Field Staff and Specialist Positions
Programs
The Programs department includes a talented pool of instructors, facilitators and specialists as well as administrative, logistics, admissions, medical and curricular personnel who work together to insure that we run safe and high quality courses.
Thompson Island Outward Bound principally serves middle and high school students from diverse economic backgrounds in the greater metropolitan Boston area. Students also come from all over the world to participate in Summer Expeditions. TIOBEC also partners with the National Park Service to jointly deliver many programs alongside Park Rangers.
Members of our staff work with students in traditional classroom settings, on the waters and islands of Boston Harbor, and are competent in a wide range of outdoor leadership skills. Most importantly however, staff members come to Thompson Island Outward Bound with the desire to work with diverse groups of young people and are committed to providing students with a unique educational experience that they will build upon for the rest of their lives.
As an employee of Thompson Island Outward Bound your primary responsibility will be to provide students with a safe learning environment and support the mission of Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center. Courses and expeditions are designed to enable students to develop compassion, self-confidence, and leadership skills , while learning more about environmental stewardship. By the end of each course you will have lead a group of diverse individuals through a sequence of increasing challenges and have fostered their ability to do more as an individual and as a member of team. The positive impact you have on each student’s life can be everlasting. The reward for facilitating such an experience is immeasurable.
The Blueprint 2012 (PDF) advertises all the staffing needs to run Thompson Island Outward Bound’s spring, summer, and fall programs. Take a look at the job opportunities!
For more information about our upcoming season, trainings and job opportunities, please contact our Staffing Department: jsmithwood@thompsonisland.org
Internships
Outdoor Education – Professional Internship
Internships are offered for those who wish to gain or build on experience in the field of Outdoor Education. Interns support instructor teams, specialists and logistics, ensuring that a safe, quality Outward Bound course is delivered to all students. Support of an Intern’s growth within the organization is offered by Program Management through an Individual Development Plan (IDP), which is reviewed by a manager incrementally throughout the duration of the internship.
Academic Internship
Students enrolled in a degree program related to education or outdoor leadership can apply to fulfill their internship requirement with Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center – a well-known and reputable organization in the Outdoor Education Industry. Support of an Intern’s growth within our organization is offered by Program Management through an Individual Development Plan (IDP), which is reviewed by a manager incrementally throughout the duration of the internship. Requirements of the College or University need to be submitted and approved during the application process.
Job Descriptions
Environmental Programs Facilitators
Our “Environmental Connections Program” was developed through a partnership with Boston Public Schools (BPS), the National Park Service (NPS), and Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center (TIOBEC). It is based on a two day, one night model delivered on Thompson Island in the Boston Harbor, although course length may vary according to program requirements and client (school) needs. This program serves 5th-8th grade students from our BPS partner schools. Facilitators lead team building initiatives, manage students on low ropes and high ropes challenge courses; manage students during meals, evening activities and overnight in their dorms on Thompson Island. National Park Service Rangers deliver environmental curriculum. While facilitators assist in delivery of course material, their primary focus is on group and student management. This position offers valuable training and experience for educators, facilitators and outdoor professionals alike. Additional employment opportunities throughout the Summer, for those who qualify, include running programs serving high school, college, adult, and other populations through courses that deliver team building initiatives, climbing, and other course elements.
Peer Leadership & Youth Group Facilitators
Peer leadership and Youth Group Facilitators may come to us with a variety of skill sets and backgrounds, the most important being a high level of competence in regards to student management. We serve a variety of populations and age groups on Thompson Island offering them day long to week-long courses that focus on team building, goal setting, compassion and communication. Each course varies based on the needs and requests of the client, (school or youth group) and instructors need to be able to make that transition from day to day, sometimes for weeks at a time. This position offers a lot of valuable experience in ropes course facilitation, group and student management and creative team building.
Expedition Instructors
Expedition Instructors are responsible for leading 10-14 day expeditions either in Boston Harbor/Massachusetts Bay or on Thompson Island, depending on the course element, throughout the summer. Expedition Instructors must hold a current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification. Although a few positions offered allow for staff development, Expedition Instructors we employ to lead these courses must possess a high level of competence in their given course element (see descriptions under “Specialist”) and student management.
Lead Instructor
Instructors are primarily responsible for the safety of students in the context of a course. An understanding of and sincere belief in the Outward Bound philosophy is critical. Lead instructors need a wide range of outdoor skills (climbing, sea-kayaking, sailing, camping, etc.), skill in leading initiatives and facilitating challenge courses, human relations and teaching experience, and leadership ability. WFR and CPR certification is required. Almost all instructors begin as assistants; lead instructors are responsible for mentoring assistant instructors while on course.
Assistant Instructor
This position requires the same maturity and skills as a lead instructor. Assistant instructors may work in the field under supervision, or facilitate alone for single-day courses on the island. Most assistant instructors work for one season before moving up to lead instructor. This position requires a minimum of WFA and CPR certification.
Specialists
Course Directors
From planning a course to overseeing logistics and managing instructors, the CDs are responsible for the delivery of a quality Outward Bound course. In most cases, they are seasoned Outward Bound instructors who have demonstrated ability to supervise and train others.
Watch Officers
Coast Guard-licensed captains are required on every sailing course. A wide range of teaching experience, outdoor skills and leadership qualities are necessary. “Watch-O’s” are responsible for expedition planning, sailing instruction, and the handling and care of our 30′ ketch-rigged pulling boats.
Kayak Instructors
Kayak Instructors are responsible for leading twelve-day, single gender kayak courses for 12-13 year old girls or boys in Massachusetts Bay. All lead instructors will be required to pass a level III ACA Certification that is included as part of instructor training. Candidates must display strong paddling, navigation, and group management skills, and demonstrate a firm understanding of course area and structure. Successful candidates will be a minimum of 21 years of age, have extensive experience leading sea kayak trips and possess a Wilderness First Responder Certification or higher. An understanding of Outward Bound philosophy and methodologies is preferred.
Climbing Site Managers
Climbers must possess an extremely high level of expertise in climbing, as well as interest in teaching, rescue experience, and the ability to safely manage this activity. They are responsible for the setup and safety of climbing sites, the care and handling of equipment, and assessing and supervising students and staff.
The Blueprint 2012 (PDF) advertises all the staffing needs to run Thompson Island Outward Bound’s spring, summer, and fall programs. Take a look at the job opportunities!
Benefits
Salary
Most job descriptions are paid a $250 – $300 weekly stipend, based on experience and qualifications. Specialist positions and Expedition Instructors are paid per diem $73 – $150 based on experience and qualifications.
Staff Trainings
Offered throughout the year, trainings cover such topics as indoor ropes course facilitation, high ropes facilitation, climbing, sailing, working with adolescents, working with corporate groups, orienteering, and more. Some trainings are program-specific and open only to staff, while other trainings are open to anyone interested in skill development.
Housing
Room and board are offered with many positions under the contingencies of the Residential Housing Policy. Rooms are offered in dorms on Thompson Island. Regular ferry service provides transportation between the island and the city of Boston at no cost to employees.
Hiring Process
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume detailing their interest in Thompson Island programing and related experience. Applicants are also asked to complete a TIOB Staffing Application (PDF, 191 KB) and submit with references. We will contact qualified individuals for interviews and/or training.
We accept resumes year-round, and begin our hiring process in December.
For further information about Field Staff employment, please contact:
Jenn Smithwood
Thompson Island Outward Bound
P.O. Box 127
Boston, MA 02127
617-328-3900 x151 or e-mail: jsmithwood@thompsonisland.org
