Expedition Instructor/Outdoor leader

WILDERNESS SCHOOL

2024 Summer Employment

WHO ARE WE?

Located in East Hartland in the north-central part of Connecticut, Wilderness School (WS) is a positive youth development program for Connecticut adolescents and young people ages 13-21 who are looking to make positive changes in their lives. Supported by the CT Department of Children and Families, WS offers outdoor, experiential, and adventure-based activities of hiking, backpacking, rock-climbing, canoeing, ropes/challenge course, service learning, conservation/trail work, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping. In the summer, our basecamp serves several purposes such as being a homebase for short course programs and groups seeking adventure education services as well as a logistical launching point for our multiday expeditions. Our multiday expeditions traditionally occur off basecamp on the Connecticut/Massachusetts sections of the Appalachian Trail as well as along the regional Housatonic, Farmington, and Connecticut rivers. Alumni and Follow-Up student course areas include upstate Maine/Acadia National Park and the New York Adirondack Wilderness.

WHO ARE YOU?

Wilderness School is seeking compassionate, motivated, and dedicated individuals – leaders, role models, mentors, facilitators, educators, team players, outdoor enthusiasts – who have a strong desire and passion to help young people ages 13-21 discover their best qualities and develop a positive, capable sense of self. WS provides “Challenge by Choice” adventure-based activities to the youth of Connecticut, offering opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible to them. Our goal is to create a dynamic team of professionals who want to facilitate these transformative experiences for our students in the field whether it be short courses (1-3 days) or longer expeditions (5-20 days). Every position is crucial to the success of each experience. The work is challenging AND rewarding. Bring your playfulness, creativity, and grit! You earn a lot more than money doing this job; you will change lives, including your own.

AVAILABLE ON-SITE SEASONAL POSITIONS

SPRING SEASON

Expedition Instructors

Work Dates: April through May

Approximate workdays: 35-40

Compensation: $6,000 to $7,400

*Spring Season hires typically stay on throughout the summer.

SUMMER SEASON

Expedition Instructors, Logistics Staff, Program Support Staff, Kitchen Crew

Work Dates: Mid-May through August

Approximate workdays: 48-55 (includes 10 days staff training)

Compensation: $8,200 to $10,000

*Opportunity to work the Fall Season.

FALL SEASON

Expedition Instructors

Work Dates: September through Mid-November

Approximate workdays: 35-40

Compensation: $6,000 to $7,400

*Fall Season hires have typically worked a previous season.

COMPENSATION BREAKDOWN AND ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Per diem rates (starting at $171-185/day) are based on the position applied for and experience of the applicant.

FREE:

o Room and Board

o Professional development opportunities (Training & Certifications)

o Pro-deals for outdoor clothing, gear, and equipment

o Community of like-minded outdoor folks!

QUALIFICATIONS / CERTIFICATIONS / SKILLS

 Bachelor’s degree is preferred – Professional level training and work experience as an experiential educator/facilitator may be considered in lieu of bachelor’s degree.

o Examples: Greenfield Community College Outdoor Leadership Program, National Outdoor Leadership School/Outward Bound course completion, or comparable significant experience as an outdoor professional/corresponding professional experience.

 Current WFR/WFA

 First Aid/CPR/AED (American Heart Association/American Red Cross)

 Lifeguard/Waterfront training

 Driver’s license preferred

 Logistics/Climbing Specialists

o Current PCIA or AMGA cert/experience preferred

 Your unique background and attributes may include:

o Group facilitation skills, people-oriented, positive team attitude, optimism that change is possible, a hopeful supportive spirit, a caring heart for young people who may be struggling, the ability to role model resilience in the mist of challenging circumstances, the ability to find the best in others and to help them see it for themselves, and a desire to be "on the trail" leading for extended periods of time.

* Wilderness School provides paid training in technical outdoor skills and backcountry medicine. It helps to have experience in outdoor education and leadership. However, if you are adaptable, eager to learn from experience, and show sound judgement, we will find a great spot for you to learn, grow, and contribute on our team!

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please email the required documents (below) to: WildernessJourney@ct.gov

 Resume

 Cover Letter expressing why you are interested in a Wilderness School position.

For more information...

Call us: 860-653-8059

Visit our Facebook page: State of Connecticut Wilderness School

Check out our website: Wilderness School (ct.gov)

Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Seasonal

Pay: $171.00 - $185.00 per day

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Professional development assistance

Grade school specialties:

• 10th grade
• 11th grade
• 12th grade
• 9th grade

Work setting:

• Camp
• In-person
• Outdoor work

Ability to Relocate:

• East Hartland, CT: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person