Trips and Leadership Instructor

Trips and Leadership Program Instructor

As a trip and leadership program instructor, you will serve as a mentor and coach as teens learn different leadership styles while hiking, canoeing, and camping adventures during multiple-week sessions. Programs will focus on leadership styles, communication skills, group building, and environmental education and ethics. To be effective, instructors must have a genuine interest in building their capacity as positive role models through teaching applicable hard skills needed to find success.  

Responsibilities

  • Attend and actively participate in a two-week-long paid staff training where practical skills are practiced, reviewed, and tested to ensure comfortability when leading and teaching campers
  • Co-lead two-week outdoor leadership programs for teenagers (co-ed, max. 10/session). Each program session includes a 3-6 day camping, hiking, and/or canoeing trip. NOTE: includes some weekend work during the program session.
  • Plan lessons and schedules and implement a leadership curriculum that covers a variety of skills including listening, communication, team-building, low-impact camping, conflict resolution, canoe safety, canoeing skills, map and compass, general ecology, personal health and safety, and knot-tying.
  • Prepare food for trips and coordinate logistical support, food/equipment deliveries, emergency support, etc.
  • Supervise and ensure the safety of campers at all times; facilitate resolution of group conflicts and strive to encourage problem-solving and decision-making; live in and supervise cabin of up to 6 program participants.
  • Role model healthy living, positive energy, clear communication, and good stewardship for the environment.
  • Actively engage with campers during lessons, recreation, and mealtimes.
  • Evaluate the program regularly with Program Leader and Director.

Qualifications

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum of 2 years related experience working with teenagers and teaching in the outdoors or equivalent
  • Experience leading camping/backpacking/canoeing trips
  • Ability to lead groups outdoors over various terrain with 35+ lbs. packs for extended days and the ability to assist in carrying canoes (85 lb.) with others
  • Demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor camp programming
  • Wilderness First Aid & CPR and lifeguard certification (or ability to obtain prior to start of training)

Preferred Qualifications

    • Valid Driver’s license and clean driving record
    • Wilderness First Responder, Small Craft Water Safety Certification
    • Ability to obtain a trip leader permit (we train for this as part of your orientation, must pass test with 85%)

Dates and Compensation:

  • June 12-August 19, 2023
  • $450/week (pre-tax) with increases dependent on experience and certifications
  • Includes rustic housing, meals during program sessions, and community (staff) spaces with internet access

Apply online at https://extension.umaine.edu/tanglewood/online-application-form/ For more information please contact extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu

Please Note

Employees in the University of Maine System are required to comply with UMS COVID protocols which currently include but are not limited to, being vaccinated, obtaining a qualified vaccination exemption, and/or participating in regular COVID testing. Further information can be found on our Together for Maine website.

The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).