Field Correspondent

With over 50 years of innovation in experiential and outdoor education in the Pacific Northwest, Northwest Outward Bound School (NWOBS) continues to change lives through challenge and discovery. Our transformative and educational wilderness courses are set in some of the most dramatic and stunning parts of the United States. NWOBS was founded in 1965 and facilitates wilderness-based programs in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and also serves urban youth and schools in the Portland metropolitan area. As an Outward Bound School, we are committed to the core values of compassion, integrity, excellence, equity, inclusion and diversity, and strive to achieve the following outcomes: building character, developing leadership skills, and creating an ethic of social and environmental responsibility.

Job Overview

This position will likely be based out of the Mazama, WA basecamp.

Field Correspondents (FCs) are creative, motivated and enthusiastic about building their outdoor content creation and storytelling experience in beautiful wilderness settings. Based out of Mazama, WA, the Field Correspondent will work under the direct supervision of Program Administration and is responsible for documenting and communicating the student experience by creating and curating photographic, video and social media content in collaboration with NWOBS student services, marketing and development teams. In conjunction with Course Directors, FCs make field visits to document on-course student and staff experiences, take photographs, conduct interviews and capture other content. When not in the field, the FC will work in a community setting at basecamp.

Safety: Ability to appropriately manage their own physical and emotional safety on course. Understand their roles and abide by NWOBS policies and procedures. Interact with students in an emotionally appropriate and professional manner. Able to role model and promote a culture of safety during work and while staying on basecamp.

Field Presence: Attend course function (eg. switch over, course start) and course visits (in conjunction with Course Director). Capture the student experience in line with the mission of NWOBS and marketing endeavors while not negatively impacting the student experience.

Marketing: Responsible for coordinating with NWOBS marketing team to assist with assigned marketing objectives, including social media management, photography and video projects. May also assist with national Outward Bound marketing campaigns as assigned.

Collaboration: Collaborate with many departments including Student Services, Marketing, and Program Administration.Act as a liaison between field staff, students and administration.

System Creation: Create systems to attain and organize photographs from field staff.

Interpersonal Knowledge and Skill: Able to work with staff that have different styles and experiences. Able to take initiative and carry out tasks individually and work cooperatively as a team. Provide clear, effective, and timely communication to Students, Instructors, Course Directors, Logistics Coordinators, and Administration.

Outdoor Knowledge and Skill: Able to skillfully manage oneself in the outdoor environment including; self care, camp craft, water purification, navigation, packing a pack, and hiking/paddling/rowing skills.

Special Benefits

• Starting daily rate of $85-105/day.
• Staff development through NWOBS trainings, staff expeditions, access to gear, and mentorship.
• Professional equipment discounts.
• Room & board: housing, food, laundry, showers and internet are available for your use on base. Staff receive field food while on course, and are fed out of the common kitchen while on base. These benefits are provided to improve staff well-being and are not considered compensation or factored into the pay scale.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Awareness of personal biases and the impact that your behavior may have on those around you, or the willingness to uncover and grapple with personal biases.
• Knowledge of social media management best practices, Photo and video capture and editing experience. Ability to work 60% at a desk and 40% in the field.
• An interest or background in storytelling, journalism and/or brand marketing
• Valid Driver’s License
• Experience working in a team setting with one or more colleagues.
• Ability to have open, honest, and difficult conversations, including the ability to give and receive feedback.
• A demonstrated commitment to engaging in equity, inclusion, and diversity efforts (either within a professional or personal setting).
• 1+ years of extensive and comparable experience.
• Must be sufficiently fit to participate in all duties as assigned and maintain ample energy and focus to aid students and staff.
• Excellent decision making skills.
• Strong personal motivation, initiative, commitment, follow through, and passion for NWOBS mission.