Intern - Ely, MN

Intern

Field Staff · Ely, MN

Who are we?

At Voyageur Outward Bound School, we believe in the potential of every individual. We believe when people discover strength of character, an aptitude for leadership and a desire to serve, it has a positive impact on their lives and the lives of those around them.  When you join us, you are joining a growth minded community that actively engages in creating a more inclusive organizational culture.  To foster a more welcoming outdoor community for all, we are working to address barriers related to race, culture, socioeconomics, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation and mental health. See our Equity Statement here. 

Voyageur Outward Bound School is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks staff as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  Outward Bound has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority. 

We know that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage any interested applicant to apply, even if you don’t meet every one of our qualifications listed.  

Why work for the Voyageur Outward Bound School Ely Base?

A summer of adventure, growth, community, and fun awaits you on the edge of the Boundary Waters,  America’s premier canoeing wilderness area and one of few places like it in the world. As an intern at our Ely base, known as “Homeplace” to those who live and work there, you will learn the ropes and support our programs in a variety of ways as outlined below. Our courses provide students opportunities to meet with challenge, have fun, learn to work and communicate effectively with their peers, and make lifelong connections forged through the hardships and successes of an Expedition–a group of people working toward a common goal.

During the summer, housing and food are provided and you will become part of a thriving, vibrant community that practices the same values we teach on our expeditions. In your down time, relax and swim at our dock, take some paddleboards out onto the lake, or grab a whitewater kayak and head out with friends into the rapids that run past our base. This is a place where incredible people come together–many staff develop lifelong friendships during their time here. 

This is more than a job; it’s a transformative experience for you and the students we serve. If you’re passionate about the outdoors, ready to create unforgettable moments, and eager to make a lasting impact, we want you on our team!

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Internship is an immersive seasonal position (arriving in May and continuing through August) that serves an on-the-job training program for individuals aiming to become field instructors facilitating expeditions for VOBS.  Depending on skill level, experience, scheduling, and availability, some interns will be promoted to instructor the same season.  Most will complete the 9-week internship and will be eligible for re-hire as a field instructor the following season.  Internships begin with 10-12 days of in-the-field expedition training, 5-6 days of introductory technical skills, and another 5-6 days of student management skills training.  This is followed by 6 weeks of practical work supporting the program.

VOBS Ely Summer Interns will perform a wide variety of duties on any given day or week ranging from supporting a rock-climbing day for students, driving to the airport to greet a new student group, or assisting with facilities maintenance on our 40-acre wilderness basecamp.  

The intention is for the interns to experience a diversity of work that will deepen their understanding of our program and prepare them for the demands of facilitating life changing experiences as an instructor.  The internship is designed to be an educational experience with approximately 40% of the intern’s time spent in student contact and approximately 60% will be spent supporting courses, course delivery, and the base camp community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Trainee

• Participate in a wilderness training expedition and that is modeled on an Outward Bound student experience and thus, has elements of challenge and adventure, character development and service to others
• Technical Skills: Whitewater and flatwater paddling, rock climbing, top rope anchor building, campcraft, and navigation
• Facilitation Skills: Group dynamic and student management skills, conflict resolution skills, expeditionary leadership, and decision-making skills
• Program Function and Logistics: Gain awareness and skills pertaining to how a large program runs ‘behind the scenes’

Student Program Support

• Greet, supervise, and inspire students at the airport on arrival days
• Driving during student transport including to/from the airport, to/from trailheads, and to/from technical sites using passenger vans and equipment trailers.
• Assist with gear issue on student arrival days or gear switches when (i.e. canoeing to backpacking)
• Assist at technical sites including rock climbing, whitewater kayaking or canoeing, and high ropes 
• Supervise students who leave the field due to illness, injury, or behavioral incidents
• Support instructors and students in the Intercept (struggling teens) program during their final week at VOBS where they are working to transition home and preparing to reunite with their families

Basecamp Support

• Assist field instructors during course preparation including packing food and gear, and setting up camp before student arrival
• Assist VOBS Facilities Manager in maintaining the basecamp.  This includes a variety of tasks that help the basecamp run smoothly and run efficiently.  This could include staining a building, cleaning, grounds work, yard work, kitchen work, etc.

Safety Management

• Participate as needed to support the basecamp’s on-call field response system.  This could include paddling or hiking to evacuate an injured student from the wilderness, answering the emergency field line, and preparing food and gear for evacuation teams.
• Adhere to local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures as outlined in the field staff manual

Other Duties as Assigned 

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Familiarity with VOBS organizational mission and a desire to learn more about mission delivery in a basecamp and field setting
• Interest in, and a passion for, youth development, backcountry travel and community living
• Personal initiative, motivation and resourcefulness; adaptable and positive in a dynamic, team-oriented work environment
• Ability to be flexible and positive in a dynamic, team-oriented work environment
• Ability to communicate with staff and students effectively
• Self awareness and the ability to communicate that knowledge to others

SKILLS

• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Judgment & Decision Making
• Active Listening -Ability to truly listen, seeking to understand.
• Active Learning - Strong commitment to professional development and personal growth.
• Service ethic
• Time management & Organization

WORK CONDITIONS 

• Willingness to live in rustic conditions at Homeplace, VOBS wilderness basecamp, with a common dining hall and shared washhouse
• On feet most days – sometimes for up to 16+ hours a day, or possibly more in the case of an emergency 
• Constantly works in outdoor weather conditions, often during poor weather 
• Able to work a varied and flexible schedule, including weekends

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Occasionally must carry equipment weighing up to 75 pounds
• Must be able to participate in all site and course activities and maintain ability to support students and instructors
• Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity including but not limited to backpacking, paddling, backpacking, running, carrying canoes overland, swimming, rock climbing, kayaking
• Ability to lift, crawl, bend, carry and pull. Work is sometimes done in confined spaces and at height 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• 21 years of age by start date
• Valid driver’s license; Acceptable driving record per Outward Bound MVR grading standard

The following are required for Session 1 Interns only:

• Wilderness First Responder and CPR (WFR course is available to staff on site at a reduced cost in late April)
• Wilderness Water Safety or Active Lifeguard Certification. (Available during all staff training for Session 1 interns)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

• This is a seasonal, exempt position.
• Per Diem Intern pay is $50/day
• At the conclusion of the internship, support work will be paid at the support rate, starting at $95/day
• If promoted to Instructor during or after the internship, instructing work starts at $100/day.
• Room and board provided while employed at our wilderness basecamp on the edge of the 1.1-million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
• Eligible for a 403b retirement plan with 2% employer match.
• Pro deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates)
• Paid sick time (accrued at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked).
• Employee Assistance Program

DATES AND TIMELINE

• Hiring happens on a rolling basis beginning in November and positions will remain open until filled
• Position start date varies—there are three sessions of interns, start dates below:
• Session 1: May 13 – July 31 (followed by Support Work or Course Work)
• Session 2: June 13 – August 21 (course work not guaranteed)
• All field staff schedules are dependent on student enrollment. As a result, Interns will receive their specific work assignments after training. Interns must maintain flexibility during the peak season (May-August)