Ontario wilderness course director

Outward Bound Canada is passionate about building and sustaining representation and diversity within the outdoor industry. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPoC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply, even if your experience doesn’t precisely match the job description for this role. Your experience, skills, and passion will set you apart so tell us about your achievements and journey to date, and the things you learned along the way.

WHO WE ARE

For over 55 years, Outward Bound Canada (OBC) has empowered more than 175,000 Canadians through life-changing outdoor experiences that inspire resilience, leadership, and self-discovery. Rooted in our mission to connect people with the transformative power of nature, we continue to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of youth across Canada.

Today, as young people face increasing challenges, OBC is leading the way with innovative programs that provide upstream mental health solutions, foster critical employment skills, and develop the leaders of tomorrow. Together, we are creating meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, and discovery. Join us in shaping a brighter future and making a lasting impact!

THE ROLE & Opportunity for impact

The Ontario Wilderness Seasonal Course Directors will help oversee and manage Outward Bound courses; from course planning and preparation, to implementation and wrap-up, serving as the primary support team for the instructors. This is a great position for those who have spent time leading expeditions and are looking for a coordination role working with a diverse group of instructors and clientele. The successful candidate will be working closely with our full-time year-round Program Manager, who will provide them with mentorship, guidance and support. Our expedition areas range from Algonquin Park to Western Quebec and Northern Ontario. Please note that experience with Outward Bound Canada is not required to apply to this role. Training will be provided to ensure success in this position.

what we offer

Location: Ontario Wilderness Base – Kinark Outdoor Centre – Minden, ON
Salary: $47,000 – $52,000/year (Prorated to 6 month Term)
Benefits:  Health Care Spending Account includes CAD$10.00 per every work day following a 20 day probationary period. Deposits are made monthly to the account. Access to the account persists until the end of the calendar year.
Staff Accommodations: Shared accommodations made available to seasonal and occasional contract employees. Pets are not permitted.
Term: May 1, 2025 – Oct 31, 2025. 6 month full Time Fixed-Term Contract  (37.5 hrs/week)
Supervisor: Regional Program Manager
Application Deadline: February 1st, 2025 or until position is filled; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
Anticipated Start Date: May 1, 2025

duties and responsibilities

  • Serve as an integral link between program management and instructors
  • Serve as a trainer, mentor and coach to the instructor team
  • Translate pertinent information from clients and/or the Admissions Department to instructors
  • Support in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all employees
  • Assist instructor team in all aspects of course delivery
  • Oversee instructor field communications during on-call shifts and coordinate emergency response with support from the Regional and National Safety Officers when necessary
  • Promote adherence to OBC’s safety policies, standard operating procedures and local operating procedures
  • Assist in the coordination and implementation of instructor training programs
  • Assist in managing the functionality, safety and cleanliness of buildings, vehicles, equipment and other assets
  • Oversee and manage course preparation, implementation, and wrap-up, ensuring completion of all course-end tasks
  • Ensure that all documentation is completed according to OBC’s requirements
  • Facilitate courses and/or programs in an instructor role should the need arise
  • Transport staff and/or equipment to off-site locations while adhering to OBC’s National Transportation Policy
  • Perform reconnaissance of new course areas when necessary

 

REQUIREMENTS

  • 2+ years as an Outdoor Educator/Instructor or facilitator in either expedition settings and/or facility based programs
  • Keen attention to detail with strong organizational skills
  • Strong technical skills and experience specific to canoeing, backpacking, and wilderness expedition
  • Demonstrated success in developing and maintaining relationships with peers and other support staff
  • Experience in mentoring, training and/or coaching, with the ability to instruct individuals with diverse learning styles
  • Prior experience working with staff with backgrounds different than one’s own
  • Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects at a time
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated commitment to using inclusive language
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is required
  • Familiarity with wilderness tripping areas in but not limited to Central Ontario, Northern Ontario and Quebec
  • Must be willing and able to work evenings and weekends
  • Must be eligible to work in Canada
  • Must have or be willing to get a Vulnerable Sector Check before the contract start date

 

Required Certifications

  • Valid Ontario G-Class drivers license or other provincial equivalent
  • Clean Driver’s Abstract

Assets

  • Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR – 80hrs)
  • Current Bronze Cross or NL certification through Lifesaving Society
  • Current Whitewater or Swiftwater Rescue Technician (WRT or SRT) certification
  • Post-secondary education in outdoor education, recreation, therapy or other related fields

 

At Outward Bound Canada we believe that communities that have been historically underrepresented in outdoor recreation must be centered in the work we do. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from people who will increase representation, and invite applicants to outline how they will contribute to this in their application.

Application deadline: February 1, 2025 or until position is filled; applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis

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-Please provide your cover letter and resume in one pdf file. Please title the document using the following convention (First Name_Last Name_Job Title).
-Fill out the webform by clicking the “Apply Now” button above.
-Attach your cover letter and resume pdf to the web form. Note: you cannot complete the webform without this step.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please let us know if you require accommodations at any stage during the hiring process, please inform us at hrsupport@outwardbound.ca in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.