Do you want to make a difference in the world and have fun while doing it? In this role, you will have the opportunity to work both as a wilderness instructor and a member of BOLD & GOLD’s logistics team. While instructing, you and your co-lead will be responsible for the physical and emotional safety of up to 10 participants while engaging them in activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Instructors work from a set itinerary, manage the risks of backcountry travel, and facilitate a variety of workshops and activities that help participants develop their own leadership style. The logistics side of this position allows for more variation in work, days might be spent driving, assisting with food packs, repairing gear, and completing other tasks that support expedition programming.

BOLD & GOLD is dedicated to inspiring courage and confidence in diverse groups of youth through outdoor adventures. As a program of the Camping & Outdoor Leadership branch of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, BOLD & GOLD offers year-round partnership programs and summer expedition experiences. Partnership programs engage with schools, non-profits, and community-based organizations to design and implement transformative outdoor experiences. The summer expedition program runs single-gender and all-gender expeditions that engage youth through frontcountry and backcountry trips ranging in length from 5 to 15 days. BOLD & GOLD experiences take place in Mt Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, National Forests, Washington State Parks, and local green spaces. Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, snowshoeing, fishing, yoga, art, music, and literature. The goal of BOLD & GOLD is to increase confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, wonder, and community awareness in our participants. BOLD & GOLD believes these traits are the foundations of leadership and works to inspire participants to develop their own leadership style. BOLD & GOLD prepares young people to be the next generation of leaders through multicultural experiential education in the natural world.

Find out more at www.ymcaleadership.org.

• Lead 5–15 day wilderness-based backpacking, paddling, rock climbing or mountaineering courses with an emphasis on multicultural leadership.
• Build strong rapport with participants and staff, foster positive group development, create structure, and draw learning from experiential activities.
• Model cultural humility and celebrate diversity, effectively working with people of different identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
• Ensure both a physically and emotionally safe and inclusive environment for youth and staff.
• Transport participants in 14-passenger mini-buses to and from program areas.
• Manage the unique risks of wilderness-based programs.
• Coordinate the organization, function, and availability of backpacking, camping, and rock-climbing equipment, including clothing, first aid supplies, stoves, backpacks, sleeping bags, and tents.
• Collaborate with staff to pack and prepare all field-going food and equipment.
• Facilitate and provide support to instructor teams during the trip prep, de-issue, and debrief process.
• Other duties as assigned.

• One or more years of experience working with teens in an organized setting, including facilitating activities that address issues facing adolescents.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of developmental needs of teens; demonstrates an understanding of the needs of teens and the ability to evaluate their needs individually.
• Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the everyday lives of underserved youth.
• Personal or professional experience in backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and/or mountaineering.
  • Be able to hike and/or backpack over a variety of terrain and teach techniques for approaching that type of terrain.
  • Have experience and knowledge of basic backcountry equipment or techniques such as stove use, bear hangs, water purification, and/or shelter craft.
  • Have experience and knowledge of reading maps and using them for navigation.
  • Effectively manage physical risks for yourself and participants including terrain, weather, and wildlife interactions.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
• Desire to learn and approach challenges with a problem-solving mentality.
• High level of self-awareness and can work in a collaborative setting.
• Commitment to working with diverse groups of youth and staff.
• Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.
• Current WFA and CPR Certification*
• Current Washington State Food Handlers Permit*

• 21 years of age or older
• Current Driver’s License with a minimum 3 years safe driving experience and a driving record which meets or exceeds YMCA standards
• Maximum one minor violation
• No speeding violation of more than 20mph over the limit
• YMCA Pre-employment Drug Screening
• BOLD & GOLD uses 14-passenger mini-buses to transport passengers and equipment to trailheads and campsites. This includes driving on interstates, city streets, and rural roads.

• Required by start date

• Current WFR or W-EMT Certification
• Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
• Experience with anti-racism practices.

MISSION STATEMENT

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

OUR VALUES

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Caring
• Passion for Excellence

Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

This job description may be changed at any time, at YMCA of Greater Seattle’s discretion.