Field Instructor - Youth LEAD Program

Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) is a volunteer-based nonprofit that provides the joy and challenge of outdoor adventures to people with all abilities and from all backgrounds since 1972. We inspire self-confidence, connection to nature, and community-based environmental stewardship through our accessible Sea Kayak Program, Rafting Program, and Youth LEAD Program.

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).

• The Lead Instructor position is for individuals with exceptional technical and interpersonal skills, advanced medical wilderness certification, and previous experience with ETC. Lead instructors will have the final say in risk management and decision making throughout the course period. Most Lead Instructors have worked a minimum of one Youth LEAD course or have extensive experience with another ETC program or programs alike. Lead instructors will provide direct mentorship to the fellow field intern as well as the co-instructor.
• The Instructor position is for individuals with experience and competence in the outdoor education and/or wilderness guiding fields, who hold a current wilderness medical certification. Instructors will work collaboratively with the Lead instructor in all course related decision making. Field instructors will also provide direct mentorship to the fellow field intern. 

2026 Course Dates & Details

• All Field Instructors are required to attend a paid 5-day YLP Instructor Training in the San Francisco Bay Area. (dates and details below)
• Before each course, Field Instructors are required to attend 3-4 preparation days in our San Francisco office at Fort Mason Center, working alongside co-instructors and ETC staff to organize gear, meals, and plan lessons.
• After the course, Field Instructors are required to attend one post-course debrief day in our San Francisco office at Fort Mason Center.

Important Dates:

Instructor Training: Monday, June 1- Friday, June 5th 2026

14-DAY ACCESS TO ADVENTURE; Angel Island Sea Kayak + River Camp 

• Instructor Prep Days: June 9, 10, 12
• Course Start: Saturday, June 13th
• Graduation: Friday, June 26th
• Post Day: Sunday, June 28th

21-DAY SEA TO SOURCE; Tomales Bay Sea Kayak + Backpacking in the Sierras + River Camp 

• Instructor Prep Days: June 16, 17, 18, 20
• Course Start: Sunday, June 21
• Graduation: Saturday, July 11th
• Post Day: Monday, July 13th

14-DAY SIERRA EXPLORATION; Backpacking in the Sierras + River Camp 

• Instructor Prep Days: July 2, 3, 5
• Course Start: Monday, July 6th
• Graduation: Sunday, July 19th
• Post Day: Tuesday, July 21st

14- EXPEDITION;Tomales Sea Kayak + Backpacking in the Sierras

• Instructor Prep: July 23, 24, 26
• Course Start: Monday, July 27
• Graduation: Sunday, Aug 9th
• Post Day: Tuesday, Aug 11th