Youth Backcountry Instructor

Job Overview

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) is the primary steward of the 200-mile Tahoe Rim Trail System with a mission to maintain and enhance the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and inspire stewardship, and preserve access to the natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe region.

Position Description:

The TRTA’s Youth Backcountry Instructor (YBI) will lead 4-day backpacking expeditions for the Youth Backcountry Camp (YBCC) Program. The YBI will guide teens along the Tahoe Rim Trail while teaching wilderness skills and natural history of the Tahoe Basin, facilitating camp games and leadership activities, and supporting the mental and physical needs of youth. The YBI will professionally represent the TRTA and need to abide by and enforce the TRTA’s risk management protocols relating to wilderness medicine, COVID-19, youth management, and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. This is a three-month, temporary, summer position, great for a candidate looking to hone their skills in adventure leadership and outdoor education.

Job Duties:

Responsibilities

• Assist with the implementation of Youth Backcountry Camps
• Assist the Youth Programs Manager to implement and lead Instructor Training for chaperones
• Assist with managing backpacking gear
• Exercise sound judgment and decision-making and assess and mitigate hazards
• Effectively build rapport with participants, co-instructors, chaperones, and co-workers
• Role-model inclusive behavior and facilitate a positive group culture among diverse partner groups and youth
• Manage participants in emergencies and adhere to all TRTA safety policies and operating and emergency procedures
• Maintain high energy, positive attitude, and focus on participants and chaperones at all times
• Report on program outcomes after each YBCC trip

Other Duties as Assigned
All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• 21 years old or older by May 2022
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• An excellent driving record with no major infractions or unsafe conduct
• Ability to pass a criminal background check including Live Scan fingerprinting
• Experience working with youth ages 12-17
• Proficient soft-skills necessary to support youth mental health and emotional challenges
• Prior field experience leading outdoor programming
• Familiarity with basic backcountry skills, including stove use, map navigation, and water treatment
• Strong decision-making skills, ability to work without direct supervision and adaptable to changing, dynamic environments
• Professionalism in attitude and appearance
• Ability to clearly, assertively, and effectively communicate orally
• Ability to manage self-care and energy in the backcountry in all conditions
• Passionate about environmental stewardship and connecting others to nature

Required Certifications

Certifications must be valid through employment end date.

• Wilderness First Aid certification or higher
• CPR certification
• Lifeguard certification
• Youth Mental Health First Aid certification (free online training available)
• Leave No Trace Awareness certification (free online training available)

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid Wilderness First Responder certification or higher
• Leave No Trace Trainer certification
• College degree or coursework in Outdoor Education, or other related field
• Basic knowledge of local ecology, natural history, and/or landscapes
• Proficiency in Spanish
• Experience working with youth from underserved and underrepresented populations
• Experience hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail

Required Physical Demands

• Ability to hike and camp in the backcountry for several days at a time at various elevations up to 10,000’ carrying up to 75 lbs
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van towing an eight-foot utility trailer

Work Schedule:

The Youth Backcountry Instructor position is a salaried, full-time, seasonal exempt position. The YBI will start on May 24, 2022 and terminate on August 19, 2022. Due to the nature of the Youth Backcountry Camp Program, the Youth Backcountry Instructor will have a nonstandard schedule with significant fieldwork for the duration of the position. Field work weeks will include four full days with overnights in the backcountry.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation based on qualifications and experience ranging from $8,300 – $9,800 (approximately $16/hr – $19/hr)
• Paid holidays
• Meals during programs

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].