Program Description
The Boojum Institute for Experiential Education offers outdoor programs that provide for personal growth and environmental education in a variety of wilderness settings. Participants on Boojum programs are challenged to develop personal skills in leadership, communication, team building and self confidence through facilitated adventure experiences. The environmental education component of Boojum programs explores natural history through hands-on investigation allowing the participant to develop a relationship with the environment and providing insight into and skills for responsible and sustainable environmental behavior. The Institute is dedicated to personal and organizational development through unlocking potential, promoting self-discovery and inspiring growth. Boojum offers three types of programs: Experiential outdoor education courses for public and independent school students, leadership development and organizational development programs, and Adventure Challenge Programs for urban and rural youth at-risk populations. Since its founding in 1975, over 70,000 youth and young adults have participated in its base camp, rock climbing, challenge course (ropes course), canoeing, sea kayaking, and backpack programs in locations such as Joshua Tree National Park, Idyllwild, Point Reyes National Seashore, Yosemite National Park, Colorado River and Lake Mead, and the Sierra Nevada, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz and San Jacinto Mountains. The Boojum Institute is based in Anza, California, about 100 miles east of Los Angeles.
Instructor Job Description
Field instructors provide outdoor education and leadership development
programs for school groups, adult groups, and at-risk youth. Activities
include wilderness backpacking, expeditionary flatwater canoeing, sea
kayaking, environmental education, high ropes Challenge Course facilitation,
and rock climbing. Our course areas include Yosemite National Park;
the Sierra Nevada, San Jacinto and San Bernardino mountains; the lower
Colorado River, Joshua Tree National Park, Point Reyes National Seashore,
and Channel Islands National Park.
Instructor Responsibilities
Responsibilities include leading outdoor expeditions of a few days
up to three weeks in length, group management, curriculum and lesson
plan development and implementation, course logistics, and field risk
management.
Instructor Qualifications
Minimum 21 years of age. First Aid certification (minimum Basic First Aid for some courses; Wilderness First Aid for others; for wilderness trips, Wilderness First Responder required). Current CPR certification. Outdoor teaching experience with adults and youth. Skills in: backcountry travel, rock climbing, flatwater canoeing, sea kayaking, LNT, team-building initiatives, environmental education and interpretation, and/or high ropes Challenge Course facilitation. Understanding of California and Southwest ecology and natural history preferred. Bachelor’s degree in outdoor education or related field preferred. Excellent communication, leadership and teamwork skills. Proven ability to safely manage groups in the field.
Instructor Compensation
$80.00-$160.00 per diem based on experience and qualifications. Room
and board provided during course; limited housing available throughout
the season. Staff trainings and staff expedition opportunities. Extensive
pro-deal professional purchase program. 403(b) retirement plan.
Availability
Most positions are seasonal, for the spring and fall seasons. Year
round work available.
Instructor Application Process
To apply, please submit a current resume, backcountry resume, full
cover letter, copies of wilderness medicine training certificates,
and Field Staff Application with three completed references (available
from www.boojum.org). Mail
to: Director of Education, 57705 Ramsey Road, Anza CA 92539. Email: doe@boojum.org.
Phone: (951) 763-4102 Fax: (951) 763-4104. Applications are accepted
year round.