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Youth Backcountry Instructor – Zephyr Point Conference Center
Zephyr Cove, Nevada
The Youth Backcountry Instructor (YBI) will work under the direct supervision of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association’s Youth Programs Manager and Zephyr Point’s Program Manager to implement the Youth Backcountry Camp (YBCC) Program by supervising, teaching, and facilitating meaningful experiences for youth during multi-day backpacking trips. This Program focuses on backcountry skills, natural history, and character development through experiences that take youth into new and outdoor environments.
Responsibilities
- With a co-instructor, lead four-day backpacking trips for up to 13 youth each week
- Facilitate program curriculum to participants by teaching basic backcountry skills, natural history, and stewardship ethics and leading character-building activities
- Manage the program’s outdoor gear stock
- Exercise sound judgment and decision-making to assess and mitigate hazards
- Effectively build rapport with participants, co-instructors, chaperones, and co-workers
- Role-model inclusive behavior and facilitate a positive group culture among diverse partner groups and youth
- Manage participants in emergencies and adhere to all risk management and emergency action policies and procedures
- Maintain high energy, a positive attitude, and attention to participants and chaperones
- Communicate program details and outcomes with parents and guardians
- Report on program outcomes after each YBCC trip
- Represent the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and Zephyr Point in a professional manner
Required Qualifications
- 21 years old or older by June 5, 2023
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- Ability to pass a criminal background check, including Live Scan fingerprinting
- Experience working with youth ages 12-17
- Experience in a youth leadership role such as a mentor, camp counselor, coach, teacher, etc.
- Proficient soft skills necessary to support youth mental health and emotional challenges
- Strong decision-making skills, ability to work without direct supervision, and adaptability to changing, dynamic environments
- Ability to clearly, assertively, and effectively communicate orally
- Ability to manage self-care and energy in the backcountry in all conditions
- Experience recreating in the outdoors
- Passionate about environmental stewardship and connecting others to nature
- Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion values
Required Certifications
Certifications must be obtained before the start of the position and valid through the employment end date. Some certification courses may be provided at Zephyr Point prior to the position start date.
- Wilderness First Aid certification or higher
- CPR
- Lifeguard
