Field Instructor: Youth LEAD Program

Overview

The Youth LEAD (Leadership, Environment, Adventure, and Diversity) Program (YLP) is one of ETC’s three main programs. We provide life-changing outdoor experiences for youth from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, focusing on technical outdoor skills, environmental education, socio-emotional growth, and leadership development.
Our 14-to-21-day courses incorporate sea kayaking, rafting, and backpacking. Students learn about themselves, their community of peers, natural history, and environmental science through lessons, storytelling, community-building, and adventure in the wilderness.

*2023 Course Dates & Details: 

–> 14-Day Adventure – Co-Instructor 
– Sea Kayak camping on Tomales Bay
– Backpacking in Desolation Wilderness
– Prep days: June 20, 21, 22
– Course dates: June 24 – July 7
– Post day: July 9

–> 21-Day Sea to Source Course – Co-Instructor 
– Sea Kayak camping on Tomales Bay
– Backpacking in Desolation Wilderness
– Whitewater rafting on the South Fork American River (and camping at gorgeous ETC River Camp, on the banks of the river!)
– Prep days: July 12, 13, 14, 16
– Course dates: July 17 – August 6
– Post day: August 8

*Positions:

Each YLP Course has a team of one Lead Instructor, one Instructor, and one YLP Fellow Field Intern. This core Instructor Team is supported by 3-6 ETC Volunteers during the sea kayak and rafting portions of each Course (depending on the activities of the Course).

–> Currently hiring for: The Instructor position is for individuals with experience and competence in the outdoor education and/or wilderness guiding fields.

*Compensation:

$125/day starting wage for Instructors (for course days and prep/post days)
All receive $400 for participating in the 5-day Instructor Training
Optional: YLP Instructors are invited and encouraged to join ETC’s Inclusion Training (May 20-21, 2023) and YLP Instructor River Trip in August 2023 (exact dates TBD)

*Transportation and Lodging:
Instructors must provide their own lodging and transportation to/from Fort Mason Center in San Francisco on June 5 & 6th for Instructor Training, as well as the 3-4 preparation days before course and one post debrief day after course. While on course, all meals and camping accommodations are provided.

***VIEW FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:d2347c10-fc63-4977-b078-e5fe4f4d2d9b

Tagged as: Backcountry Skills, Instruction and Guiding, Mountaineering Skills, Teaching/Education, Water Skills

Qualifications:

●Age requirement: 20+
●Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification or higher before course begins; Wilderness First Responder certification highly preferred (some scholarships available)
●Hiring is dependent on criminal background check and DMV driver check
●Must have clean driving record; Must have 2+ years licensed driving experience; Ability to safely drive youth in a large SUV for up to 6 hours
●Previous experience as a leader in a backcountry setting during extended expeditions

Required Skills:

●Attend mandatory field staff training from June 5th - June 9th in the SF Bay Area, including overnight kayak camping component from 6/7- 6/9.
●Work collaboratively and communicate compassionately with the core Instructor Team and 3-6 ETC Volunteer Sea Kayak/River Guides to safely instruct 10-12 high school students on the Course.
●Engage students in meaningful, honest, inclusive community as a starting point for genuine learning in the outdoors. Hold space for individual strengths and areas for growth.

Preferred Skills:

●Experience as a sea kayak, backpack, and/or raft guide preferred
●Bilingual (English/Spanish)
●Class B Commercial Driver’s License
●Comfort navigating both on and off trail in alpine environments, particularly in the Sierra Nevadas