Photography Outdoor Leader

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:

Wilderness Inquiry’s Photography Outdoor Leaders (Photo OLs) are uniquely trained to work as Co-Leaders on day and extended programs, delivering our mission on trail while also having the opportunity to capture the moments that make our mission special. In addition to co-leading and photographing trips, Photo OLs will also have an opportunity to spend time in the office executing administrative duties related to photo cataloging and editing. This mix of field and office work gives Photo OLs hands-on experience in outdoor photography while also supporting the Wilderness Inquiry mission working alongside fellow Outdoor Leaders and the marketing and communications team, helping to tell compelling stories through visual media. This Photography Outdoor Leader role is ideal for students and others who wish to build a portfolio of outdoor photography, portraits, or video. You can see examples of individual’s photographs throughout our website and on our social media channels. 

We recognize that as an industry, there is much to do to increase representation in our field and reflect the communities we 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 applicants from communities who experience systemic barriers – including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities – to apply for these positions.

Compensation: 

• Day Programs: Hourly compensation on a scale of $17/hr-$20/hr
• Overnight Programs: Compensated on a per event basis on a scale of $136/day-$160/day, plus one additional full day of pay for pre and post-trip preparation work
• Hourly compensation for photo processing

Schedule & Training: 

Part or full-time May-October with required training outlined below. Additional part-time work available in winter months

• May 23rd – 26th, 2023: All-staff Wilderness Inquiry foundational training
• May 30th – June 2nd, 2023: All-staff Wilderness Inquiry field training

Essential Functions:

• Provide excellent leadership for adults, youth, and families
• Use effective judgment and decision making regarding trip implementation
• Uphold Wilderness Inquiry’s Trail Community Agreements
• Accurately and professionally represent the Wilderness Inquiry brand to program partners, participants, media, and the public.
• Assess participant ability and expectations to safely and effectively meet individual and group needs
• Capture memorable experiences from trail through photo and/or video
• Support post-trip processing of media content as needed
• Provide emergency first aid and conduct and/or assist in backcountry medical needs including evacuations
• Care for equipment while in the backcountry and at base camp
• Proficiently perform activities conducted on Wilderness Inquiry trips including navigating routes in the front and backcountry, cooking, paddling, hiking, camping, etc.
• Safely drive a 15-passenger van pulling a loaded trailer in all weather and road conditions (contingent upon driver eligibility)
• Work with logistical staff to pack-in and pack-out gear and food
• Complete post trip paperwork including evaluations, incident reports and trip summaries

Minimum Requirements:

• Previous photography and/or videography experience
• Basic First Aid & CPR Certification (or ability to obtain)
• Desire to lead, motivate, and manage groups of varying ages, abilities, and identities in an outdoor setting 
• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Ability to work as part of a team 
• Willing to keep flexible hours
• Must pass a background check
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be legally allowed to work in the United States 
• Once hired, attendance at annual Outdoor Leader training and any activity-specific training in order to accomplish the position, including: North canoe training and assessment and driver training (if eligible). All new Outdoor Leader hires are contingent upon successful completion of required training.

Desired Qualifications:

• Personal photo/video equipment
• Experience with photo/video-editing software such as Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong storytelling skills through visual mediums
• Wilderness Water Safety, Lifeguard or other Professional Rescuer
• Current Driver’s License* and a safe driving record dating back at least five years
• 1 or more seasons or years of professional experience in outdoor recreation or education, leadership or guiding, group facilitation, or other related experience
• Experience working with individuals from diverse social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Spanish, American Sign Language, Hmong, or Somali

*Driver’s license status will not impact eligibility for hire but may impact eligibility to work specific programs/events

Application Process:

Applicants must submit a general application, provide references, and participate in an interview. After completion of the application, applicants will also be asked to submit a photography portfolio of up to 10 photos demonstrating their work. 

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 while also directing vessels such as a canoe, 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.