Wilderness Instructors

BOLD & GOLD Program

Seattle, Washington USA

The BOLD (Boys Outdoor Leadership Development) & GOLD (Girls Outdoor Leadership Development) Program is dedicated to inspiring courage and confidence in diverse groups of adolescent girls and boys through outdoor adventures.  We run, primarily, single gender expeditions and each year we engage over 600 youth on 60-70 different backcountry trips ranging in length from 8 to 22 days in places like the North Cascades, Mt Rainier, Squamish, Smith Rocks and Olympic National Park. Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, fishing, yoga, art, music, literature, backcountry cooking and goofing off.  Our goal is to increase confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, wonder, and community awareness in participants.   We believe these traits are the foundations of leadership and work to inspire participants to develop their own leadership style.  We prepare young people, from middle school on, to be the next generation of leaders through multicultural experiential education in the natural world. Find out more at www.ymcaleadership.org

We are currently hiring Wilderness Instructors for this coming summer and programs are based out of Seattle, WA.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Facilitate the learning of outdoor skills during our 8-22 day wilderness-based backpacking, rock climbing or mountaineering courses.
• Ensure both a physically and an emotionally safe environment.
• Create values-forming experiences for adolescents.
• Create an inclusive environment for youth in the outdoors.

Critical Success Factors and Qualifications:

• Professional instructional experience in backpacking, rock climbing, and/or mountaineering
• Commitment to working with diverse groups
• Excellent judgment and decision making skills
• Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills
• Experience facilitating activities addressing issues facing adolescent females and/or males
• Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the everyday lives of underserved youth
• Knowing how to have fun!

BOLD & GOLD Qualifications (In Addition to the ones listed below):

• Current W-EMT, WFR, or WFA (Assistant Instructors only) and CPR
• Current WA State Food Handlers Permit
• Instructors must be available for training in the Seattle area in early June

Dates of Employment:

Summer programs operate from June 14th- September 5^th.  Instructors are contracted on a course-by-course basis including paid time for planning and debriefing.  Opportunities exist for additional work based on interest and availability in beginning of May and continuing into late September. Must be available evenings and weekends. Full summer commitment is preferred, however instructors do not have to be available for all dates.

Compensation:

Salary Negotiable, $65- $115/day.  Benefits with full summer commitment include a Y membership, access to pro-deals, and professional development opportunities.

Questions: Please contact Chris Hagen at chagen@seattleymca.org 

Application Closing Date:  Open untl filled.

1. 21 years of age or older.
2. Current state approved first aid certification. *
3. Current state approved CPR certification. *
4. Current TB test by the Mantoux method. *
5. Current HIV/AIDS training certification. *
6. YMCA Child Abuse Prevention training certification. *
7. Current YMCA Van Driver's certification. *
8. Minimum 21 years old w/at least 3 years driving experience.
9. Current Driver's License and a driving record which meets or exceeds YMCA standards:
1. Maximum one minor violation.
2. No speeding violation of more than 20mph over the limit.
10. Thirty or more college quarter credits in early childhood education/child development, education, or possess an equivalent educational background in courses such as recreation, physical education, education, music, art, psychology, or social services preferred.
11. Two years of experience or more working with teens in an organized setting.
12. Experience in staff supervision.
13. Experience in program planning and administration.
14. Knowledge of culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate practices.
15. Knowledge of developmental needs of teens; demonstrates an understanding of the needs of teens and the ability to evaluate their needs individually.
16. Ability to plan, implement and oversee a variety of program activities.
17. Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.

*       Within 14 days of assuming duties.

Competencies for success at the Y:

• Values - Strengthens the Y's culture by demonstrating the values of the Y - honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility - in every aspect of work.
• Inclusion - Models cultural competence and supports diversity, effectively working with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
• Develop Self and Others - Demonstrates teamwork and personal accountability, seeking and providing feedback, coaching, and resources for development.
• Quality Results - Takes the initiative and holds self and others accountable to meet or exceed quantitative and qualitative goals relating to people (employees and members), philanthropy, finance and volunteerism.
• Change Capacity - Facilitates change, seeks opportunities in the change process, models adaptability, and leads transition in support of the Y's mission.
• Inspire Others - Promotes creativity, generates excitement, and rewards risk taking, while consistently demonstrating a high level of emotional maturity, maintaining a positive attitude and building strong relationships.

Become a leader on our team at the YMCA of Greater Seattle where we promote a continuous learning environment and career opportunities. Competitive pay range and excellent benefit package includes YMCA membership, health, dental, life and disability insurance; tuition assistance; 12% retirement contribution, as eligible.

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. We are a drug & alcohol-free workplace.