Outdoor Skills Instructor

Position: Outdoor Skills Instructor (Ages 18-30; 18-35 for Veterans)

Location: St. Paul, MN

This is not a residential program; participants must secure housing preferably near the crew location

Salary: $17.00/hour

Benefits

• Training, certifications, networking
• Access to outdoor clothing library
• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Sick and Safe Time, Paid Holidays
• MN Paid Family and Medical Leave

Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa (CCMI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and AmeriCorps grantee that engages hundreds of youth and young adults each year in programs and initiatives that improve access to outdoor recreation, restore natural habitat, protect waterways, and respond to community needs and natural disasters. Our mission is to cultivate a community of emerging leaders in service to people and the planet. Learn more at conservationcorps.org.

Our values embody safety, justice, stewardship, community and leadership. In working toward our vision, we believe that it is important we commit to the following:

• Using equity as a lens for the work we do and decisions we make
• Building a shared vision surrounding Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion goals with our partnering organizations and communities, and
• Providing an equitable training environment and high-quality programming to all our participants.

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, developed and implemented by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). I Can! programs introduce Minnesotans, especially families and people who are new to outdoor recreation, to a variety of outdoor activities including camping, fishing, paddling and mountain biking.

Every weekend throughout the summer season the Outdoor Skills Instructors will co-lead canoeing and kayaking paddling sessions as well as overnight camping workshops throughout their term. Each pair of instructors will be responsible for one of the following.

• Teaching introductory paddling skills in the format of two-hour paddling workshops at Minnesota state parks. Up to two sessions per day.
• Teaching introductory camping skills in the format of one or two-night overnight camp skills workshops taking place in MN state parks.

During the summer, instructors will travel and camp at state parks throughout Minnesota before and during programming. Instructors are responsible for monitoring weather and completing pre-trip calls with DNR staff to ensure workshops are safe to hold. Instructors will provide environmental education, offering information about local ecology and natural resources during each trip. Instructors will also handle day-of workshop operations including communicating any necessary workshop cancellations, properly cleaning and storing all equipment and maintaining regular communication with DNR and Conservation Corps staff.

Outdoor Skills Instructors must be able to serve effectively on a team comprised of their peers, helping fellow members achieve personal and program success through the principles of team-work and service-learning. Members must be responsive to instructions and feedback delivered by the Crew Leader, Regional Staff, and DNR staff. Outdoor Skills Instructors will be required to attend weekly team meetings and additional training opportunities throughout their term.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinate and provide instruction for camping and paddling workshops
• Coordinate workshop logistics for multiple paddling and camping workshops each week, including communicating with the parks, co-leaders, and supervisors ahead of programming.
• Communicate logistical details and equipment needs, including inventorying, organizing, cleaning, and repairing program gear throughout the term.
• Abide by Corps program safety regulations as well as applicable federal/state/municipal law and OSHA requirements; communicate any safety concerns and incidents
• Review safety protocols daily, begin each workshop with a safety briefing, ensure workshop participants follow safety protocols and abide by the rules of the Park, ensure adequate safety equipment, first-aid kit and functioning communication devices are available on all workshops
• Contribute actively to the team to complete projects, demonstrating a commitment to the Corps values of safety, justice, stewardship, community and leadership.
• Positive attitude, desire to learn new skills, interest in community service; represent Conservation Corps in positive manner in public
• Commit to completing the entire service term per the start and end dates listed on the Member Service Agreement
• Complete and approve timecards and other required reports and paperwork in timely manner

Hours & Schedule: Late May – Mid August 2026

Schedules can vary, depending on crew location. Crew members should expect to be scheduled for at least

30 hours per week. A typical schedule is Thursday – Sunday, with hours varying depending on workshop schedules and locations. A Monday-Friday schedule is typical for the first several weeks to accommodate training needs.  Days include a mandatory 30-minute lunch break which does not count towards hours. Overnight travel (3 – 4 consecutive days) is often required for workshops.

Training & Development

The Corps provides orientation and skills training at the start of the program year. Additional region or project specific training may be included throughout the service term depending on project need, length of term and other factors. Examples of potential trainings include:  

• Training provided for all equipment used:
  • Boats: canoes, kayaks, and paddles
  • Camping: stoves, tents
  • Safety equipment: personal floatation devices, communication devices (phones, radios, GPS trackers), bailers, pumps, etc.
• Trailer operation and safety
• Team building and conflict resolution
• Leadership
• Safety and risk management
• MN Safety Council defensive driving
• First Aid/CPR/AED

Qualifications

• Ability and desire to work well with others in a team setting, outdoors and in all weather conditions
• Desire to educate and inspire community members by fostering a safe and supportive environment for camping and paddling
• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing plans, work, and project needs
• Commitment to upholding Corps values of safety, justice, stewardship, community and leadership.
• Dedication to complete the full term:
• Ability to perform the Essential Service Functions, which include but are not limited to:

• • Long (8-12 hour) days engaging in physically demanding work including hiking, paddling and camping
  • Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
  • Walking and working on steep or uneven terrain
  • Working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Working with audiences from diverse backgrounds and experiences

• 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
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record (no major moving violations or DUI’s in the past five years)

Preferred Qualification

• Knowledge of basic paddling skills, such as different stroke techniques.
• Knowledge of basic camping skills, such as setting up a tent, building a campfire, camp stove cooking, hiking etiquette, and leave no trace principles.
• Background in natural interpretation or knowledge of local ecology, biology, and history.
• Experience with public speaking and/or teaching.
• Experience working with diverse audiences.

Other Information

Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against anyone. Conservation Corps does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, military service, union membership, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status with regards to public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. Conservation Corps engages members, ages 18-30, as defined under the American Conservation and Youth Service Corps Act, a subtitle of the National and Community Service Act of 1990. Reasonable accommodations available upon request.