Ontario Wilderness Instructor

Immediate Supervisor: Ontario Wilderness Program Manager

Location: Ontario Wilderness Base – Kinark Outdoor Centre – Minden, ON

Number of Positions: 10+ seasonal contracts

Type: 2 full-time, 8-month contracts (April – November)

3 full-time 6-month contracts (May to October)

multiple casual part-time per diem contracts on a per-program basis

Range Date: April 2023 – Nov. 30, 2023 

Outward Bound Canada is committed to helping Canadian youth change the trajectory of their lives. With young people desiring to thrive in an unpredictable and changing world, OBC, a registered charity, offers social-emotional education through experiential adventures in the outdoors. Since 1969, OBC has inspired over 150,000 participants, with a particular emphasis on providing greater access to those facing socioeconomic barriers, to discover their potential. These experiences develop resilience, social and emotional intelligence, and environmental leadership to contribute to a better, more compassionate, and resilient society. The impact of our work on young people in Canada is found in our recent case for support. 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Outward Bound Canada has prioritized the health and well-being of our employees, participants and the wider community. In Sept 2021, OBC ON North moved from the Huntsville area to their new base, which is located in Minden, ON, at the Kinark Outdoor Centre. This has allowed our services to expand to both expedition and facility-based programs. We are looking forward to continuing connections with youth in nature in 2023.

The Role

Outward Bound Canada is looking for enthusiastic, hardworking individuals who have the credentials and capacity to work providing exceptional educational programming to students. Our students include both school and community groups, as well as individuals looking for challenging journeys of self-discovery. Our programs are based out of Minden, ON (45 minutes east of Bracebridge, a shared site with Kinark Outdoor Centre), where our students meet and then travel to their expedition area (e.g. Petawawa, Dumoine, Temagami, winter in Algonquin, and more). 

Instructors are hired as Assistant Instructors, Instructors, or Lead instructors depending on their experience and certifications. New field staff will start in the OBC system at a position that both honours their previous work/life experience as well as respects the learning curve required of entering into a new organization. 

In this position, you will be working with youth from across Canada; they may have no experience outdoors or may have a lot. Our team is made up of dedicated Instructors who are incredibly invested in helping our students become the best they can be individually and as a team. Programs may take place in the field on expeditions or at our base as a facility-based programming. Programs could range from 3 – 32 days.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Responsible for the health and well-being of students while on program. 
  • Effectively utilize group and risk management skills, maturity and role modelling in line with the values of OBC to create a safe and supportive environment for student-centred learning.
  • Facilitate positive peer interactions among students. 
  • Manage in-field risk management decisions. 
  • Present clear and effective lessons to engage students in learning. 
  • Utilize different methods and styles of teaching. 
  • Monitor, assess and evaluate students. 
  • Work effectively with different populations. 
  • Achieve the objectives of the Outward Bound Canada National Safety Policy.
  • Complete various program-related administrative documents and tasks.
  • Support operations when not scheduled in the field (e.g. inventory, equipment repair, maintenance, resupply, special projects, etc.).

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DESIRED

  • Minimum two full seasons of work experience leading wilderness canoe trips and/or facility-based outdoor education programs. 
  • Experience leading winter programs (winter expeditionary programs are an asset).
  • Commitment to the growth and development of others on an individual, group and societal level. 
  • Compassion for people and for the health of the environment. 
  • Understanding and application of Outward Bound Canada methods and philosophy.
  • Proficient in behaviour management, crisis intervention and problem-solving.
  • Experience in maintaining a positive staff team and environment. 
  • Well-practiced in communicating effectively with a high level of professionalism.
  • Ability to establish effective rapport with staff and students. 
  • Ability to instruct canoe tripping, winter programming, backpacking, wilderness travel, camp craft skills, group initiatives, and assess associated risks. 
  • Must be able to work on weekdays, weekends and holidays and over a long period of time.
  • Comfort in working with youth from various backgrounds. 
  • Eligible to work in Canada.

CERTIFICATIONS and assets

  • Bronze Cross / NLS 
  • Driver’s License (an asset) 
  • Whitewater Rescue Technician (an asset) 
  • Paddling skills & certifications 
  • Working on Ice training (an asset)
  • Wilderness First Responder & CPR-C
  • Post Secondary education in outdoor education, adventure therapy, or relevant fields (an asset)
  • Position requires police background check, including Vulnerable Sector Check

Compensation

  • Full-time (Fixed-Term Contract), pay range: $45,000 – $50,000/yr (prorated to contract duration) & benefits
  • Part-time/Per Diem Instructor, pay range: $160-260/day (range is dependant on experience and certification). Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and Employee Assistance Plan also included

 

Please identify your region of interest as “Ontario Wilderness” when you apply. 

Application deadline: February 1, 2023, or until the position is filled; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis 

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  1. Finalize your cover letter and resume, ideally in one pdf file. 
  2. Fill out the webform above
  3. Attach your cover letter and resume to the webform. Note: you cannot complete the webform without this step. 

 

Outward Bound Canada is an equal-opportunity employer. We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience beyond the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed, please consider applying. Outward Bound Canada strives to have a broad representation that is reflective of the diversity of Canada and values the diversity of people and communities, and is committed to inclusion in our organization. We encourage applications from all individuals who will help us achieve our goals, including women, racialized people, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and all other equity-deserving groups. 

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.