Wilderness Responder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trips and Leadership Educator job at UMaine 4-H Camps and Learning Centers at Tanglewood and Blue.... Lincolnville, ME.

As a Trip Leader, you will lead outdoor leadership programs for teenagers, guiding them through 3-6 day trips including camping, hiking, and canoeing adventures. You will participate in a comprehensive two-week training to hone your practical skills, after which you’ll co‑lead multiple-week sessions focused on essential leadership skills such as communication, team‑building, and outdoor safety. Your responsibilities will include planning and implementing engaging lessons, supervising campers for their safety and well‑being, preparing meals for trips, and driving 12‑passenger vans to various program sites, all while modeling positive behavior and environmental stewardship.

• Position Title: Trip Leader
• Department: Cooperative Extension
• Location: Lincolnville or Tenants Harbor, Maine
• Your Direct Supervisor: Tanglewood Director, Jessica Decke or Blueberry Cove Director, Ryan LeShane
• Position Type: Full‑Time, Temporary (June 8 to August 15 or August 29)
• Salary Range: $4 500–$6 600 for 10 to 12 weeks
• We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Your Work Schedule:

You’ll work a full summer schedule from June 8 to August 15 or August 29 (depending on if you stay to lead the UMO Bridge week programs). You will reside on‑site with campers throughout the season, with structured time off each week. This position includes weekend work while out on trips.

Responsibilities:

• You will attend and actively participate in a two‑week‑long paid staff training, where you will practice, review, and test your practical skills to feel comfortable leading and teaching campers.
• You will co‑lead outdoor leadership programs for teenagers, each lasting 1, 2, or 3 weeks, which include exciting 3‑8 day camping, hiking, and canoeing trips (note that some weekend work will be required during the program sessions).
• You will plan lessons and schedules, implementing a leadership curriculum that covers a variety of skills such as listening, communication, team‑building, low‑impact camping, conflict resolution, canoe safety, canoeing skills, map and compass navigation, general ecology, personal health and safety, and knot‑tying.
• You will prepare food for trips and coordinate logistical support, including food and equipment deliveries and emergency assistance.
• You will supervise and ensure the safety of campers at all times, facilitating the resolution of group conflicts while encouraging problem‑solving and decision‑making, and you will live in and supervise a cabin of up to 6 program participants.
• You will model healthy living, positive energy, clear communication, and good stewardship of the environment.
• You will actively engage with campers during lessons, recreation, and mealtimes to foster a supportive community.
• You will drive 12‑passenger vans, sometimes towing a canoe trailer, to program sites alongside participants and other staff members.

Special Benefits

Benefits

• Rustic and Shared Housing
• Equipment for trips
• Meals
• Internet Access
• Comprehensive training as a Maine Summer Camp Trip Leader
• Options for lifeguarding and/or wilderness first aid certifications

Requirements Level Three Required:

• You need a High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
• You need a minimum of 3 years related experience working with teenagers and teaching in the outdoors or equivalent

AND/OR

• You need to hold an additional certification that is value‑added to keep our campers safe like:
  • Lifeguard certification
  • Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification
• You have experience leading camping/backpacking/canoeing trips

Preferred:

• You are 21 years of age or older
• You hold a higher additional certification that is specific to the outdoors like:
  • Wilderness Responder Certification
  • Small Craft Water Safety Certification
  • Maine Trip Leader Permit
• With or without accommodation, you can lead groups outdoors over various terrains with 35+ lbs. packs for extended days and the ability to assist in carrying canoes (85 lb.) with others
• You can demonstrate responsible and safe decision‑making skills in all aspects of outdoor camp programming.
• You have a genuine motivation to work with children in a vibrant, high‑energy outdoor setting where every day is an adventure.
• You demonstrate responsible and safe decision‑making skills, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all campers during outdoor programming