Lead Instructor, Twin Center - Canoe

Lead Instructor, Twin Cities Center - Canoe

Location:

St. Paul, MN

Adventure, community, and impact await you as an Instructor with Voyageur Outward Bound School! Imagine spending your days leading middle and high school students from all over the country on epic week-long canoeing expeditions, where they’ll push beyond their limits, discover their inner strength, and grow into leaders. You’ll teach them vital life skills like resilience, problem‑solving, and teamwork, all while immersing yourself in the awe‑inspiring wilderness of Minnesota and Wisconsin!

When you’re not out on the trail or paddling down the river, you’ll live in a vibrant house, in the heart of the Twin Cities, with an incredible community of fellow adventurers. It’s the perfect blend of wilderness exploration and city living! With supportive teammates by your side, you’ll have the chance to make lifelong connections, share stories, and grow both personally and professionally.

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!

This position is for a multi‑day Expedition Instructor. Six to eight day canoeing expeditions are run out of the Twin Cities Center. Programming focuses on self‑discovery, problem solving, team development, collaboration, and communication in small group settings. This is a seasonal position that begins mid‑May and typically ends in August. Candidates are required to attend a 3‑week pre‑employment training before the season begins that includes wilderness travel training, technical skills training, OB curriculum and educational philosophy.

• Under the supervision of the Course Director and while training Instructor(s), collaborate to design and implement experiential education programs that are in line with VOBS mission and educational philosophy and are tailored to the particular student population or group.
• Willingness to role‑model the values Outward Bound seeks to teach to students, including character, leadership and service.
• Participate in course planning including course logistics, development of educational and technical curricula, route planning, and food and equipment planning and pack‑out.

• 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, Course Director and other staff.
• Able to give and receive timely, effective oral and written feedback.
• Manage student behaviors, group dynamics, and facilitate group processes.
• Mentor Instructor in managing student behaviors and facilitating group dynamics and group processes.
• Role‑model a service mindset—supporting students, co‑instructors, and the mission through teamwork, care, and professionalism.

• Assist in identifying, assessing and managing environmental, physical, social and emotional risk during all course activities.
• Adhere to local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures as outlined in the field staff manual.
• Mentor and supervise Instructor on VOBS policies and procedures.
• Manage student emotional and physical safety in times of duress, such as field emergencies.
• Maintain big‑picture vision and keep safety in mind during all decision‑making processes.

As assigned by the Course Director.

• Collaboration – Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds to effectively meet shared objectives, while encouraging the open expression of a diversity of ideas and opinions.
• Communication – Ability to clearly convey ideas, facts and information in a variety of settings using different mediums, while encouraging the open expression of a diversity of ideas and opinions.
• Conflict Management – Ability to manage and resolve conflict productively and with minimal negative impact by integrating a diversity of viewpoints, addressing harm, and fostering…