Overview

Field Instructors oversee the safety, quality and educational effectiveness of programs during individual courses. Assistant Instructors carry out all instructor responsibilities while under the training of Instructors, Course Directors and other program staff.

The Assistant Instructor for the Intercept Program requires prior experience in expedition leading and/or youth-work. Assistant Instructors will receive training in the Spring including wilderness travel training with other staff, technical trainings including rock climbing and ropes course, and training on VOBS curriculum and education philosophy. The training is intended to provide familiarity with VOBS policies, procedures, educational approach, as well as knowledge of the local course area (the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness). On-the-job training continues when the Assistant Instructor begins working in the field with student populations under the supervision of a Course Director and a Lead Instructor. The instructional team of Lead and Assistant Instructor are responsible for using a wilderness expedition as the means for delivering educationally-effective and safe Outward Bound courses to a wide-range of populations. During the summer season, the majority of work will be with youth and young adults, with a focus on the Intercept Program which serves struggling teens and their families.

You can find more information about the Intercept Program here.

Assistant instructors maintain a schedule that allows for both instructing field work (70%) and logistical support work (30%).

Role and Responsibilities

Mission Delivery

• Understands and supports VOBS values and mission with students and staff
• Strong commitment to professional development and personal growth
• Support an equitable environment that promotes inclusion of all team members
• Other duties as assigned

Student Engagement/Management

• Under supervision of Instructor and Course Director, collaborate to design and implement experiential education programs that are in line with VOBS mission and educational philosophy and are tailored to the particular student population or group.
• Build and maintain rapport with diverse student groups
• Teach and utilize conflict management & communication skills for groups and individuals
• Support and maintain a positive tone that fosters mutual engagement between students and staff
• Other duties as assigned

Safety/Judgement

• Role model safety and situational awareness during all course activities
• Support physical and emotional safety of students and staff
• Participate in medical/behavioral field evacuations and emergencies as needed
• Actively understand and adhere to local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures as outlined in field staff manual and able to differentiate between personal and institutional standards
• Assess students’ ability and the hazards of conditions or activity to ensure all programs are delivered safely and appropriately
• Other duties as assigned

Expedition and Interpersonal Activities

• Provide clear, effective and timely communication with co-instructor, Course Director and other staff.
• Participate in expedition planning, Course Starts and Graduations, and other course activities
• Actively adapt communication skills and techniques to environment and student population
• Manage personal needs and self-care without negatively impacting the student experience
• Participate and guide in expedition skills including canoeing, backpacking, campcraft, map and compass navigation, expedition logistics and decision-making, and ability to teach & model these skills to students
• Facilitates a Family Conference at the end of the course that promotes vulnerability and communication within the family unit
• Other duties as assigned

Trainee

• Participate in all required staff training including travel training, technical training, staff orientation
• Growth-oriented mindset in pursuing self-development as well as the growth of fellow staff
• Other duties as assigned