No other emails or phone calls, please. We appreciate all responses, but due to the expected high volume of resumes received, we can only contact those applicants whose qualifications best match the position requirements.
Our Intern Program is designed to give experience in all facets of program operations. The primary role of an intern is to develop their own technical and educational skills through shadowing instructors and logistics coordinators, as well as attendance at training. The secondary role of an intern is to assist the program through teaching lessons to students, helping manage students during course functions and appropriate course activities, assisting with standard warehouse operations, completing service at the base camp, and assisting with driving. Our hope is that interns will enhance and develop skills that apply to the outdoor industry, while being inspired and supporting the mission of Northwest Outward Bound School. We are seeking committed staff to attend May trainings and work from June – August.
Northwest Outward Bound school is committed to keeping our students and staff safe. Please review our COVID-19 Program Practices and FAQ for more information.
Facets of the Internship
Field Intern. 15-21 days in the field shadowing instructors to gain experience with student management, lesson delivery, and outdoor skills.
Logistics Intern. Shadow Logistics Coordinator to gain experience with logistical systems; this includes gear maintenance and repair, food packing and prep for expedition style courses, and course events such as course start and resupplies.
Communications Intern. Perform field visits with Course Directors, create video and picture content of students on course, and aid the Development Department in growing our outreach and social media presence.
Who We Are
With over 50 years of innovation in experiential and outdoor education in the Pacific Northwest, Northwest Outward Bound School (NWOBS) continues to change lives through challenge and discovery. Our transformative and educational wilderness courses are set in some of the most dramatic and stunning parts of the United States. NWOBS was founded in 1965 and facilitates wilderness-based programs in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and also serves urban youth and schools in the Portland metropolitan area. As an Outward Bound School, we are committed to the core values of compassion, integrity, excellence, equity, inclusion and diversity, and strive to achieve the following outcomes: building character, developing leadership skills, and creating an ethic of social and environmental responsibility.
Who Are You
Must be 19 years or older.
Current CPR Certification and Basic First Aid Training or willing to obtain.
Ability to give clear, effective, and timely communication with co-workers and administration.
Awareness of personal biases and the impact that your behavior may have on those around you, or the willingness to uncover and grapple with personal biases.
Experience working in a team setting with one or more colleagues.
Ability to have open, honest, and difficult conversations, including the ability to give and receive feedback.
Possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, motivation, initiative, follow through, and commitment.
Must be sufficiently fit to participate in all activities and maintain ample energy to focus. Ability to be on your feet for most days, sometimes for long hours. Ability to carry and load/unload weights up to 60 lbs.
Ability to camp outside, sleep on the ground, and possess an understanding of concepts in one of our outdoor course activities. Knowledgeable with outdoor gear, maintenance, and appropriate use.
Willing to work a flexible schedule which may require early mornings, late nights, and camping overnight.
Demonstrated commitment to engaging in equity, inclusion, and diversity efforts (either within a professional or personal setting).
Compensation and Benefits
Weekly rate of $250
Staff development through NWOBS trainings, staff expeditions, access to gear, and mentorship.
Professional equipment (Pro-Deal) discounts.
Room & board: Laundry, showers and internet are available for your use on base. Staff receive field food while on course, and are fed out of the common kitchen while on base. These benefits are provided to improve staff well-being and are not considered compensation or factored into the pay scale.
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