Expedition Trip Leader

Reports To: Expeditionary Programs Manager

Employment Dates/Average Hours: June 15, 2026 – August 16, 2026

Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: On Expedition days, $140-$170 per diem (including meals). On Preparation days, $18 and $21 per hour. Based on experience.

Application Due: March 10, interviewing and hiring will occur on a rolling basis until positions are full

Job Description

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is in search of qualified on-water trip leaders for Teen Expeditionary Programs.  The summer is broken into four programs: one day camp and three expeditions. First, Kayak Building Camp, is a three-week day program (Monday- Friday) where teens build their own 17′ sea kayaks. Trip leaders are responsible for student management during this program and will work with experienced boatbuilders. We then go right into Champlain Discovery, a 7-day kayak expedition on Lake Champlain in which participants can either use the kayaks they built in Kayak Building Camp or use one of the Museum’s kayaks (Participants in Champlain Discovery do not have to participate in Kayak Building Camp, both programs are open to all). The summer continues with Expedition Champlain, an 8-day rowing expedition in 6-oar rowing gigs, and ends with Voyager Canoe Trek, a five-day canoe camp in two large voyager canoes. Training in the rowing boats will be provided prior to embarking on the rowing expedition. Sailing skills a plus but not needed. Learn more about these trips on the Museum’s Teen Expeditions Page.

Basic Qualifications

• Current WFA or WFR certificate (WFR preferred)
• Experience with paddling or other on-water trip leading and managing group dynamics
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, positive energy, and a desire to work with teenagers is essential
• An understanding of how to create a physically and emotionally safe group environment
• It is not necessary to be a boat-builder or woodworker, just a willingness to learn and engage participants

Program Dates

• Kayak Building Camp – June 22–July 10, 2026
• Champlain Discovery: Kayak Expedition – July 13–July 19, 2026
• Expedition Champlain: Rowing Expedition – July 26–August 2, 2026
• Voyager Canoe Trek: Canoeing Expedition – August 10–August 14, 2026
• There will be several days of training prior to the expedition season, and a few days of work after the last trip. More information to come in the spring.
• Trip leaders will have evenings and weekends off during the Kayak Building Camp, as well as several days off in between expeditions. The dates listed above are program dates only and do not include preparation and post days. Each trip will include some time not listed above to prepare for each trip.

Compensation

Expedition days are paid per diem (daily) between $140 – $170. This also includes all meals and camping fees while on the expedition. During preparation days, kayak building camp, and training, trip leaders will be paid hourly between $18 – $21 per hour. Pay rates will be decided based on experience. The Museum offers camping and running water to trip leaders on off days between expeditions. Camping is also available to staff during the Kayak Building Camp.