Outdoor Skills Instructor

Job Overview

Position: Outdoor Skills Instructor (AmeriCorps, ages 18 – 35)
Location: Saint Paul, MN
This is not a residential program; participants must secure housing near the crew location
Service Term: 450-hour AmeriCorps position; May 20 – August 14, 2024

Position Summary: The Outdoor Skills Instructor will provide basic camping instruction, paddling instruction and environmental education for the I Can Paddle! and I Can Camp! programs. I Can Paddle! and I Can Camp! are part of several I Can! programs, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  I Can! programs introduce Minnesota families to a variety of outdoor activities including camping, fishing, paddling and biking.

Outdoor Skills Instructors will co-lead single day and overnight workshops for canoe/kayak paddling and front-country camping. Each pair of instructors teaches basic skills instruction for 2-4 hour long drop-in workshops and 2-3 day overnight workshops.

During the summer, instructors will travel and camp at state parks and state water trails throughout Minnesota. Instructors are responsible for monitoring weather and completing pre-trip calls with DNR staff to ensure workshops are safe to hold. Instructors will provide environmental education, offering information about local ecology and natural resources during each trip. Instructors will also handle day-of workshop operations including communicating any necessary workshop cancellations, properly cleaning and storing all equipment and maintaining regular communication with DNR and Conservation Corps staff.

Hours & Schedule
Schedules can vary, depending on crew location. Crew members should expect to be scheduled for at least 40 hours of service per week. A typical schedule is Wednesday – Sunday, with hours varying depending on workshop schedules.  Service days include a mandatory 30 minute lunch break which does not count towards service hours. Overnight travel (3 – 4 consecutive days) is often required for workshops.

Special Benefits

• Living Allowance: $2,300/month
• Education Award: $1,824.07, if eligible and upon successful completion of program
• Student loan forbearance (on qualifying student loans)
• Health insurance
• Childcare assistance
• Training, certifications, networking

Minimum Requirements

• 18-35 years old
• Ability and desire to work well with others in a team setting, outdoors and in all weather conditions
• Desire to education and inspire community members by fostering a safe and supportive environment for camping and paddling
• Commitment to upholding Corps values of safety, service, respect, equity and community
• Dedication to complete the full term of AmeriCorps service
• Ability to perform the Essential Service Functions, which include:
  • Long (10 hour) days of hiking, paddling and camping
  • Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
  • Walking and working on steep or uneven terrain
  • Working in extremes of heat or cold

• Preferred: Knowledge of basic paddling strokes and techniques; knowledge of basic camping skills
• Flexible schedule to accommodate weekend out-of-town and overnight assignments
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the US
• Must pass a criminal history check consisting of a National Sex Offender Public Website check, a state criminal history check, and a fingerprint-based FBI check. Passing the criminal history check is defined as no positive hits on the NSOPW and no history of violent offenses on the state or FBI checks.
• High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED