Title: Wilderness Based Orientation (WBO) Instructor
- For Consideration, applicants must be available August 13-24, 2024.
- Contract includes WBO trip, training, debriefs, and 3 days of Orientation trips.
Mission Statement and Description:
Wilderness Based Orientation (WBO) is a unique experience for incoming freshman to experience the Gunnison backcountry with a small group of other students before transitioning to college. WBO instructors focus on risk management, fostering constructive group dynamics, overseeing recreational activities, and ensuring that each person in the group is able to safely achieve goals consistent with his or her abilities. WBO is looking for instructors who will be a positive influence on the participants, supporting them throughout the trip and creating a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Other leader responsibilities include travel logistics, food shopping, communicating with office staff about the status of the trip, and making crucial decisions along the way that may affect the outcome of the trip.
*For Consideration, applicants must be available August 13 –24, 2024 for WBO trips, training and debriefs, and 3 days of all school Orientation trips.*
ALL Instructor Position Qualifications:
1. Federal or State work-study is preferred. Students without work-study will be considered if the right fit. We encourage you to apply.
2. Prefer applicant be a current student at WCU and enrolled in 6+ credits, though applicants with qualified skillsets may apply.
3. Must be able to lift a minimum of 45 lbs.
4. A positive attitude, passion for serving others, self-motivation, and enthusiasm.
5. Must possess a desire to protect and advocate for the responsible use of public lands, natural resources, LNT ethics and nature in general.
6. Must be a positive role model.
7. Western van certified.
8. Interns with WBO participation experience is preferred, but not required.
Lead Instructor Qualifications and Responsibilities:
1. Current Wilderness First Responder certification.
2. Logistical mastery of course area.
3. Technical skills mastery in Activity.
4. Ability to teach wide range of students.
5. Usually has been mentored through the WP trip leader progression or has outside professional level training/knowledge.
6. Usually has performed successful check-off as a Lead instructor within desired activity/technical skillset.
7. Primary risk manager.
8. Mentor other instructors.
9. Ensure physical and emotional safety of participants.
10. Prevent harassment, assault, manipulation and injury.
11. Ability to log dates/activities.
Assistant Instructor Qualifications and Responsibilities:
1. Current First Aid & CPR certification. WFA or WFR preferred.
2. Assist lead with overall course delivery.
3. Usually strong background in Wilderness Pursuits trips and/or technical skills experience in activity.
4. Assume Lead Instructor role in the event of an emergency.
5. Support other members of the Instructor team.
Intern Qualifications and Responsibilities:
1. Current First Aid & CPR certification
2. Personal Proficiency in conducting oneself in a professional manner
3. Ability and desire to learn and gain greater understanding of WP trips and culture
Additional Instructor Technical Skillset “wishlist”:
White Water Rafting
● Experience reading technical whitewater
● Navigating/Guiding swiftwater as paddle guide or oarsman
● State of Colorado Raft Guide Training and Successful Checkoff or Current ACA Kayak Instructor Certification (preferred)
● Swiftwater Rescue skills acquired through course or official certification (preferred)
Whitewater Kayaking
● Properly outfit participants with whitewater kayaks
● Teach roll sessions
● Read technical whitewater
● Navigate swiftwater in whitewater kayak
● Current ACA Level Kayak Instructor Certification (preferred)
● Self- and group rescue skills (preferred)
Sea Kayaking
● Ability to rescue people and crafts in flatwater
● Knowledge of flatwater boating techniques
● Ability to self-rescue and perform group rescues
● American Canoe Association (ACA) Certification (preferred)
Rock Climbing
● AMGA SPI or MPI preferred
● Ability to build Solid, Equalized, Efficient, Minimally Extending, Redundant, and Angle Conscious anchors, artificially and naturally
● Ability to provide a safe belay, and evaluate other’s ability to provide a safe belay
● Manage helmet zones
● Know how to asses and fit harnesses and helmets
● Manage rockfall
● Perform partner and self-rescue skills
● Strong vision and action when setting up anchors in challenging program areas
Mountaineering
● Teach Wilderness Living Skills
● Navigate and proficiently travel in the mountains
● Manage inclement mountain weather
● Set-up and maintain a fixed line system
● Manage altitude related illness
● Manage rockfall
● Place adequate traditional protection
Multi-Sport
Mountain Biking
● Knowledge of mountain biking techniques
● Basic Mountain Bike Repair while on trail
● Competent in riding relative to the terrain
Instruct/Manage Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Instruct Single Pitch Rock Climbing
Backpacking
● Teach how to pack a pack and all essential Wilderness Living Skills
● Model 7 Principles of Leave No Trace
● Experience Navigating in intermediate wilderness terrain
● Manage inclement weather
Hours:
· Contract requires full-time, 24-hour, field-based work.
Compensation:
· Commensurate with Experience. Please see WBO Application for more details.
Upload the following documents to Handshake:
1. Completed WBO 2023 Application
2. Resume with References. Please combine current Trip Log (if you have one).
Application Deadline:
· Friday, March 29, 2024 by 11:59 pm!