders create the magic at Wilderness Inquiry as they bring programming to life in the field–whether on school grounds or National Park lands. Outdoor Leaders are dynamic facilitators who share their excitement for exploration and learning, while building community with Wilderness Inquiry’s youth participants.

The Outdoor Site Leader role is responsible for supervising Outdoor Leaders on school sites during the 2021 summer season. As part of a program serving students in the Twin Cities, these supervisors will ensure that Outdoor Leaders are fully prepared to implement program activities, follow all Wilderness Inquiry protocols and procedures, and provide a fun safe learning environment for students. This role requires someone that is able to lead both adults and youth and is quick to problem solve and troubleshoot as challenges may arise.   

Activities during this program range from team building games to hands-on science inquiry. All sessions are expected to have a mix of engaging instruction, interactive activities, and reflective debriefs. Wilderness Inquiry promotes place-based learning and social-emotional growth. Currently, most activities this summer are expected to be land-based; however there is potential for water-based experiences such as canoeing. The site supervisor will need to be familiar with all activities and instructional materials.

WILDERNESS INQUIRY VALUES:  

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, and finding a way. 

Our youth program, referred to as Canoemobile, introduces youth and young people from historically marginalized communities to the outdoors. We recognize that as an industry, there is much to do to increase representation in our field to reflect the communities we aim to serve. We also know that diversity of identities, experiences and ways of thinking result in better solutions for our communities. For this reason, we especially encourage folks from communities who experience systemic barriers — including people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities — to apply for this position.

TIME/WAGE:

Site Leaders are responsible for overseeing program activities and leaders at a specific site for at least a six-week period in June and July and are compensated on an hourly basis, starting at $18/hour. 

SCHEDULE: 

At this time, Wilderness Inquiry is hiring for a specific program schedule and Site Leaders are expected to work for the entire duration of the program session which is expected to run during the months of June and July. Preference is given to those available for the entire summer program; however if you do not have availability for the full program, you may be considered for one session, as a substitute, or for other program options if they become available.

The program is a day program and you will arrive and depart from your job site each day (no overnights). Unless otherwise agreed upon, you can expect to work a Monday through Friday schedule during the dates of the program.

Program Session:

• June 21, 2021-July 29, 2021 

Actual times may vary based on school sites and student schedules but a typical day would run from approximately 8:30AM-3:30PM with a lunch break. There may be additional opportunities through different summer programs and before or after these dates.

TRAINING:

All Site Leaders must complete a required training course prior to the summer sessions to learn Wilderness Inquiry policies and values, curriculum and content, and more. If water-based activities are resumed, this person must also complete water related trainings and assessments such as the Voyageur Canoe assessment. Driver assessments are required for any leader that will be driving a Wilderness Inquiry vehicle.

• Required Training: TBD; likely the week of June 7th and/or June 14th, 2021

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

The primary responsibility of the Site Leader is to ensure safe and effective facilitation of Wilderness Inquiry programs on a school site for this summer programming. This individual will be the primary “go to” person for the Outdoor Leaders that are working directly with youth and may need to step in as a substitute for a pod of youth as needed. This person is responsible for the well being of participants and staff and will have some minimal administrative responsibilities such as participant counts, data collection, etc.

Group Facilitation & Education

• Provide excellent leadership and facilitation for leaders and youth participants in an outdoor setting.
• Collaborate with your team to build a safe, engaging, and welcoming learning environment. 
• Possess flexibility and creative problem solving. 
• Dedicate time to learn about Wilderness Inquiry’s curriculum, learning objectives, and student outcomes. 
• Demonstrate an understanding of place-based education and facilitation strategies. 
• Demonstrate an understanding of the variety and complexities of relationships youth and young people may have with the outdoors based on race, gender, experiences, and backgrounds. 
• Uphold Wilderness Inquiry’s Community Agreements

Technical Skills & Safety

• Provide emergency first aid and conduct and/or assist in medical issues including those related to COVID-19. Must agree to follow and uphold all COVID-19 policies and practices required by Wilderness Inquiry.
• Use effective judgment and decision making regarding trip implementation.
• Assess participant ability and set realistic expectations to safely and effectively meet participant needs.
• Care for equipment and supplies.
• Proficiently perform activities conducted on Wilderness Inquiry trips, as applicable, including cooking, canoeing, Voyageur canoeing, hiking, camping, etc. Note that activities may differ and be more limited in 2021 due to COVID-19 protocols.
• If part of your role and training, safely drive a 15-passenger van pulling a loaded trailer in all weather and road conditions.

Pre-Trip Prep & Post-Trip Responsibilities  

• Lead and/or actively participate in event specific pre-trip meetings and post-trip debriefings with your team.
• Collaborate and coordinate with operations staff to pack-in and pack-out gear and supplies accordingly.
• Complete post-trip paperwork including evaluations, incident reports, and experience summaries. Provide feedback and coaching to outdoor leaders. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• The ability to plan, implement, and follow through with responsibilities is essential.
• Must have excellent people skills, experience working with youth and adults, the ability to oversee projects independently or as a part of a team, and strong communication skills.
• Must be able to lift and carry heavy loads over rough terrain for distances of up to 500 feet.
• Must show commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and welcoming outdoor learning environment.
• Must demonstrate interest and ability in leading outdoor experiences for youth and families of all abilities, including people with varying needs. 
• Must pass a criminal background check.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CERTIFICATIONS:

Required certifications, or ability to obtain (courses may be offered as an addition to initial training):

• Basic First Aid & CPR Certification required
• Current Driver’s License and safe driving record dating back at least 5 years (if driving is one of job responsibilities/functions)

For information on how to obtain certifications visit click this link.