Field Instructor – 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).

• Currently hiring for field Instructors with experience and competence in the outdoor education and/or wilderness guiding fields.

Course Dates + Details

Instructor training Dates:  Monday June 2nd- Friday June 6th

 Monday June 2nd- Friday June 6th

14-Day Access to Adventure Course

• Prep dates: June 10, 11 & 13
• Course: June 14- June 27
• Post: June 29th

21-Day Sea to Source Course 

• Prep dates: June 16, 17, 18, 20
• Course: June 21- July 11
• Post: July 13th

14-Day Sierra Exploration Course 

• Prep: July 16, 17, 19
• Course: July 20- August 2nd 
• Post: August 4th

14-Day Expedition Course

• Prep: July 24, 25, 27
• Course: July 28- August 10
• Post: August 12 

Job Responsibilities:

• Attend a mandatory paid field staff training from June 2nd – June 6th in the SF Bay Area, including an overnight kayak camping component from June 4th – 6th.
• Work collaboratively and communicate compassionately with the core Instructor Team and 3-6 ETC Volunteer Sea Kayak/River Guides to safely instruct 10-12 high school students on the Course.
• Engage students in a meaningful, honest, safe community as a starting point for genuine learning in the outdoors. Hold space for their individual strengths and areas for growth.
• Learn ETC environmental science and leadership lessons during field staff training and deliver engaging lessons and activities in the field.
• Prepare course components including food packing, gear packing, lesson organization, and daily flow (with support from ETC office staff).
• Demonstrate and model excellence in personal organization while living and traveling in campgrounds and backcountry settings for 14-21 days.
• Provide positive and encouraging support and guidance throughout all course activities.
• Instruct technical and interpersonal skills to encourage participant leadership growth and personal development.
• Safely manage and supervise all activities according to ETC operating policies, protocols, and procedures.
• Responsibly handle and care for all ETC gear and equipment.
• Supervise and mentor high school aged YLP Fellow Field Intern who is a crucial member of the instructor team and part of ETC’s Youth LEAD Fellowship Program.
• Serve as a positive, authentic role model for participants, Assistant Instructors, and co-workers.
• Participate actively in post-course evaluations giving and receiving constructive feedback.

Qualifications:

• Age requirement: 20+
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification or higher before course begins; Wilderness First Responder certification highly preferred
• Hiring is dependent on criminal background check and DMV driver check
  • Must have clean driving record
  • Must have 2+ years licensed driving experience
  • Ability to safely drive youth in a large SUV for up to 6 hours
• Previous experience as a leader in a backcountry setting during extended expeditions
• Ability to be present, responsive, and focused with student participants for 14-21 consecutive days
• Previous experience leading equity, diversity, and inclusion activities and/or facilitating programs with racially and socioeconomically diverse groups. Sensitivity to the needs of folks from these groups, especially in the outdoors (a historically white-dominated context), is crucial to this role
• If identified with a socially dominant group (white, wealthy, heterosexual, cis gender, etc): is committed to examining personal power and privilege and self-education about power dynamics
• Ability to communicate positively, value feedback, and excel in a strong team-oriented environment
• Experience with leading outdoor activities and lessons while fostering environmental curiosity, excitement, and stewardship
• Exemplifies patience and adaptability in dynamic outdoor situations, especially when challenges arise
• Open to different leadership styles and collaboration; celebrates individual uniqueness with goal of creating inclusive, safe spaces

Additional Preferred Experience:

• Experience as a sea kayak, backpack, and/or raft guide preferred
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Class B Commercial Driver’s License
• Comfort navigating both on and off trail in alpine environments, particularly in the Sierra Nevadas

Transportation and Lodging:

While on course, all meals and camping accommodations are provided. Instructors must provide their own lodging and transportation to/from Fort Mason Center in San Francisco on June 2 & 3rd for Instructor Training, as well as the 3-4 preparation days before course and one post debrief day after course. 

**We strongly encourage people of color and individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+ to apply for this position.**

How to Apply:

Thank you for your interest! Please send a resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications, related experience, and which course(s) you’re interested in to Yoseline Castillo at ylp@etctrips.org. If you have any questions about the position, please email ylp@etctrips.org or call 415-474-7662 ext.16.