2024 SUMMER FIELD INSTRUCTORS

Who We Are

Wild Diversity is a nonprofit organization that helps create a personal connection to the outdoors for Black, Indigenous, all People of Color (BIPOC) & the LGBTQ2S+ communities, through outdoor adventures and education. We welcome and support a sense of belonging for our communities. We host outdoor adventures, provide outdoor education, and facilitate community workshops for youth, adults and families. 

Wild Diversity coordinates over 100 events and serves over 1400 participant experiences each year. We have an amazing team of staff members, summer staff and 40 Adventure Guides who support our mission and ensure we continue our commitment to our community. We are in search of the right person to help this team grow.

The Position

Wild Diversity is excited to expand its team for the 2024 adventure season, running from May to mid September. We are seeking four dedicated Field Instructors who will play a pivotal role in both our youth and adult programs, fostering a strong sense of belonging within our BIPOC & LGBTQ+ communities. These team members will collaborate closely with each other, as well as with staff and adventure guides, throughout their time in the field.

In particular, we are looking for two Field Instructors who are proficient in kayaking, bringing a wealth of expertise to enhance our water-based programs. Additionally, we are seeking two Field Instructors with proficiency in backpacking and the fundamental skills required to facilitate transformative experiences during our summer land-based adventures. These selected candidates will not only contribute their technical skills but also play a crucial role in creating inclusive and supportive outdoor environments for our youth, adults and families. If you are passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor spaces, and if you possess the necessary expertise, we invite you to join our dynamic team and make a lasting impact on the Wild Diversity community.

Our Youth Summer Camps are more than just adventures; they are transformational experiences that lay the foundation for tomorrow’s environmental stewards. We provide themed weeks for youth that are field trip and adventure based. These weeks are either day camps M-F from 9AM-5PM or are overnight. 

Our Guided Adventures for adults and families are setting the gold standard for inclusive outdoor experiences. We are industry leaders in offering a warm welcome to the BIPOC & LGBTQ community, catering to both outdoor novices and those seeking a sense of belonging in the world of adventure. Our diverse array of experiences includes:

• Day trips that provide a tantalizing taste of outdoor exploration.
• Themed and family campouts for unforgettable overnight adventures.
• Backpacking excursions for a deeper connection with nature.
• Single and multi-day paddling excursions for water enthusiasts.

Those who self-identification as either Black, Indigenous, a Person of Color (BIPOC), Queer, or Trans are encouraged to apply

General Qualifications & Requirements:

• Applicants must be 21 years of age or older to be considered 
• Motor Vehicle/Background Check Clearance
• Successful completion of paid Field Instructors Training is mandatory, providing essential skills and knowledge for the role.
• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder Certificate (Wild Diversity can support in this area)
• A minimum of two seasons of previous guiding experience
• Schedule Flexibility: Availability for day, evening, weekend, and overnight adventures, as well as training and workshops
• Candidates should be capable of walking and standing for extended periods and able to carry up to 50lbs, meeting the physical demands associated with outdoor activities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in alignment with Wild Diversity community values
• All employees are required to be up-to-date with vaccination and booster requirements in adherence to our commitment to community safety.

These qualifications collectively ensure that our team members are well-prepared, experienced, and aligned with the values and mission of Wild Diversity.

Primary Field Instructors Responsibilities:

Risk Assessment and Management:

• Assess and manage the risks associated with leading others in a backcountry setting.
• Prioritize participant safety and well-being throughout outdoor adventures.

Experiential Education:

• Provide experiential education to enhance participants’ proficiency in various outdoor skills.
• Foster a learning environment that encourages hands-on experiences and skill development.

Adventure Design and Implementation:

• Design and implement outdoor adventures that facilitate participants’ sense of discovery and wonder.
• Create engaging and educational experiences aligned with Wild Diversity’s mission.

Community Connection:

• Understand our community’s connection to the outdoors.
• Recognize the significance of outdoor experiences in shaping a sense of place, promoting health, and contributing to sustainability.

Logistics and Preparation:

• Prepare logistics, supplies, equipment, and food for upcoming adventures.
• Ensure thorough planning to meet the diverse needs of participants.

Clean-up and Restocking:

• Conduct group and individual clean-up at the conclusion of each outing and adventure.
• Restock supplies and equipment to maintain readiness for subsequent activities.

On-Call Support Staff

• Complete On-Call Support Staff Training
• Have availability on evenings and weekends for adventure check ins and emergencies.

Field Instructors at Wild Diversity play a crucial role in creating transformative outdoor experiences, emphasizing safety, education, and a deep connection to nature within the communities they serve.

Hiring Process and Job Details:

Application Period: Our hiring process kicks off with the opening of applications in November/December of the preceding year, providing ample time for interested individuals to express their interest in joining the Wild Diversity team for the upcoming season.

Interviews: Qualified applicants will undergo interviews conducted between December and February of the following year. This thorough process ensures that we select individuals whose values and skills align seamlessly with the mission and objectives of Wild Diversity.

Job Offers: In January and February, selected applicants will receive job offers. These offers are contingent on the successful completion of our comprehensive training program, scheduled for May or June. The training period is a vital phase during which guides will enhance their risk management skills, delve into participant management practices, increase their capacity to work effectively with diverse populations, fine-tune their outdoor skills, and gain a thorough understanding of Wild Diversity’s policies and procedures. The training is designed to prepare our guides for a successful and impactful adventure season.

Assessment and Evaluation: Throughout the training period, guides will be continually assessed based on key criteria. These include their ability to work effectively within a team, proficiency in providing and receiving constructive feedback, implementation of risk management strategies, and their capacity to design and deliver engaging educational lessons. Outdoor skills relevant to the role will also be a focal point of assessment.

Course Schedule: Upon successful completion of training, Wild Diversity will finalize the course schedule for each staff member based on their skills assessment. Typically, staff members can anticipate working an average of 50 days during the months of May to mid September. This schedule allows for a well-rounded and impactful contribution to our mission of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor adventures.

Compensation: Field Instructors at Wild Diversity receive a competitive daily rate for their invaluable contributions. For the 2024 adventure season (May to mid September), compensation ranges from $200 per day, contingent on experience. An additional $100 is provided for any overnight commitments. It’s important to note that while we offer competitive daily rates, Wild Diversity does not cover meals or lodging expenses.

Benefits: 

1. Medical and dental health care provided by Wild Diversity.
2. IRA matching effective after 3 months.

Location: Candidates for this position should either currently reside in Portland, Oregon, or be open to relocating to the area for the season. As the primary responsibilities of the role involve fieldwork, being based in or around Portland is crucial to effectively support Wild Diversity’s programs and initiatives. The organization values the presence and active participation of team members in the field, contributing to the vibrant outdoor experiences provided to the community.

Application Deadline: Positions will be open until filled. Our selection process may involve a recorded interview and a live interview. We encourage passionate and qualified individuals to apply and become part of our dynamic team dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor adventures.

How to Apply: To apply, please upload your professional resume and a compelling cover letter outlining why you are the ideal candidate for this position, emphasizing how your skills align with or exceed our organizational needs. Additionally, specify your availability for the season, including the date you can commence and the final date you can work with us as a seasonal team member. Please be aware that if you are planning extensive vacation time or time off during the summer period, this may not be the suitable position for you.

Alternate Application Method: If preferred, you have the option to submit a resume accompanied by a 5-minute video in lieu of a cover letter. Ensure that all pertinent information is included in your video submission. We look forward to receiving your applications and building a diverse and passionate team for an unforgettable adventure season!