OUTDOOR WILDERNESS LEADERSHIP

The Outward Bound Canada Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals

About the Training Academy

Established in 2022 and funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program, the Outward Bound Canada Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals delivers inclusive training across Canada through an innovative combination of experiential workshops and outdoor journeys. This is a fully funded and free program designed to help participants develop social and emotional competencies and skills that are especially relevant in the Canadian outdoor job market and will serve you no matter where your career takes you.

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HIRING: ONTARIO ACADEMY TRAINER

Hiring: Ontario Academy Trainer
Organization: Outward Bound Canada
Location: Kinark Outdoor Centre (Minden), Ontario... (see below)

THE ROLE AND OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPACT

Academy Trainers draw on skill sets developed through a wide range of professional experiences to help prepare program participants for today’s outdoor industry. They play a crucial role in the ongoing development of the Training Academy, helping to inform program content and design. The Trainer position is very much a leadership role, linking the learning requirements of the Training Academy to practical in-field experiences.

Working in pairs, Academy Trainers in each region will put the Training Academy vision into action, teaching the learning content and carrying out the field portion of the Academy curriculum. Participants’ experience and connection to the outdoors will range from limited exposure to seasoned professionals. Trainers should feel comfortable guiding students through their personal learning journey and facilitating field experiences that cater to diverse backgrounds.

Academy Trainers are the front-line staff of OBC’s Training Academy and directly influence current and future outdoor leaders by offering accessible and innovative training opportunities. Additionally, Academy Trainers will support the successful operations of regional OBC programs, as needed.

WHAT WE OFFER

Location: Wilderness based programs and some centre-based programs are based at the Kinark Outdoor Centre (Minden) with some limited programming in Toronto during the Training Academy program seasons (primarily spring and fall). During the non-program season remote work from home is possible.
Salary: $50 000 to $60 000
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package and Employee Assistance Plan
Term: Full Time Salaried Contract, (40 hours/week) 2-year term with possibility for extension
Supervisor: Training Academy Curriculum Manager
Working hours: This role requires a minimum of 8 weeks (up to 20 weeks) in the field, plus 10-12 weeks of centre-based program delivery over the spring and fall seasons. Field days include longer hours and follow the special rules and exemptions related to employment under wilderness guides/instructors. When not in-field, regular working hours are flexible and will include approx. 40 hours per week – remote work possible
Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
Anticipated Start Date: September 2023 (negotiable)

RESPONSIBILITIES

Delivering Field Curriculum

• Train future outdoor leaders and deliver outdoor learning sessions to a high standard in both field and centre-based settings.
• Guide trainees through challenging terrain, facilitate group processes, provide coaching based on individual needs, and teach formal lessons based on the Outward Bound Canada and Training Academy curriculum.
• Integrate risk management, group facilitation, technical skills, coaching, and mentorship into field experiences.
• Create a positive learning environment, adapting to the unique needs of each student.

Graduate Coaching & Mentorship

• Help Academy graduates put their training into action by providing mentorship as they transition from the training program to entering the workforce.
• Coach students in goal-setting and provide ongoing feedback to support growth and create leadership opportunities.
• Create and deliver online training opportunities.
• Connect students with further training, work opportunities, or other resources to provide a trajectory toward sustainable employment.

Training Academy Program Support

• Collaborate with colleagues and the Academy’s Curriculum Manager to evaluate and develop the curriculum on an ongoing basis.
• Provide region-specific insights and market trends to contribute to program development.
• Integrate feedback from students to make the Training Academy more inclusive and accessible.
• Support Recruitment and Partnership Manager by collaborating on the creation and implementation of regional outreach initiatives.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience training instructors, coaches, educators, or youth leaders.
• Demonstrates a high level of educational skill and expertise.
• A broad range of experience working with youth groups, guiding backcountry trips, adaptive recreation programming, or experiential education.
• Demonstrated commitment to disrupting colonial/dominant narratives and experience contributing to an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment.
• Ability to build rapport with students from diverse backgrounds utilizing various communication tools.
• Adept at navigating conflict personally as well as in a group.
• Technical expertise in the backcountry and managing beginners in technical terrain.
• Experience working in mentoring and coaching roles.

REQUIREMENTS

• Vulnerable Sector Check
• Wilderness First Responder certification
• Regional-specific certification (or willingness and ability to obtain), or equivalent experience:
  • Ontario: Bronze Cross or higher, SRT, Paddle Canada Intermediate Tandem Moving
    Water Instructor or higher

ASSETS

• French language proficiency
• Program development and evaluation experience
• Youth coaching, facilitation, or mentoring experience
• Additional certification and training:
• Mental Health First Aid
• Trauma-informed care training
• Instructor Trainer or Guide Trainer level certifications
• Training or lived experience in topics related to diversity, justice, equity, and inclusion

APPLY

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/99e808be03c5479985225356604a3b09

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