Outward Bound Canada is committed to helping Canadian youth change the trajectory of their lives. With young people desiring to thrive in an unpredictable and changing world, OBC, a registered charity, offers social-emotional education through experiential adventures in the outdoors. Since 1969, OBC has inspired over 150,000 participants, with a particular emphasis on providing greater access to those facing socioeconomic barriers, to discover their potential. These experiences develop resilience, social and emotional intelligence, and environmental leadership to contribute to a better, more compassionate, and resilient society. The impact of our work on young people in Canada is found in our recent case for support.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Outward Bound Canada has prioritized the health and wellbeing of our employees, participants and the wider community.   In Sept 2021 OBC ON North moved from the Huntsville area to their new base which is located in Minden, ON at the Kinark Outdoor Centre. This has allowed our services to expanse to both expedition and facility based programs.  We are looking forward to continuing connections with youth in nature in 2023. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Ontario Wilderness Seasonal Course Director will help oversee and manage Outward Bound courses, from course planning and preparation, through implementation and wrap-up, serving as the primary link between program management and Instructors.  This is a great position for those who have spent considerable time leading expeditions and looking for an introduction to a supervisory role working with seasoned instructors. You will also work closely with our Full time year around Course Director as a mentor and support.  Our expedition areas range from Algonquin Park to Western Quebec and Northern Ontario. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a link between program management and Instructors.
• Oversight of Health and Safety.
• Assist in the adherence to the National Safety Policies and Standards and in the development of Local Operating Procedures and New Program Plans.
• Help run and oversee staff training according to individual, technical and educational skills.
• Handle emergency phone calls from the field, troubleshoot with field and staff, and coordinate field evacuations with the National On-call team. 
• Help with on-call support when programs are in the field. 
• Help manage program sites, serving as a trainer and mentor.  
• Mentor in-field risk management decisions including the mitigation of infectious disease.
• Thorough completion of all course planning tasks and general readiness prior to student arrival. 
• Oversee and manage the entire course from course planning, implementation, and wrap-up, ensuring completion of all course end paperwork.  
• Step into the Instructor role as program needs dictate (be field ready)
• Help Issue and maintain program equipment
• Coordinates the transfer of course information from key sources to instructors.
• Coordinate logistics as needed during busy times such as supporting sites, driving and packing food.
• Ensure completion of all course end paperwork.
• Reconnaissance of new course areas when needed
• Supervise and provide additional training for interns, student teachers and support staff working with assigned courses. 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DESIRED

• 2-4 years as a field instructor with Outward Bound or similar program
• Knowledge of OB programs and philosophy.
• Detail-oriented with good organizational skills.
• Strong technical skills and working knowledge specific to canoeing, backpacking, and wilderness expeditions.
• Demonstrated successful working relationships with peers and other management staff.
• Effective trainer, able to accurately assess staff and teach a variety of learners.
• Able to smoothly and diplomatically manage diverse staff, creatively and effectively facilitating conflict if necessary.
• Ability to manage more than one course at a time.  
• Ability to problem-solve, prioritize and manage multi-tasks successfully within tight timelines and high stress.
• Strong and effective communicator, both written and oral.
• Demonstration of inclusive language.
• Knowledge and experience with diverse populations and social justice is preferred.  
• Familiarity with Ontario wilderness expedition areas.
• Valid driver's license with clean record.  Must be at least 25 years of age for insurance purposes and have, or be willing to obtain, Class 4 license by position start date, and provide a Driver’s abstract.
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends, and to share “on-call” duty with other managers and Course Directors. .
• Must be eligible to work in Canada.
• Must have or be willing to get an up to date Vulnerable Sector Search by the position start date.
• Follow all relevant protocols detailed in Outward Bound Canada’s current Vaccination Policy

CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSETS

• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) & CPR-C
• Current Bronze Cross / NLS
• Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) (an asset)
• Moving Water Paddling Certification (an asset)
• Post-secondary education in one of the following fields: education, recreation, therapy (an asset).

Outward Bound Canada is an equal opportunity employer; we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience beyond the technical requirements of a job; if your experience is close to what you see listed, please consider applying. Diversity of experience and skill combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Outward Bound Canada strives to have a broad representation that reflects Canada’s diversity, values the diversity of people and communities, and is committed to inclusion in our organization. We encourage applications from all individuals who will help us achieve our goals, including women, racialized people, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and all other equity-seeking groups.