Overview
Primary Outdoor Leaders are responsible for leading and coaching teams of 1-14+ Outdoor Co-Leaders through in-person programs and ensuring successful, engaging, and welcoming outdoor adventures for participants. Primary Outdoor Leaders’ responsibility extends beyond individual programming events to include pre-trip and post-trip support work and acting as main liaisons between Wilderness Inquiry Trip Directors, Outdoor Leader crews, and program contacts from partnering organizations. Primary Leaders are true point persons for representing the Wilderness Inquiry mission to colleagues, participants, media, and the public.
We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply. No prior Outdoor Recreation or guiding experience is required to apply. Wilderness Inquiry provides additional compensation for Outdoor Leaders who demonstrate language skills that meet the needs of our audiences. Please indicate on your application if you are fluent in more than one language; we are especially interested in Spanish, Somali, Oromo, Karen, Hmong, and ASL.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Group Facilitation
Provide excellent leadership for Wilderness Inquiry program participants.
Work collaboratively with a team of Outdoor Leaders to build a safe, engaging, socially/emotionally supportive, and welcoming learning program environment.
Demonstrate flexibility and creative problem-solving.
Demonstrate an understanding of the variety and complexities of relationships Wilderness Inquiry audiences may have with the outdoors based on race, gender, experiences, age, and backgrounds.
Accurately and professionally represent the Wilderness Inquiry brand to program partners, participants, media, and the public.
Use effective judgment and decision-making regarding trip implementation.
Uphold Wilderness Inquiry’s Trail Community Agreements.
Possess a mastery of the scope and detail of Wilderness Inquiry program content, itineraries, activities, mission, and values, in order to ensure successful, high-quality, and cost effective programming.
Technical Skills & Safety
Ensure program compliance with Wilderness Inquiry policies and risk management procedures.
Assess participant ability and expectations to safely and effectively meet individual and group needs.
Proficiently perform, or show a willingness to learn, activities conducted on trips including North/Tandem canoeing, hiking, camping, navigating routes, cooking, etc.
Provide emergency first aid in an outdoor setting (contingent upon certification).
Maintain quality and cleanliness of Wilderness Inquiry program equipment.
Safely drive a 15-passenger van hauling a loaded trailer in all weather and road conditions (contingent upon driver eligibility).
Team Leadership
Build positive team dynamics and assist with conflict management within Outdoor Co-Leader teams as necessary.
Effectively lead Outdoor Co-Leader teams and event logistics in order to successfully execute multiple aspects of programs collectiv
Required Skills:
Demonstrated capability to lead, motivate, and manage groups of varying ages, abilities, and identities safely in an outdoor setting
Ability to provide excellent customer service
Ability to work as a team and conduct themselves in a way that contributes to a positive working environment with peers
Willing to keep flexible hours
Must pass a background check
Must be at least 18 years of age
All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the
Preferred Skills:
Active Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification
Active Wilderness Water Safety, Lifeguard or other Professional Rescuer certification
Valid Driver’s License* and a safe driving record dating back at least five years
One 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 back
About Wilderness Inquiry
Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is to connect people from all walks of life to the natural world through shared outdoor adventures. Through the medium of outdoor adventure travel, we inspire personal growth, enhanced awareness of the environment and community integration. Wilderness Inquiry is all about access, inclusion, and opportunity. We believe exploration of the natural world is a birthright we all share, and we act on that belief. We operate in a manner that facilitates full participation by everyone, including people of all ages, background, and abilities.
