1) Wilderness Field Instructors
2) Rites of Passage NW Wilderness Therapy: www.ritesofpassagewildernesstherapy.com
3) Washington State, Olympic National Park, Puget Sound
4) Our wilderness therapy program for troubled youth encourages self-reliance and self-respect in each troubled teenager and young adult. We have a range of tailor made programs and specialize in finding the perfect fit program for each child and young adult. Our goal is to develop, direct and re-focus behavior patterns in a positive way. Wilderness therapy for troubled youth removes urban distractions and simplifies options to help students gain insight into their core values and accept responsibility for their choices. As a result, students begin to accept responsibility for personal decisions, address individual and family issues, and become invested in their own personal growth. We have come to believe that with wilderness therapy great changes are possible, and our wilderness therapy program for troubled youth encourages exceptional changes in your struggling teen towards healthier behaviors and decision making.
Wilderness Field Instructors assist the lead instructor in carrying out therapeutic outcomes for each student while using primitive survival skills, two week backpacking expeditions and outdoor experiential education techniques as tools for emotional and spiritual growth for their group. It is not only a wonderful opportunity to help change the lives of teenagers, but also a chance to challenge yourself and grow.
JOB SUMMARY
The Rites of Passage NW Field Instructor is in charge of leading the daily operations of Rites of passage courses. This role is at the center of the program, as a field instructor you are responsible for leading an expedition for 14 days with a group size of up to 10 students. This position requires a person that can multi-task, be well organized, and have the ability to work well under pressure. Management of people is the key aspect of the Field Instructor’s job, and communication skills must be efficient and effective. The Field Instructor will be lead instructor with one to two assistant Instructors. The Field Instructor will work both in the office setting and in the field. It is essential that the Field Instructor must have the ability to work well with people, enjoy problem solving, and have a solid foundation of wilderness expedition skills.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Lead Field Instructor is in charge of the daily operations of the expedition including, Risk Management program, educating, training and supervising the assistant instructors holding the staff accountable to high safety standards.
Manage and maintain the implementation of all field related Policies and Procedures.
Model and train effective wilderness educator skills to developing Field Staff.
Lead post-course performance evaluations with Field Staff.
Field Instructor is “on-call" schedule outside their regular expeditions in order to respond to field emergencies as needed.
Facilitate skills-based trainings with Field Staff, including the annual Instructor Training and bi-weekly pre-course trainings.
Direct supervisor of all Field Staff.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Education and Training
o Bachelor's degree in a human and health services field preferred, but not required.
o Have training in wilderness medicine and have wilderness program management experience.
- Licenses and Certifications
o Must have a current Wilderness First Responder certification or equivalent CPR/First Aid.
o Wilderness EMT certification is preferred, but not required.
- Knowledge and Experience
o Must have experience working in the outdoor industry.
o Must have extensive backpacking, outdoor living.
o Must have the ability to work well under pressure and be well organized to manage people effectively.
OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS
o Must have the ability to maintain good working relationships with clients, employees, and industry
professionals.
o Must have effective oral and written communication skills and be able to articulate thoughts and ideas to others.
o Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality of files and other documents.
o Must be able to work with money and cash receipts and keep up-to-date expense records.
o Must dress in a professional manner.
o Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record.
o Must have a demonstrated record of good work attendance and reliability.
o Must be flexible in work habits and work schedule.
o This position requires a professional demeanor and an orientation toward excellent client services.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Extensive Travel Required
Must be willing and able to drive long distances to travel to course areas. Driving days can range between
1 - 10 hours. In addition, the Field Manager may be required to hike in to meet with groups with a backpack weighing up to 50 pounds. Inclement weather is common in the Olympic National Park.
National Park and can be hazardous at times.
At-Risk Teen Population
Rites of Passage NW serves a struggling, at-risk teen population. Working directly with an at-risk teen can be unpredictable at times and Field Staff must be willing to take risks associated with working with this population in a wilderness environment. These risks can be further discussed and evaluated with program administration.
WORK SCHEDULE
Rites of Passage Northwest (NW), Washington, operates from May through September each year.
The Schedule
The Field Instructor works two weeks on and off in the field environment and on-call basis for field emergencies.