VIRTUAL EXPLORER OUTDOOR LEADER 

ABOUT

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. 

OVERVIEW

Outdoor Leaders create the magic at WI. Staffing all events from single to multi-day adventures for adults, youth, and families of all backgrounds and abilities, Outdoor Leaders bring Wilderness Inquiry programming to life in the field. 

Virtual Explorer Outdoor Leaders are dynamic facilitators who share their excitement for exploration and learning, while building community with Wilderness Inquiry’s youth participants — virtually! Leaders will support the Virtual Explorers program on and off the screen. This position includes virtual facilitation of Wilderness Inquiry’s Mississippi River Explorers and MN Freshwater Quest programs, as well as, in-person activity kit preparation support. 

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 and experiences results in better solutions for our communities. For this reason, we especially encourage folks from communities who experience systemic barriers — including people of color, women, LGBTQI+, and people with disabilities — to apply for this position.

SCHEDULE & TRAINING

Wilderness Inquiry’s Virtual Explorers program has seasonal, part-time employment opportunities annually from February to April. Leaders can expect approximately 10-20 hours of work per week including a mix of in-person and virtual responsibilities. Virtual Outdoor Leaders are hired on a rolling basis with the majority of leaders starting in the middle of February. Interested Virtual Leaders may have an opportunity to transition into a Canoemobile, Extended Trip, or Kayak Outdoor Leader role from May through November. For more information, please contact [email protected]

• February 28th, 2023: Virtual Explorers Training day
  • 9:00 AM  – 4:30 PM
  • This training event will take place in-person at Wilderness Inquiry Headquarters. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The primary responsibility of a Virtual Explorer Outdoor Leader is to lead engaging and welcoming virtual educational experiences. Virtual Explorer Outdoor Leaders are responsible for the wellbeing and online safety of youth participants who choose to participate in a Wilderness Inquiry virtual adventure. 

Group Facilitation & Environmental Education:

• Provide excellent leadership and facilitation to youth and families virtually.
• Collaborate with your team to build a safe, engaging, and welcoming learning environment. 
• Dedicate time to learn about the Virtual Explorers curriculum, learning objectives, and student outcomes.  
• 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. 
• Accurately and professionally represent the Wilderness Inquiry brand to program partners, participants, media, and the public.

Technology & Facilitation:

• Demonstrate up-to-date computer skills and understanding of how to learn and utilize Zoom, G-Suite applications, and other programs. 
• Possess flexibility and creative problem-solving. 
• Act quickly and professionally when challenges with technology or group dynamics present themselves.

Administrative & Post-Trip Responsibilities 

• Lead and/or actively participate in event-specific pre-trip meetings and post-event debriefings with your team.
• Complete post-trip evaluations.  

• Assist with in-person activity kit preparation and shipping of kits. 
• Assist in maintaining up-to-date inventory of all kit supplies and communicate needs to the Youth Programs Coordinator. 
• Assist as needed with other administrative responsibilities as needed including data input and upkeep of electronic materials. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• The ability to plan, implement, and follow through with responsibilities
• Experience working with youth and/or environmental education
• Reliable internet connection*, a device** capable of downloading video conferencing applications and using all necessary features, ability, and willingness to create Zoom and Google accounts, and headphones with a microphone or a quiet space to facilitate programming. 
• 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 

*Wilderness Inquiry office space is available to use with advance notice

**If owning a device is a barrier to apply, please follow-up with WI hiring manager ([email protected]) to discuss possible support. 

 

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 talk and hear; and use hands to handle, or touch objects or controls. The employee may be required to independently navigate and move across varied terrain indoors and outdoors. To meet the demands of the job, the employee must be able to make clear verbal commands, sit and/or stand for significant periods of time, and operate a device capable of video conferencing. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

 

COMPENSATION

 

Outdoor Leaders are classified according to skill and experience. Compensation varies depending upon program type: 

• 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 additional full day of pay for pre-trip preparation work.

 

Further details on compensation are available upon request. Opportunities for advancement available upon demonstrated performance with Wilderness Inquiry. Professional service stipends available. 

 

All Outdoor Leaders regardless of position/experience are compensated at $17/hr and/or $136/day for training.