Big City Mountaineers | Tower / Ely, MN

Big City Mountaineers (BCM) provides transformative outdoor experiences that strengthen life skills, build belonging, and foster connection for youth from communities historically underrepresented in the outdoors. For 35 years, BCM has created free, fully outfitted, professionally led outdoor experiences for youth ages 12–18 — helping young people connect to nature, themselves, community, and joy.

BCM is a national nonprofit headquartered in Denver, CO, with regional hubs across the country and programs taking place on the ancestral lands of many Indigenous nations, including the Dakota and Anishinaabe peoples in Minnesota.

 Position Overview

The Basecamp Coordinator plays a vital behind-the-scenes role supporting BCM’s canoe programming in Northern Minnesota. Based at our canoe basecamp near Tower/Ely, MN, this role supports the Minneapolis–St. Paul Regional Program Manager and field instructors by managing basecamp operations before and after youth trips. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, values independence, and thrives supporting youth programs through logistics, organization, and care for shared spaces. The Basecamp Coordinator serves as BCM’s primary on-the-ground presence in Northern Minnesota and works collaboratively with staff based in the Twin Cities and across the country.

Key Responsibilities

Basecamp Opening & Closing

• Assist with seasonal opening and closing of basecamp
• Clear trails and trim vegetation
• Set up and take down canvas tents
• Manage water systems for pavilion and garage
• Refill propane tanks and maintain equipment
• Update canoe registration and prepare watercraft

Basecamp Maintenance

• Mow grass and manage weeds
• Repair canoe thwarts, yokes, and portage pads
• Maintain gear, food, medication, and first aid inventories
• Clean and maintain outhouses, pavilion, and garage
• Safely store and maintain tools and equipment

Program Support

• Purchase and pack program food
• Organize and prepare gear for trips
• Outfit participants with properly fitting equipment
• Prepare meals for groups while on-site
• Support gear return, cleaning, laundry, and storage
• Organize staging areas between trips
• Administer and track completion of program surveys

Communication & Collaboration

• Participate in adult team planning calls
• Maintain proactive communication with the Regional Program Manager
• Share observations and feedback related to programming and logistics

Required Qualifications

• Commitment to BCM’s mission and values
• Ability to work independently with minimal in-person supervision
• Strong communication and reliability
• Experience maintaining a campground, basecamp, or physical site
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds
• Clean driving record and ability to transport gear
• Personal transportation available (mileage reimbursed)
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification or willingness to obtain
• Ability to pass a background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with youth from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Ability to build positive relationships with instructors, youth, and partners
• Spanish, Hmong, or Somali language skills
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification
• Wilderness Water Safety or Lifeguard certification
• Familiarity with the Tower and Ely, MN communities
• Experience managing risk in outdoor program environments

Compensation & Details

• Seasonal, part-time, hourly position
• Anticipated dates: May 2026 – September 1, 2026
• Optional additional work during basecamp opening or closing
• Approximately 20 hours per week
• Maximum of 340 total hours
• $20/hour, dependent on experience
• This position does not include health, dental, or vision benefits

Benefits

• Accrued sick time
• Workers’ compensation coverage
• Access to outdoor industry pro deals after two weeks of employment

Optional Housing

Optional on-site housing may be available with prior approval.

Housing is rustic camping (tent or personal vehicle/camper) with access to electricity, showers, and running water.