Primary Outdoor Leader

Primary Outdoor Leader

Apply for the Primary Outdoor Leader role at Wilderness Inquiry. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities, and no prior outdoor recreation experience is required.

Primary Outdoor Leaders lead and coach teams of 1‑14+ Outdoor Co‑Leaders through in‑person programs, ensuring engaging and welcoming outdoor adventures for participants. Their responsibilities extend beyond individual events to include pre‑trip and post‑trip support, serving as liaison between the organization’s trip directors, outdoor leader crews, and partner program contacts. They represent Wilderness Inquiry’s mission to colleagues, participants, media, and the public.

• Provide excellent leadership for program participants.
• Collaborate with a team of Outdoor Leaders to build a safe, engaging, socially and emotionally supportive environment.
• Demonstrate flexibility and creative problem‑solving.
• Understand the complexities of how Wilderness Inquiry audiences relate to the outdoors, based on race, gender, experiences, age, and backgrounds.
• Represent the Wilderness Inquiry brand to partners, participants, media, and the public.
• Use judgment and decision‑making regarding trip implementation.
• Uphold Trail Community Agreements.
• Master program content, itineraries, activities, mission, and values to ensure high‑quality, cost‑effective programming.

• Ensure program compliance with policies and risk‑management procedures.
• Assess participant ability and expectations to safely meet needs.
• Perform (or be willing to learn) activities such as North/Tandem canoeing, hiking, camping, navigation, cooking, etc.
• Provide emergency first aid in an outdoor setting (contingent upon certification).
• Maintain quality and cleanliness of program equipment.
• Safely drive a 15‑passenger van with a loaded trailer in all weather and road conditions (contingent upon driver eligibility).

• Build positive team dynamics and manage conflict within Outdoor Co‑Leader teams.
• Lead Outdoor Co‑Leader teams and event logistics to execute multiple program aspects collectively.
• Assign tasks/roles to Co‑Leaders and ensure their completion.
• Provide direct coaching and feedback to Co‑Leaders.
• Support leader training and facilitate modules as needed.

• Work closely with trip directors and office staff for all planning and implementation needs.
• Serve as field point of contact for internal stakeholders (trip directors, Co‑Leaders) and external stakeholders (group contacts, participants).
• Communicate clearly and effectively to receive and deliver information and feedback.
• Represent the brand professionally to partners, participants, media, and public.

• Lead and actively participate in pre‑trip meetings and post‑trip debriefings.
• Collaborate with operations staff to pack‑in and pack‑out gear and food.
• Complete post‑trip paperwork: evaluations, incident reports, site logs, tally forms, trip summaries.
• Seek information about participants and activities prior to trip start.
• Communicate with contract contacts and participants before the event to ensure accurate information.

• Active certification in Basic First Aid & CPR (or ability to obtain by start date).
• Demonstrated capability to lead, motivate, and manage groups of varying ages, abilities, and identities safely in an outdoor setting.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Work as a team and contribute positively to the working environment.
• Be willing to keep flexible hours.
• Pass a background check.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States at hire.
• Attend annual Outdoor Leader trainings and activity‑specific training required, including North canoe training, assessment, and driver training (if eligible).

• 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 for at least five years.
• One or more seasons/years of professional…