BOLD & GOLD Fall Wilderness Instructor

EQUITY STATEMENT
The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

BOLD & GOLD is dedicated to inspiring courage and confidence in diverse groups of youth through outdoor adventures. As a program of the Camping & Outdoor Leadership branch of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, BOLD & GOLD offers year-round partnership programs and summer expedition experiences. Partnership programs engage with schools, non-profits, and community-based organizations to design and implement transformative outdoor experiences in Mt Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, National Forests, Washington State Parks, and local green spaces.

Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing, and skills workshops. The goal is to increase confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, wonder, and community awareness, laying the foundation for leadership development.

As a Wilderness Instructor, you and a co‑lead will be responsible for the physical and emotional safety of up to 10 participants while engaging them in activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. Instructors work from a set itinerary, manage the risks of backcountry travel, and facilitate a variety of workshops and activities that help participants develop their own leadership style.

$135 - $165 per day.

• Individual membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle
• Free access to mental health resources
• Rapidly‑accruing paid time off (PTO)
• Subsidized ORCA Transit Pass
• Access to discounted gear and equipment through pro deals

• Lead 1‑5 day wilderness‑based backpacking, paddling, hiking, or rock climbing courses with emphasis on multicultural leadership.
• Build strong rapport with participants, partners, and staff; foster positive group development, create structure, and draw learning from experiential activities.
• Model cultural humility and celebrate diversity, effectively working with people of different identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
• Ensure a physically and emotionally safe and inclusive environment for youth and staff.
• Transport participants in 14‑passenger mini‑buses to and from program areas.
• Manage the unique risks of wilderness‑based programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

BOLD & GOLD is based out of the Cascade People’s Center (CPC), located in Seattle, WA. Programming takes place in outdoor locations across Washington State.

Employees must lift and carry items up to 50 lbs, travel over varied terrain up to 10 miles per day, and be comfortable spending multiple hours or days in a wilderness setting. Communication both verbally and non‑verbally with staff, partners, and participants is required.

Seasonal exempt position; paid a daily rate. Training days in early September. Instructors can expect intermittent days of work (usually about 10‑30 days) between September and the end of October.

BOLD & GOLD employees must commute to the Cascade People’s Center. All travel required for work will be done in YMCA vehicles. This is an Authorized Driver position; see Position Requirements for details.

• Two or more years of experience working with teens in an organized setting, including facilitating activities that address issues facing adolescents.
• Excellent judgment and decision‑making skills.
• Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of developmental needs of teens; demonstrates understanding of individual needs.
• Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the everyday lives of underserved youth.
• Personal or professional experience in backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and/or hiking.
• Be able to hike and/or…