Lead Instructor - Canoe​/Backpack, Homeplace

Lead Instructor - Canoe/Backpack, Homeplace

Join to apply for the Lead Instructor - Canoe/Backpack, Homeplace role at Voyageur Outward Bound School.

This is a seasonal position arriving in May and continuing through August, working primarily in the field. Candidates are required to attend pre‑employment training covering wilderness travel, technical skills, OB curriculum and educational philosophy.

The Lead Instructor is a mid‑level role responsible for training and mentoring Instructors, delivering course curriculum, and upholding physical and emotional safety standards. The instructional team—typically one Lead Instructor and one Instructor—delivers safe, impactful programs using Outward Bound’s educational framework and values.

• Under the supervision of the Course Director, collaborate to design and implement experiential education programs that align with VOBS mission and educational philosophy and are tailored to the student group.
• Willingness to role model Outward Bound values such as courage, inclusion, and integrity.
• Lead instructor in course planning, including development of educational and technical curricula, route planning, gear issue, meal planning, and food pack‑out.

• Actively participate in building a community where all students and staff feel a sense of belonging.
• Provide clear, effective, and timely communication with co‑instructor, Course Director, and other staff.
• Give and receive timely, effective oral and written feedback.
• Mentor Instructor in managing student behaviors and facilitating group dynamics and group processes.
• Role model a service mindset—supporting students, co‑instructors, and the mission through teamwork, care, and professionalism.
• Contribute to living in a small community in a wilderness basecamp and participate in daily upkeep and maintenance of public space.

• Adhere to local operating procedures, safety policies, and emergency procedures as outlined in the field staff manual.
• Mentor and supervise Instructor(s) on VOBS policies and procedures.
• Manage student behaviors, group dynamics, and facilitate group processes.
• Support student emotional and physical safety in times of duress, such as field emergencies, inclement weather, or interpersonal conflict.
• Maintain big‑picture vision and keep safety in mind during all decision‑making processes.
• Participate as needed to support the basecamp’s on‑call field response system—including paddling or hiking to evacuate an injured student, answering the emergency field line, and preparing food and gear for evacuation teams.

• Collaboration – Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds to effectively meet shared objectives and encourage open expression of ideas.
• Communication – Ability to clearly convey ideas, facts and information in a variety of settings using different mediums.
• Conflict Management – Ability to manage and resolve conflict productively with minimal negative impact.
• Continual Learning – Assess and recognize one’s own strengths and pursue opportunities for continuous improvement through feedback, training, and goal setting.
• Cultural Competence – Recognize and appreciate patterns of cultural differences and commonalities, and shift perspective appropriately.
• Decision Making – Make sound and timely decisions that accomplish goals, even under uncertainty or high‑pressure situations.
• Instills Trust – Gain confidence and trust of people from varying backgrounds through honesty, integrity, authenticity, and consistency.
• Action Oriented – Demonstrate personal initiative and motivation; remain adaptable, resourceful, and positive in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.

• Risk Management – Lead self and others in anticipating, mitigating, and engaging in healthy risks.
• Assess students’ ability and backcountry hazards to mitigate risk of expeditions‑style travel.
• Self‑Management – Set realistic personal goals, complete tasks on time, and work appropriately supervised.
• Time Management – Use time efficiently, focusing on most important tasks.
• Situatio…