jobs description

Wilderness Adventures is looking for strong leaders who are enthusiastic about working with students between 11-20 years old in group wilderness settings.

Wilderness Adventures is looking for Trip Leaders who are enthusiastic about working with students ages 10-20 in group settings. Leaders will guide groups of 8-13 students, with one or two co-leaders through exciting yet challenging adventure activities, as well as teach the curriculum designed for each of our trip types. While trips can be mentally and physically challenging for leaders and participants, our Trip Leaders bring FUN to each day! Adventures range from one to six weeks in duration.

Wilderness Adventures seeks leaders who will be a positive influence on the participants, an inspirational role model, devoted to supporting student growth and education throughout the trip and creating a fun and non-competitive environment in which the students can thrive. We look for people who excel in decision-making, adaptability, risk management, and have the ability to work effectively in a shared leadership position.

What do we look for in a candidate for this role?

• A passion for working with youth
• A passion for living outside for an extended period of time
• A positive, can-do attitude
• The ability and willingness to work through difficult situations, including but not limited to: logistical complications, budget management, unexpected obstacles, interpersonal conflict with students, interpersonal conflict with co-leaders, etc.
• Previous experience working with youth and in leadership positions
• Experience giving, receiving, and facilitating feedback

Requirements

• Minimum 21 years old
• A valid U.S. Driver’s License
• A minimum of two professional references
• A Wilderness First Responder (WFR) medical certification or higher certification that is valid through our 2024 Season (June-August) – you do not need to currently have this certification to apply. We do offer a discounted WFR Course option for our staff! You will learn more about this through your interview process.
• A recent physical examination ensuring physical and mental health

Salary & Benefits

• Experience-based pay scale not limited to time working at Wilderness Adventures. First-year leader with 0 weeks of experience and baseline certifications will earn around $2600. We will request you submit an Experience/Field Log with dates, ages, and activities of times you have led overnight trips in the past.
• Bonus opportunities for leaders with additional certifications (i.e. WEMT, Lifeguard Certification, Teacher Certification, PADI)
• Bonus opportunities for staff referrals
• Opportunity to earn a WFR Certification at half-price through the Wilderness Adventures sponsored course (see FAQs for details)
• All program expenses are paid for while working for Wilderness Adventures (i.e. transportation and flights, all accommodations, meals on trip as well as days off, all activity fees)
• Access to a variety of pro-deals with outdoor brands like Outdoor Research, Orvis, Mountain Hardware, Crocs, Smith, and more!

Dates of Employment

Required Summer Contract: June 2 – August 5, 2024

Option to Extend: August 5 – October 31, 2024

Optional WFR Course: May 28 – June 1, 2024

Application Process

• Complete an application through CampInTouch.
• Submit a minimum of 3 professional references.
• Pass a series of three background checks.

Once you apply, you can expect to hear from us within one week on next steps. If your application aligns with what we are looking for in candidates, we will offer you a first-round interview. This interview is a 30-minute phone call with a member of our Leadership Team. Following a successful first-round, you will receive an email from our Staff Coordinator about a second-round interview. This is a 1-hour Zoom meeting where you will dive more into scenarios and details of the position. If all goes well in both interviews, you will receive an offer!

Our applications run on a rolling basis so we hire until all positions are filled. Based on previous years, our hiring season runs up to March!

Staff Training and Trip Details

• June 2 – June 13, Staff Training in Jackson Hole
• June 14 – Aug 1, Trips all over the world
• July 31 – Aug 5, Wrap Up in Jackson Hole

Staff training kicks off with 6 days of all staff together in one spot. Here, we focus on overarching Wilderness Adventures policies and procedures, diving into our Staff Manual, Risk Mitigation Handbook, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Mental Health First Aid, and more! Through this time, we also dissect daily summer paperwork, finances on trip, and what the curriculum looks like. These first few days take place in more of a classroom setting but we also are passionate about working in tons of group games and fun events each night to keep us all up, moving, and having fun while we learn!

Following this all-staff training, we break up into smaller groups of 10 – 15 leaders called ‘Pods’. Each pod is led by returning WA leaders that go through an additional training prior to summer’s start. These Pod Leaders take their crews through another 6 days of training in the backcountry to essentially simulate what a WA trip looks like in real-time. This provides an amazing opportunity for bonding, confidence-building, and growth for leaders!

Once you are officially signed on to lead a summer with Wilderness Adventures, you are sent what we call a ‘Dream Sheet’. This Dream Sheet asks you your preferences on factors such as age group, geographical location, and co-leader characteristics. It also asks you about your competency in specific areas like fly fishing, Spanish speaking, off-trail navigation, and more.

An important note on trip placements is that they are always subject to change. We look specifically for folks that are adaptable and excited about getting youth outside no matter the location. In the event of a staff injury, last minute logistical change, etc., leaders will be assigned a different trip. This could happen at any point in the summer, May 15th pre-season or July 24th mid-summer. It’s all a part of the adventure!

After you’re hired, you will receive a general pack list focused towards Staff Training. Once you are assigned your trip, you will receive a trip-specific packing list! All leaders will be responsible for bringing personal clothing, toiletries, etc. that are needed for their trip location. In most cases, the packing list will also include a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and backpack. Other than that, Wilderness Adventures will provide all other gear.

Trip Leaders are 21+ in age and have full responsibility of all trip needs. Trip Counselors are folks 19 – 20 in age and are experienced in participating in/leading outdoor adventures that are looking to further that leadership.

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August CA United States

salary-criteria

Apply - Trip Leader (Limited Availability!)