Field Instructor

~ Since 1972 Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) has been opening the beauty and challenge of wilderness adventures for people of all abilities. Every year, over 3,000 people join ETC to raft whitewater rivers, ski across alpine meadows, sea kayak the waters of the Golden Gate, and sleep beneath the open sky. ~

ETC conducts Sea Kayak, Whitewater Rafting, and Cross Country Skiing trips for youth and adults from under-resourced backgrounds and people with disabilities as well as extended Youth Leadership Programs for under-resourced youth.

Position Description

The Youth LEAD (Leadership, Environment, Adventure, and Diversity) Program (YLP) is one of ETC’s 4 main programs. The Youth LEAD Program - Field Instructor works specifically with diverse groups of high school students and trains them in technical outdoor skills, environmental education, and leadership development.

The YLP 10-21 day courses incorporate multiple outdoor activities to expose youth to an array of experiences, challenges, and personal growth opportunities. Students use the sea kayaking, backpacking and white water rafting course components and various ecosystems to learn about themselves, watershed ecology, and natural history through lessons, storytelling, and adventure.

Program Dates

• June 4th - 8th: Instructor Training – At Fort Mason Center, SF and backpacking in Point Reyes
• June 15th - June 28th: 14-Day Young Women’s Couse: Ropes Course, Sea Kayaking on Tomales Bay, Expedition Backpacking
  through Point Reyes National Seashore
• June 23th - July 6th: 14-Day Backpack & Raft Course (all gender): Ropes Course, Expedition Backpacking through Sierras, Whitewater Rafting on S. Fork of the American River
• June 30th – July 16th: 17-Day Young Women’s Backpack & Raft: Ropes Course, Expedition Backpacking through Sierras, Whitewater Rafting on S. Fork of the American River
• July 13th - July 22nd: 10-Day Access to Adventure (all gender): Sea Kayaking to and sleeping Angel Island in the SF Bay,
  Whitewater Rafting on the S. Fork American River, and this is the most accessible course
• July 20th - August 9th: 21-Day West Coast Expedition (all gender): Ropes Course, Sea Kayaking on Tomales Bay, Backpacking Castle Crag Wilderness, Whitewater Rafting on the Rogue River in OR, Road Tripping home through Coastal Redwoods
• August 2nd - August 7th: 6-Day Women’s White Water Rafting: White Water Rafting on the S. Fork of the American River
  • Instructors will have course prep and post days before and after their expeditions

Job Responsibilities

The Field Instructor will work with the Youth LEAD Program Manager to deliver safe, educational, and enjoyable wilderness courses. The Field Instructor will also work collaboratively with a co-instructor, a group of 4-6 volunteer guides, and instruct a group of 10-12 high school students.

Instructor responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• facilitating group games, initiatives, and leadership/environmental focused lessons;
• instructing in technical skill & interpersonal skill development;
• van driving;
• preparing and packing food;
• emotionally supporting students and Co’s; gear handling; and
• writing student evaluations and completing other necessary paperwork, as needed.

Qualifications

• Current Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification or higher.
• Past employment as an instructor in a backcountry setting during extended expeditions.
• Experience working with diverse groups of urban, under-represented youth; Bay Area preferred.
• Ability to communicate positively, values feedback, and able to work in a team environment.
• Experience leading outdoor games, initiatives, restorative justice, and fostering environmental curiosity.
• Experience guiding backpacking trips is mandatory, sea kayak or rafting guide/instructor (preferred).

Note: Hiring dependent on background check and DMV driver check.

Salary

• Daily rate, depends on experience.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email your resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications and how this position fits into your future goals to Alicia Thompson, Youth LEAD Program Manager.