Become an Outward Bound Canada Instructor
Outward Bound Canada’s greatest asset is our instructional staff. Accomplished outdoor educators with extensive technical and facilitation skills and the passion and compassion to inspire students to learn, our instructors come from all walks of life with a vast array of talents and experiences. Some have worked extensively in outdoor education, while others come from university programs or other career paths. We value group facilitation skills, life experience, passion, dedication, resiliency, and teaching ability as highly as technical proficiency.
Experience and certifications required:
– Legally able to work in Canada
– Clear vulnerable sector police check
– WFR (80hrs)
Learn more about working for OBC: Instructor Recruitment Package (downloadable PDF)
Application Deadline: March 31, 2023
What We Offer Instructors
Competitive pay
OBC instructor day rates range from $160 to $260 depending on location, previous experience, certifications and performance. For full-time salaried instructors, the salary range is from $45,000 to $50,000 plus benefits.
Benefits available
All employees of Outward Bound Canada can access a level of counselling, financial advising and more through our Employee Assistance Program. Salaried instructors are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package.
Flexible work options
Instructors may work full-time or on a course-by-course basis, depending on instructor availability and interests.
Advance your career
New instructors receive mentorship from more experienced co-instructors to develop skills and progress in your journey. Working with other outdoor professionals helps build a network as you become connected to many other well-established organizations in the industry. Feedback is ongoing, so there is ample opportunity to integrate your learnings along the way.
Expand your skillset
Each region runs in-house seasonal training for their instructors. Ongoing training is offered throughout the year, facilitated by external providers – past topics include: mental health wilderness first aid, trauma-informed care, emotional intelligence, leadership workshops, and more. OBC strives to support instructors in completing industry-recognized certifications and has helped instructors find funding to do so in the past. For example, in 2021, OBC sponsored four Rockies Instructors to become ACMG Assistant Hiking Guides.
Support for Risk Management
Field staff can call office support 24/7 for coaching on navigating challenging situations and sharing updates from the field. Multiple two-way communication devices such as InReach, radios, and satellite phones are carried in the field. OBC was one of the first organizations to run trips during the COVID-19 pandemic and has comprehensive covid-19 procedures to protect our staff and students from the spread of infectious diseases. Our Admissions Department also conducts comprehensive medical and behavioural screenings for all participants before coming on course, setting instructors up for success in the field.
Diversity in work
Outward Bound Canada runs programs across the country, with various populations, in numerous skill types. Check out our Course Offerings to see some of the open enrollment programs you could facilitate – we also offer many courses year-round directly through youth-serving organizations.
Make an impact
Outward Bound Instructors create life-changing experiences for youth. Face-to-face, human interactions in nature have never been more important! By facilitating a positive course culture, coaching students in setting and reaching goals, teaching valuable life skills, and acting as role models, instructors truly profoundly impact students. Outward Bound Canada instructors recognize this great privilege and responsibility. Perhaps most significantly, the transformational process that students go through can also be experienced by instructors. Many instructors report experiencing not only professional but immense personal growth from working for OBC. Learn more about our impact.
Questions? Please email us at employ@outwardbound.ca.