Associate Outward Bound Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Who are we?

At Voyageur Outward Bound School we believe in the potential of every individual. We believe when people discover strength of character, an aptitude for leadership and a desire to serve, it has a positive impact on their lives and the lives of those around them. And that discovery has the power to make the world a better place. 

The mission of Outward Bound is to spark lifelong growth through challenge - outside.  We facilitate adventurous learning, rooted in the outdoors, to unlock confidence, curiosity and the skills to thrive with purpose.  We offer life-changing expeditions for everyone, regardless of social or economic status, race, or gender, from struggling teens to first-generation urban youth, adults in transition, or veterans integrating back into life outside of active duty.

Voyageur Outward Bound School is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks staff as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Outward Bound has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority.

We know that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage any interested applicant to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. 

See our Equity Statement here. 

Why Voyageur Outward Bound School, Twin Cities Center?

Adventure, community, and impact await you as an Instructor with Voyageur Outward Bound School! This is more than a job; it's a transformative experience for you and the students you lead. If you're passionate about the outdoors, ready to create unforgettable moments, and eager to make a lasting impact, we want you on our team!

POSITION SUMMARY

Voyageur Outward Bound School is seeking passionate, dynamic individuals to join our team as INSIGHT Instructors for our Twin Cities-based day programs. This is a great opportunity for emerging educators and facilitators to gain hands-on experience in experiential education while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.

INSIGHT instructors oversee the safety, quality and educational effectiveness of our experiential day programs. Primary responsibilities are facilitating a variety of activities using the Outward Bound mission with outcomes focused in socia- emotional learning.

Instructors carry out instructor responsibilities while under the tutelage of lead instructors and other program staff. This role requires adaptability, enthusiasm, and a collaborative spirit to effectively support both program and partner objectives. 

Programs typically run 4-6 hours and are offered from late September through April. Programming focuses on self-discovery, problem solving, team development, collaboration, and communication in small group settings. 

The majority of our students are youth and young adults between the ages of 12 and 22. At our Twin Cities base, we primarily partner with schools and organizations that serve underrepresented and systemically excluded communities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Delivery & Implementation

• Works with instructor team and Program Management Team to design and implement experiential outdoor education programs that help students realize Outward Bound's educational outcomes of belonging, courage, reflection and physical engagement. 
• Participates in weekly program preparation to create curriculum for the week's programs based on partner goals, age progression, activity and desired outcome. 
• Instructs and facilitates lessons on interpersonal and technical skills in individual and group settings.
• Works with Logistics Program Manager to prepare, clean and organize equipment and gear.  

Community Development

• Committed to actively participating in building a community where all students and staff feel a sense of belonging.
• Provide clear, effective and timely communication with co-instructor and program management team. 
• Able to give and receive timely, effective, oral and written feedback.
• Assist in managing student behaviors, group dynamics, and facilitating group processes.
• Acts as a role model for students by demonstrating Outward Bound's values and SEL skills that are developed throughout the series such as (but not limited to) effective communication, compassionate leadership, self-awareness and self-regulation. 

Student Supervision & Safety

• Assist in identifying, assessing and managing environmental, physical, social and emotional risk during all course activities.
• Ensures physical and emotional safety of students and co-instructor in all course activities.
• Adhere to local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures as outlined in the field staff manual.
• Assist in managing student group and emergencies while on program. 
• Participates in required staff training and other ongoing professional development 

Other Duties as Assigned

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

Education & Training - Understanding of experiential education principles, curriculum design, and group facilitation strategies.

Public Safety & Security - Demonstrated ability to assess students' ability and recognize when instructors need to intervene to maintain physical or emotional safety.

Team Orientation - Personal initiative, motivation and resourcefulness; adaptable and positive in a dynamic, team-oriented work environment.

Cultural Competency - Interest in working with a diverse group of students from varying cultural backgrounds, socio-economic classes, learning abilities, and ages.  

Critical Thinking - Have ability to assess students to ensure all activities are appropriate for demonstrated experience level and desired group outcomes.

Problem Sensitivity - Ability to recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong, particularly related to student wellbeing or group dynamics.

Flexibility/Adaptability - Comfort with shifting conditions, changing group needs, and varied program environments.

Oral Expression - Clearly and effectively communicates with participants, partners, and peers.

SKILLS

Instructing/Teaching - Ability to clearly convey information and lead educational activities tailored to varying learning styles and group needs.

Time Management - Ability to effectively manage time during programs, transitions, and debriefs.

Judgment and Decision Making - Capacity to make sound decisions in dynamic or adverse situations, with an emphasis on student safety.

Social Perceptiveness - Awareness of and ability to interpret others' reactions in a social setting and respond appropriately to group dynamics and individual needs. 

Active Listening - Ability to listen to what others are saying with full attention and thoughtful response, showing genuine interest and building trust and engagement with students and staff.

Active Learning - Openness to feedback and a strong commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

Outdoor Technical Skills - Demonstrated competency in basic wilderness and winter skills such as canoeing, skiing, top-rope climbing, fire-building and navigation. Ideal candidates will also have demonstrated experience teaching the above skills to students. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• 21 years of age as of start date of employment.
• Valid Driver's License (held for 5 years) that passes screening criteria.
• Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness First Aid or CPR certification (preferred).
• Able to work: Mid-September to April and participate in all required trainings.
• 40 + days facilitating team-building, high ropes experience, Outward Bound or other experiential education experience (preferred).

WORK CONDITIONS

• Must be able to participate in all site and course activities and maintain ample energy, strength and focus to aid students and instructors, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• On feet for most of the day, can be up to 9 hours.
• Constantly works in outdoor weather conditions, occasionally during poor weather.
• Comfortable (or willing to learn) driving a box trailer and canoe trailer throughout the Twin Cities metro area (urban driving).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift, carry and move up to 40 lbs.
• Able to participate in all site and course activities (including but not limited to climbing, canoeing, cross country skiing, hiking) as needed and maintain ample energy, strength and focus to aid students and instructor with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to know your own strengths, limitations and needs, and productively manage personal stress and energy.
• Mental resilience sufficient to endure occasional physically and/or emotionally difficult situations, including but not limited to: working with staff, students, partners, chaperones or parents in emotionally charged circumstances.
• Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform 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. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Per Diem starting rate is $110 based on the 2026 pay scale.
• Ability to live in VOBS staff house, located in the Merriam Park neighborhood of St. Paul.
• $13/day food stipend. 
• Facilitation and technical skill development throughout the contractual period.
• 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).
• Eligible for a 403b retirement plan with 2% employer match.
• Employee Assistance Program.

DATES AND TIMELINE

• Position start date is anticipated to be Sept. 21, 2026
• Hiring happens on a rolling basis beginning in May and positions will remain open until filled