Field Instructor/ Guide

Holland America-Princess (Holland America Dawson City Inn); Palmer (AK); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Onward & Upward seeks a Field Instructor/Guide to deliver experiential education programs in Alaska, focusing on risk-aware teaching and youth development.

The role involves extensive outdoor work, multi-day expeditions, and collaboration with schools and partners to promote safety, learning, and positive outcomes for participants.

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable youth in outdoor settings.
• Wilderness First Responder & CPR Certification.
• AK Driver’s License.
• Background clearance including FBI, Alaska criminal clearance, driving record, and National Sex Offender Registry clearance.
• Strong oral and written communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality educational programming.
• Provide risk-managed, high quality educational programming.
• Assist with implementing Onward & Upward curriculum and lesson planning.
• Lead and design expedition trips with safety as a priority.
• Collaborate with instructors and partners to build programs.

Skills

Outdoor leadership

Risk assessment

Public speaking

Youth development

Team collaboration

Education

BA/BS preferred in outdoor recreation or related field

Job description

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Onward & Upward is an experiential education 501c3 nonprofit based in Palmer, Alaska. Our passion is to be the leading provider of positive psychology-based adventure learning programs in Alaska that serves to strengthen youth, families, and communities. Onward & Upward students gain personal and social development skills, including positive self-concept, healthy self-efficacy, and prosocial connections, as well as gaining place-based outdoor appreciation and wilderness skills. Onward & Upward aims to attract the top professional staff interested in teaching the aforementioned character strengths and skills, and in the effective management and safe operation of a unique, high quality experiential education program.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AND CORE VALUES

At Onward & Upward, our organizational culture is rooted in community, connection, and shared purpose. We believe our staff, board members, partners, stakeholders, and students are the heart of the Onward & Upward family and the foundation of our mission-driven work.

Our culture is built on mutual respect, open communication, collaboration, inspiration, positivity, safe and meaningful adventure, compassion, and a mindful commitment to service. As our name implies, “Onward & Upward” represents optimism, resilience, growth, and the belief that people can thrive when supported by a strong and caring community. These values guide our philosophy, shape our programs, and define the essence of our brand.

POSITION DESCRIPTION / PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Director of Operations (DO) the Field Instructor/Guide (FIG) is primarily responsible for implementing and teaching the organization’s curricula during courses. The FIG will also assist the Lead Field Instructor/Guide in aspects of the organization’s operations, including lesson planning and logistical elements of the courses.

The position includes a significant amount of outdoor work, occasional travel, and will conduct education programs with emphasis on risk management and student care. Moreover, the FIG may routinely meet with school administrators, teachers, and other organizational partners for building and nurturing collaborative partnership.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide HIGH QUALITY educational programming

Provide MANAGED RISK, HIGH QUALITY educational programming

Assist with the implementation of the Onward & Upward curriculum.

Assist in course design, structure and logistics.

Curriculum refinement and development of new lesson plans and instructional methods.

Be involved in and implement the risk assessment and management process (RAMP).

Being a contributing member of the instructor team and maintaining a professional, positive attitude and image for the organization.

Other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director or Director of Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS-KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Applicants must:

Have a passion for the Onward & Upward mission of Promoting a Culture of One Health through Evidence Based Action and a dedication to effectuating positive youth development.

Possess a strong understanding of evidence-based prevention models for youth and have solid therapeutic communication and rapport-building skills.

Be adaptable and flexible with well-developed social and emotional competence.

Have a core competency of sound judgment and the ability to respond appropriately to varying unforeseen situations and circumstances, and be safety-minded with an understanding of risk assessment and management principles.

Be a competent and inspirational leader, facilitator, teacher, mentor, role model, and catalyst.

Be comfortable in the Alaska wilderness and aware of the potential environmental hazards that may

exist.

Have field experience working with disenfranchised, vulnerable youth in an outdoor setting.

Have excellent oral and written communication skills including public speaking and communicating across diverse audiences.

Be competent using technology and information tracking.

Be an independent, efficient, organized, and flexible self-starter.

Have the capacity to build partnerships and collaborative networks in the community.

Have the ability and willingness to represent and work with Onward & Upward’s varied client groups.

Be capable of strenuous physical activity and routinely lifting 65 pounds or more.

Must be able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time while maintaining a positive and safe attitude for our participants.

Have experience leading expedition trips for multiple days in a row in a leadership role.

Core Requirements, Education, and Certifications:

Be at least 21 years of age.

Have experience working with vulnerable youth populations in an outdoor experiential setting.

Wilderness First Responder & CPR Certification

AK Driver’s License

Background clearance including the following are required: FBI, Alaska criminal clearance, driving record, and National Sex Offender Registry clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

Degree in outdoor recreation, adventure therapy, education, psychology, social work, counseling, or related discipline.

Teaching Certificate

ACCT Level I or II Challenge Course Facilitator Certification

Top Rope Guide Certification

Onward & Upward is an at-will employer. Onward & Upward considers all qualified applicants and values diversity in staff. All candidates 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.