Outdoor Skills Instructor

Position: Outdoor Skills Instructor (AmeriCorps, ages 18 – 35)
Location: Saint Paul, MN
    This is not a residential program; participants must secure housing near the crew location
Service Term: 450-hour AmeriCorps position; May 28 – August 14, 2024

Position Summary: 

The Outdoor Skills Instructor will provide basic camping instruction, paddling instruction and environmental education for the I Can Paddle! and I Can Camp! programs. I Can Paddle! and I Can Camp! are part of several I Can! programs, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  I Can! programs introduce Minnesota families to a variety of outdoor activities including camping, fishing, paddling and biking.

Outdoor Skills Instructors will co-lead single day and overnight workshops for canoe/kayak paddling and front-country camping. Each pair of instructors teaches basic skills instruction for 2-4 hour long drop-in workshops and 2-3 day overnight workshops.

Hours & Schedule
Schedules can vary, depending on crew location. Crew members should expect to be scheduled for at least 40 hours of service per week. A typical schedule is Wednesday – Sunday, with hours varying depending on workshop schedules.  Service days include a mandatory 30 minute lunch break which does not count towards service hours. Overnight travel (3 – 4 consecutive days) is often required for workshops.

Qualifications

• 18-35 years old
• Ability and desire to work well with others in a team setting, outdoors and in all weather conditions
• Desire to education and inspire community members by fostering a safe and supportive environment for camping and paddling
• Commitment to upholding Corps values of safety, service, respect, equity and community
• Dedication to complete the full term of AmeriCorps service
• Ability to perform the Essential Service Functions, which include:

• • Long (10 hour) days of hiking, paddling and camping
  • Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
  • Walking and working on steep or uneven terrain
  • Working in extremes of heat or cold 

• Preferred: Knowledge of basic paddling strokes and techniques; knowledge of basic camping skills
• Flexible schedule to accommodate weekend out-of-town and overnight assignments
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the US
• Must pass a criminal history check consisting of a National Sex Offender Public Website check, a state criminal history check, and a fingerprint-based FBI check. Passing the criminal history check is defined as no positive hits on the NSOPW and no history of violent offenses on the state or FBI checks.
• High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED