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As a Thompson Island Outward Bound instructor you job is to provide your students a safe learning environment and support the mission of Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center. As an instructor you will have many responsibilities. The positive impact and effect you can have on a student’s life can be everlasting. Whether you are leading a group of high school students on a twenty-two day backpacking-canoeing-rock-climbing expedition or you are working with inner-city middle school youth from Boston for five days on Thompson Island, your real job is to help students develop self-confidence, tenacity and compassion for one another. As an Outward Bound Instructor you are a catalyst for change. By the end of each expedition you will have taken a group of diverse individuals through a series of ever increasing challenges and fostered their ability to do more as a group and as an individual. Thompson Island Outward Bound principally serves middle and high school aged youth from all economic and social communities of greater metropolitan Boston. Our instructors work with students in traditional classroom settings, on the waters and islands of Boston Harbor and in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and must be competent in a wide range of outdoor skills. Most important, however, you must have the desire to work with diverse groups of young people and possess the commitment to providing a unique educational experience that your students will build upon for the rest of their lives. Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center Mission Statement Thompson Island Outward Bound is a not-for-profit organization whose primary purpose is to provide adventurous and challenging experiential learning programs that inspire character development, compassion, community service, environmental responsibility and academic achievement. Our organization principally serves early adolescents from all economic and social communities of greater metropolitan Boston, and the institutions and adults who support them. Thompson Island Outward Bounds Non-Discrimination Policy Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center does not discriminate in its employment practices (hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, job training, fringe benefits, classification, referral or other aspects of employment) on the basis on ethnicity, age, race, culture, economic, social, religion, disabilities, gender or sexual orientation. Check out our current openings. Our program department includes the educators, logistics coordinators, and support staff who ensure the delivery of quality expeditions. If you are interested in working at Thompson Island Outward Bound, we suggest you first read about the wide range of programs offered here, which are described within this website. Also, take the photo tour to see our course elements. Here is a list of positions for which we hire in the program department. We are busiest during the summer, and least busy in winter. Most positions are seasonal in nature, and some require very specific skills. All staff are expected to demonstrate maturity and a willingness to work as part of a team. You will need Acrobat Reader to view this application. Please click here to download this free software. 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 (canoeing, hiking, rock-climbing, 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. Interns: Internships are offered throughout all program areas for those who need to build experience. Interns support instructor teams, specialists and logistics, ensuring that a safe, quality Outward Bound course is delivered to all students. 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. Rock-climbing Site Managers: Climbers must possess an extremely high level of expertise in rock-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. Salary: Staff are paid on a per-diem basis, based on experience and qualifications. Staff Trainings: Offered throughout the year, trainings cover such topics as indoor ropes course facilitation, high ropes facilitation, rock-climbing, sailing, canoeing, 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. See the "training" section of this website for scheduled workshops, or contact the staffing coordinator, whose contact information is listed below. Housing: Room and board are offered with many positions. 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. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume detailing their interests and experience. We will send an application package to qualified individuals, and will contact you for interviews and/or training. We accept resumes year-round, and we begin the hiring process for the summer season in January. Click here to see positions that are currently open. For further information about employment, please contact: Staffing Coordinator
Thompson Island Outward Bound
P.O. Box 127
Boston, MA 02127
617-328-3900 x151
or e-mail: staffing@thompsonisland.org | 
