Logistics Coordinator
Voyageur Outward Bound School
Ely, Minnesota
POSITION SUMMARY
The Logistics Coordinator (LC) plays a central role in facilitating the smooth operation of the Trips facility during the peak summer season. Patience, kindness and a sense of humor are paramount - we operate in a fast- paced environment and deal with a wide variety of personalities, often under time and resource pressure. Responsible for issuing gear to instructors and ensuring its good condition, as well as managing the overall flow of crews, LCs form the backbone of the logistics team. Duties include picking cages, processing laundry, restocking the food room, and maintaining building cleanliness. Additionally, LCs may supervise interns and volunteers and handle constant inquiries regarding gear and food supplies. Strong attention to detail and adherence to high standards in combination with the ability to communicate these needs to others is essential in supporting our summer expeditions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Logistics Support
- Participate in and provide exceptional warehouse and food room organization, operation and cleanliness.
- Supply, clean, and issue all equipment and clothing for courses.
- Maintain the student clothing closet in a clean and organized fashion.
- Perform needed repairs, acting within areas of expertise (sewing, boat repair, stove repair, zippers). Learn other repair skills on the job, as needed.
- Prepare equipment inventories and check for gear to be retired.
- In coordination with the Ely Head Logistics Coordinator, work within present systems to alert the Logistics Manager to anticipated shortages of food and gear.
- Bake flappers and other summer bars.
Basecamp Support
- Actively participate in all-school functions, events, and daily chores.
- Work cooperatively with other team members to support instructional staff and students.
- Support program as needed, including driving and other duties.
- Ensure that the school store is stocked and ready to go.
- Other duties as assigned.
Training
- Work alongside Interns and Volunteers, training them in various tasks needed to support courses, general logistics and basecamp operations.
Safety Management
- Participate as needed to support the basecamp’s on-call field response system. This generally means helping evacuation teams get food and gear ready for their trip, plus helping them with route and packing info. Occasionally it could include driving and paddling/hiking to help with an evacuation.
- Adhere to local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures as outlined in the field staff manual.
Requirements
KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
Equipment repair and maintenance
- Strong technical abilities in one of the following categories: Sewing, boat repair, stove repair, zippers
- Willingness to learn how to do the above as needed
- Flexibility - ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and new information.
- Creativity— innovate for success; identify and scope new solutions with finite resources.
- Proactivity—identify and elevate opportunities to solve problems.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit—self starter who can tolerate ambiguity, seek opportunities, and learn by doing.
- Cultural Competence -ability to recognize and appreciate patterns of cultural differences and commonalities and to shift cultural perspective and change behavior in culturally appropriate and authentic ways.
- Administrative – familiarity with computer-based systems like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Drive.
SKILLS
- Organization & prioritization - detail-oriented and able to understand and follow systems; manage work so that it aligns priorities and tasks to daily needs.
- Communication—ability to share ideas and information effectively with different audiences; ability to listen with the intent to understand.
- Decision Making - The ability to make sound and timely decisions that accomplish goals, even in the face of uncertainty or high-pressure situations.
- Continual Learning - An interest in and commitment to knowing oneself; ability to assess and recognize ones’ strengths and pursue opportunities for continuous improvement through formal and informal channels including feedback, training, and goal setting.
- Collaboration—Ability to work with people to effectively meet shared objectives, while encouraging the open expression of ideas.
- Conflict Management - Ability to manage and resolve conflict productively and with minimal negative impact.
WORK CONDITIONS / LOCATION
- Work occurs in both a warehouse setting and outdoors at the basecamp on a regular basis; sometimes may need to work in outdoor weather. conditions that are sub-optimal (rain, wind, snow, temperature extremes etc.).
- May at times be asked to camp or sleep outside while supporting courses.
- LCs are on their feet and moving around the building for most of the day.
- Generally the work is 8 hours a day, 5 days per week, or possibly more in the case of an emergency.
- Our facility is open 7 days per week; Saturday and Sunday are regular work days for the position. Days off can be scheduled weekly or ahead of time.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to participate in all site activities and to maintain energy, strength, and focus to support students and staff.
- Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity such as lifting, moving boxes, climbing stairs.
- Ability to lift, crawl, bend, carry and pull. Work is sometimes done in confined spaces and at height.
- Occasionally must carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
- Age 21 or older.
- Acceptable driving record based on VOBS grading criteria.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- This is a seasonal, hourly position, running from April 15, 2026 - September 30, 2026. Flexibility in start and end date is possible.
- Hourly rate $15-17 per hour, depending on experience and tenure in the position.
- Other benefits include:
- Room (rustic) and board provided while on contract.
- Pro deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates).
- Paid sick time (accrued at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked).
- Participation in 403b with 2% company match.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Plan and MN Paid Leave.
| Category | Admin & Leadership , General / Stewardship |
| Tags | Volunteer Coordinator |