POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Youth Programs Manager
Location: Stateline, NV 
Job Classification: Contracted (June through Mid-August)
Work Schedule: Staff training early June; Four-day trips in the field between June 18 and August 31, 2026. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The Youth Backcountry Instructor (YBI) will supervise, teach, and facilitate meaningful experiences for youth
during multi-day backpacking trips. This program focuses on backcountry skills, natural history, and character 
development through experiences that take youth into new and outdoor environments.

• With co-instructor(s), lead four-day backpacking trips for up to 13 youth.
• Facilitate program curriculum by teaching basic backcountry skills, natural history, stewardship ethics, and leading character-building activities.
• Foster leadership skills among participants through experiential learning opportunities, encouraging them to take on responsibilities within the group.
• Create a positive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages active participation and fosters a sense of belonging among youth participants.
• Facilitate group discussions and reflective activities to enhance the learning experience.
• Exercise sound judgment and decision-making to assess and mitigate hazards.
• Respond promptly and effectively to medical emergencies and field incidents, implementing TRTA policies and procedures, coordinating with emergency services when necessary.
• Prevent, address and resolve conflicts among participants, applying conflict resolution skills to maintain a positive group dynamic.
• Effectively build rapport with participants, co-instructors, chaperones, and co-workers.
• Maintain high energy and positive attitude, provide attention to participants’ and chaperones’ needs.
• Conduct post-trip evaluations with participants to gather feedback and assess the program's effectiveness.
• Communicate program details and outcomes with parents and guardians.
• Submit post-trip reports detailing the outcomes, challenges, and recommendations for future programs.
• Ensure the proper care and maintenance of all program equipment, including tents, backpacks, stoves, and first aid supplies.
• Conduct pre-trip equipment checks to confirm readiness and safety.
• Represent the Tahoe Rim Trail Association in a professional manner

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Experience Working with Youth in Outdoor Settings: Proven track record of working with youth ages 12-17, understanding their unique challenges, and having the ability to create a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Risk Management Skills: Comprehensive understanding of risk management in outdoor settings, including the ability to independently implement program protocols and assess and mitigate potential hazards and emergencies during backpacking trips.
• Cultural Competency: Exhibit cultural sensitivity and competence, recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the youth participants.
• Effective Communication Skills: Possess strong communication skills to effectively interact with both youth participants and support staff, ensuring clear instructions, active listening, and the ability to address concerns and conflicts.
• Teaching and Facilitation Skills: Experience implementing educational activities during backpacking trips, fostering personal growth, teamwork, and leadership development among participants. Ability to facilitate these activities in Spanish is a plus!
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adapt plans based on the needs and abilities of the youth, as well as unexpected changes in weather or other conditions.
• Environmental Stewardship: Commitment to environmental stewardship and educating participants on responsible outdoor practices to instill a sense of respect and appreciation for nature.
• Conflict Resolution Skills: Strong conflict resolution skills to manage interpersonal conflicts that may arise among participants during the backpacking experience.
• Backpacking Expertise: Extensive backpacking experience, including a strong knowledge of outdoor safety, navigation, camping, and leave-no-trace principles. Ability to hike and camp in the backcountry for several days at a time at various elevations up to 10,000’ carrying up to 75 lbs.
• Background in Education or Youth Development: Background in education, youth development, or a related field to enhance the educational and personal growth aspects of the YBCC experience.
• Passion for Youth Empowerment: Genuine passion for empowering disadvantaged youth through outdoor experiences, fostering personal growth, confidence, and resilience.

Required Certifications:

• Certifications valid through the employment end date.
o Wilderness First Aid certification or higher
o Epinephrine Auto-Injector
o CPR
o Lifeguard

Physical Demands:
• Hiking Endurance: The ability to hike continuously over varied terrain while carrying a backpack with camping and safety gear, food supplies, and personal belongings up to 20 miles for several days at various elevations.
• Load Bearing: Capacity to carry and lift heavy loads up to 55lbs, including equipment and provisions, while maintaining balance and stability on uneven trails.
• Outdoor Environment: Comfort and capability in enduring exposure to outdoor elements, such as inclement weather conditions and rugged terrain.
• Terrain Navigation: Proficiency in navigating through challenging landscapes, including steep inclines and rocky surfaces, while ensuring the safety of children under supervision.
• Physical Agility: Agility and coordination to negotiate natural obstacles and hazards safely, such as streams and fallen trees, while leading and supervising children without getting tired or out of breath.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Youth Mental Health First Aid certification.
• Leave No Trace Trainer certification or higher.
• Nature-based Social-Emotional and Behavioral Interventions.
• Experience hiking on the Tahoe Rim Trail.
• Tahoe/Sierra Nevada Naturalist.
• Bilingual/proficient in Spanish

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Work Schedule:
Youth Backcountry Camps run June through August, with most trips in July and August. The Youth Backcountry Instructor will work a nonstandard schedule, typically spending four days and three nights in the backcountry per week. Hours may exceed standard schedules and include weekends or holidays based on trip needs. Flexibility and adaptability are essential for this role.

Compensation:

Salary will be commensurate with experience 
US $150 per day of YBCC training where a day is defined as being 24 hours.
US $200.00 to $250.00 per day of the YBCC program where a day is defined as being 24 hours.
Check-in Rate $50: Contractors are required to attend a minimum of 2 check-ins with the Youth Programs Manager during the guiding season.
US $50 for a maximum of three hours of “administrative” work conducted outside of guided trip hours. 

● Professional Development
● Instructor Training
● Meals during programs
● End of season bonuses for completion of contract

Contract Details:
See Nevada State Independent Contractor Agreements here
TRTA will provide:

Contract:
See NV independent contract Information here. 
● Employer provides 1099 tax forms
● Employer does not withhold taxes

The TRTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The YBCC Program is committed to ensuring access to Tahoe’s natural spaces for all by providing fully outfitted 
recreation experiences to youth from underserved and underrepresented communities. It is important for 
participants to see outdoor leaders who represent and can relate to their identities and backgrounds. We 
encourage candidates who identify as Latinx, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or with other communities historically 
underrepresented in outdoor spaces to apply.

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association provides all employees and applicants with equal employment opportunities. It 
prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, 
disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other 
characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.