Youth in Wilderness (YiW) Field Instructor

The Ventana Wilderness Allianceʼs (VWA) Youth in Wilderness Program provides opportunities for local youth to experience the Wilderness areas of Californiaʼs central coast. The program works with universities, high schools, and other community partners to provide stewardship and environmental education trips.

YiW Field Instructors (FI) will be involved with most aspects of the program’s Youth Backpacking Expeditions, from partner communications, to outing preparation and execution. The nature of the job requires an experienced and motivated leader who can work safely and effectively with minimal guidance, under the direction of the YiW Program Manager and the VWA Executive Director.

Timeline: From August to December, the candidate will assume the job part-time (seasonal). A Field Instructor may expect to lead 40% - 60% of program outings (about five weekends per season, leading trips bi-weekly). FI’s are expected to collaboratively support outing prep, as needed, throughout the week.

Job Duties:

• Attend required FI onboarding, FI training, and Wilderness First Aid training.
• Prepare and lead overnight backpacking outings, teaching backcountry skills, Wilderness Values, Leave No Trace principles, and YiW curriculum.
• Facilitate pre- and post-trip classroom visits to meet students and complete outing briefs and debriefs.
• Prepare menu, procure food, and support logistics for YiW trips.
• Maintain consistent, timely, reliable communication with staff, team, YiW partners.
• Manage group safety, appropriately administer first aid, and initiate SOS if needed.
• Manage, organize, and maintain gear for trips.
• Facilitate group games and team building exercises on YIW trips.
• Complete liability, safety and reporting paperwork for all trips.

Requirements:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Extensive experience backpacking.
• Experience leading groups outdoors.
• Experience with environmental and youth education.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel to partner sites and Ventana Wilderness areas.

Recommendations:

• Prior First Aid certification recommended. Wilderness First Aid training provided.
• Personal vehicle usage possible, with mileage reimbursed monthly.
• Spanish proficiency advantageous, but not required.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace.