Field Instructor – Youth LEAD Program

Organization & Program Description: Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) is a volunteer-based nonprofit providing the joy and challenge of outdoor adventures to people with all abilities and from all backgrounds since 1972. We inspire self-confidence, connection to nature, and community-based environmental stewardship through accessible sea kayaking, rafting, and multi-week expeditions for youth from historically marginalized backgrounds. The Youth LEAD Program (YLP) is one of ETC’s three main programs. We provide outdoor experiences for youth from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, focusing on technical outdoor skills, environmental education, socio-emotional growth, and leadership development. Our 14-to-21-day courses incorporate sea kayaking, rafting, and backpacking. Students learn about themselves, their community of peers, natural history, and environmental science through lessons, storytelling, community-building, and adventure in the wilderness.

Job Overview

Positions:

Each YLP Course has a team of one Lead Instructor, one Instructor, and one YLP Fellow Field Intern. This core Instructor Team is supported by 3-6 ETC Volunteers during the sea kayak and rafting portions of each Course (depending on the activities of the Course).

• Currently hiring for Instructors with experience and competence in the outdoor education and/or wilderness guiding fields.

Course Dates + Details

Instructor training Dates:

 Monday June 2nd- Friday June 6th

14-Day Access to Adventure Course

• Prep dates: June 10, 11 & 13
• Course: June 14- June 27
• Post: June 29th

21-Day Sea to Source Course 

• Prep dates: June 16, 17, 18, 20
• Course: June 21- July 11
• Post: July 13th

14-Day Sierra Exploration Course 

• Prep: July 16, 17, 19
• Course: July 20- August 2nd 
• Post: August 4th

14-Day Expedition Course

• Prep: July 24, 25, 27
• Course: July 28- August 10
• Post: August 12 

Compensation:

• Rage for instructors: $140-$155/day for all training prep, Course, and post days
• Range for Lead Instructors: $160 – $175/day for all training, prep, course, and post days
• Early signing bonus: $100 per course if contract signed before February 29th, 2025
• Lunch stipend ($10/day) for all Prep and Post days, and June 2 & 3 of Training (all meals provided June 4-6 of Training)
• If traveling from outside the Bay Area:Stipends for travel and/or accommodation are available
  • Folks within the Bay Area who have travel or lodging needs are welcome to fill out an application, though funds are prioritized for folks traveling from outside the Bay Area

• Wilderness Medical Certification scholarships are available 
  • Funds are limited and we will do our best to meet all applicants’ needs!

• YLP Instructors are invited and encouraged to join ETC’s Inclusion Training on May 16-18, 2025.
  • All meals and camping provided for a weekend of community and professional development at gorgeous ETC River Camp in Lotus CA!
• Spaces available for returning YLP Instructors at ETC Sea Kayak or River Guide School with scholarships available!

Job Responsibilities:

• Attend a mandatory paid field staff training from June 2nd – June 6th in the SF Bay Area, including an overnight kayak camping component from June 4th – 6th.
• Work collaboratively and communicate compassionately with the core Instructor Team and 3-6 ETC Volunteer Sea Kayak/River Guides to safely instruct 10-12 high school students on the Course.
• Engage students in a meaningful, honest, safe community as a starting point for genuine learning in the outdoors. Hold space for their individual strengths and areas for growth.
• Learn ETC environmental science and leadership lessons during field staff training and deliver engaging lessons and activities in the field.
• Prepare course components including food packing, gear packing, lesson organization, and daily flow (with support from ETC office staff).
• Demonstrate and model excellence in personal organization while living and traveling in campgrounds and backcountry settings for 14-21 days.
• Provide positive and encouraging support and guidance throughout all course activities.
• Instruct technical and interpersonal skills to encourage participant leadership growth and personal development.
• Safely manage and supervise all activities according to ETC operating policies, protocols, and procedures.
• Responsibly handle and care for all ETC gear and equipment.
• Supervise and mentor high school aged YLP Fellow Field Intern who is a crucial member of the instructor team and part of ETC’s Youth LEAD Fellowship Program.
• Serve as a positive, authentic role model for participants, Assistant Instructors, and co-workers.
• Participate actively in post-course evaluations giving and receiving constructive feedback.

Qualifications:

• Age requirement: 20+
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification or higher before course begins; Wilderness First Responder certification highly preferred
• Hiring is dependent on criminal background check and DMV driver check
  • Must have clean driving record
  • Must have 2+ years licensed driving experience
  • Ability to safely drive youth in a large SUV for up to 6 hours
• Previous experience as a leader in a backcountry setting during extended expeditions
• Ability to be present, responsive, and focused with student participants for 14-21 consecutive days
• Previous experience leading equity, diversity, and inclusion activities and/or facilitating programs with racially and socioeconomically diverse groups. Sensitivity to the needs of folks from these groups, especially in the outdoors (a historically white-dominated context), is crucial to this role
• If identified with a socially dominant group (white, wealthy, heterosexual, cis gender, etc): is committed to examining personal power and privilege and self-education about power dynamics
• Ability to communicate positively, value feedback, and excel in a strong team-oriented environment
• Experience with leading outdoor activities and lessons while fostering environmental curiosity, excitement, and stewardship
• Exemplifies patience and adaptability in dynamic outdoor situations, especially when challenges arise
• Open to different leadership styles and collaboration; celebrates individual uniqueness with goal of creating inclusive, safe spaces

Additional Preferred Experience:

• Experience as a sea kayak, backpack, and/or raft guide preferred
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Class B Commercial Driver’s License
• Comfort navigating both on and off trail in alpine environments, particularly in the Sierra Nevadas

Transportation and Lodging:

While on course, all meals and camping accommodations are provided. Instructors must provide their own lodging and transportation to/from Fort Mason Center in San Francisco on June 2 & 3rd for Instructor Training, as well as the 3-4 preparation days before course and one post debrief day after course. 

**We strongly encourage people of color and individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+ to apply for this position.**

How to Apply:

Thank you for your interest! Please send a resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications, related experience, and which course(s) you’re interested in to Yoseline Castillo at [email protected]. If you have any questions about the position, please email [email protected] or call 415-474-7662 ext.16.