Job Information
YMCA of Greater Seattle BOLD & GOLD Operations Specialist and Wilderness Instructor in Seattle, Washington
Overview
We have a strong commitment to equity
The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.
Hiring Range: $135.00-$165.00/day
Tell me about this job!
Do you want to make a difference in the world and have fun while doing it?In this role, youwillhave the opportunity to work bothas a wildernessinstructor and a member of BOLD & GOLD’slogisticsteam.Whileinstructing, you andyour co-lead willbe responsible forthe physical and emotional safety of up to 10 participants while engaging them in activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.Instructors work from a set itinerary, manage the risks of backcountry travel, and facilitate a variety of workshops and activities that help participants develop their own leadership style.Thelogisticsside of this position allows for more variation in work, days might be spent driving,assistingwith food packing,repairing gear, andcompleting other tasks thatsupport expedition programming.
BOLD & GOLD is dedicated to inspiring courage and confidence in diverse groups of youth through outdoor adventures. As a program of the Camping & Outdoor Leadership branch of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, BOLD & GOLDoffers year-round partnership programs and summer expedition experiences. Partnership programs engage with schools, non-profits, and community-based organizations to design and implement transformative outdoor experiences. The summer expedition programruns single-genderand all-genderexpeditions that engage youththroughfrontcountryandbackcountry trips ranging in length from 5 to15days. BOLD & GOLD experiences takeplace inMt Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, National Forests, Washington State Parks, and local green spaces. Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking,snowshoeing, fishing, art, andteambuilding. The goal of BOLD & GOLD is to increase confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, wonder, and community awareness in our participants. BOLD & GOLD believes these traits are the foundations of leadership and works to inspire participants to develop their own leadership style. BOLD & GOLD prepares young people to be the next generation of leaders through multicultural experiential education in the natural world.
Find out more atwww.ymcaleadership.org.
What you'll get from working at BOLD & GOLD
Individual membershiptothe YMCA of Greater Seattle
Free access to mental health resources
Rapidlyaccruingpaid time off (PTO)
Subsidized ORCA Transit Pass
Access to discounted gear and equipment through pro deals
Staffmaybe eligible for a stay bonus for completing their agreement
Responsibilities
What you'll be doing
Lead 5–15 day wilderness-based backpacking, paddling, rock climbing or mountaineering courses with an emphasis on multicultural leadership.
Build strong rapport with participants and staff, foster positive group development, create structure, and draw learning from experiential activities.
Model cultural humility and celebrate diversity, effectively working with people of different identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
Ensure both a physically and emotionally safe and inclusive environment for youth and staff.
Transport participants in 14-passenger mini-buses to and from program areas.
Manage the unique risks of wilderness-based programs.
Coordinate the organization, function, and availability of backpacking, camping, and rock-climbing equipment, including clothing, first aid supplies, stoves, backpacks, sleeping bags, and tents.
Collaborate with staff to pack and prepare all field-going food and equipment.
Facilitate and provide support to instructor teams during the trip prep, de-issue, and debrief process.
Other duties as assigned.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
BOLD & GOLD is based out of the Cascade People’s Center (CPC),locatedin Seattle, WA. BOLD & GOLD courses begin and end at the CPC. BOLD & GOLD Programming takes place in remote wilderness locations (National Park, National Forest, State Park land) across Washington State.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Employees must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50lbs, safely travel over varied terrain (trails, tree roots, boulder/rock fields, shoreline, mud, snow, ice) up to 15 miles per day, be comfortable spending multiple days and/or weeks in a wilderness setting, communicate both verbally and non-verbally with other staff, volunteers, and participants. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a seasonal exempt position and staff are paid a daily rate.Operations Specialist and WildernessInstructorswillhave a schedule that combines weeks in the field instructing, withlogisticswork in between,approximately 40-50hoursper week on a Thursday-Monday schedule.Approximateschedulewill be fromMay28th-September6th. This includes Logistics Teamtraining,BackcountrySkillsTrainingJune4th-6th,andAll StaffTrainingwhichoccursJune 9th- June 18th.These staffcan expect to haveonetothreefield-weeks of work, while having the consistency oflogisticsworkduring weeks not instructing.
Travel
BOLD & GOLDemployees must be able to commute to the Cascade People’sCenter,309 Pontius Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. Parking is not available onsite, but there ispaidpublic parkinglocatedaround the building. The area is serviced by several public bus routes. All travelrequiredfor work will be done in YMCA vehicles.This is an Authorized Driver position, read more in the Position Requirements.
Code of Conduct for Applicants
Qualifications
What we're looking for in an applicant
Oneor moreyears of experience working with teens in an organized setting, including facilitating activitiesthataddress issues facing adolescents.
Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
Knowledge of developmental needs of teens;demonstratesan understanding of the needs of teens and the ability to evaluate their needs individually.
Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the everyday lives of underserved youth.
Personal or professional experience in backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and/or mountaineering.
Be able to hike and/or backpack overa variety of terrainand teachtechniques for approaching that type of terrain.
Have experienceand knowledge ofbasicbackcountry equipment or techniques such as stove use,bear hangs, water purification,and/orshelter craft.
Have experienceandknowledge ofreadingmapsand using them fornavigation.
Effectively manage physical risks for yourself and participantsincludingterrain,weather, andwildlife interactions.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
Desire to learn and approach challenges with a problem-solving mentality.
High levelof self-awareness and can work in a collaborative setting.
Commitment to working with diverse groups of youth and staff.
Other applicable education, training, and experience, whichprovidethe knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.
Current WFA and CPRCertification*
CurrentWashingtonState Food Handlers Permit*
BOLD & GOLD uses 14-passenger mini-buses to transport passengers and equipment to trailheads and campsites. This includes driving on interstates, city streets, and rural roads.
This safety-sensitive role requires transporting clients as “authorized drivers” for the Y. Potential offers will be contingent upon meeting the following conditions: Being 21+, having a valid driver's license for at least three years and possessing a driving record that meets Y standards (no more than two moving violations within the last three years, no significant incidents such as reckless driving, DUI/DWI, no tickets 20+ miles above the speed limit etc. within the last 5 years). You must also pass a drug screen that will test for impairing substances, including marijuana.
- Required by start date
Preferred Education/Experience
Current WFR or W-EMT Certification
Preferknowledge of andpreviousexperience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
Experience with anti-racism practices.
MISSION STATEMENT
Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.
* *
OUR VALUES
Respect
Responsibility
Honesty
Caring
Passion for Excellence
YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran , or any other status protected by local, state , or federal law.
All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.
Job Locations US-WA-Seattle
Posted Date 4 months ago (1/9/2024 1:29 PM)
ID 2024-15811
Type Seasonal
# of Openings 4
Location YMCA at Cascade People's Center
Category Resident Camp
Address 309 Pontius Ave N
Minimum compensation USD $135.00/Da.