Team Leader Job Description
As a BCM TEAM Leader, you will be responsible for leading a single gender group of 4-5 teens, a youth agency leader, and 2-3 BCM volunteers on a weeklong wilderness trip. This may be the first backcountry experience for the teens and youth agency leader, and while BCM volunteers often have previous backcountry and/or youth experience, this is not a requirement.
BCM TEAM LEADER QUALIFICATIONS
- At least 23 years old
- Valid driver’s license
- Pass BCM background and MVR check
- Current WFR or WEMT and CPR
- Minimum of 6 weeks (42 days)* of documented multi-day, wilderness-based outdoor leadership experience (*Candidates with previous BCM experience are subject to different experience criteria)
- Documented youth development, recreation, experiential education, mentoring, and/or teaching experience (prefer experience with adolescents)
- Priority will be given to applicants who can work two or more trips
- Documented experience in the following outdoor program areas:
- Backcountry travel, navigation and camping skills
- LNT
- Group management
- Risk management
- For backpacking trips—mountain hazard evaluation
- For canoeing trips—lake hazard evaluation, flat water paddling and portaging skills, T and self rescue, convoy/”pod” travel
- Two professional letters of recommendation including skills evaluation checklist
- FOR BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA TRIPS:
- All of the above PLUS prior BWCA paddling experience (prefer three or more multi-day trips)
BCM TEAM LEADER RESPONSIBILITIES
The BCM TEAM leader is ultimately accountable for all field decisions. Because BCM trips take place in remote settings, communication and consultation with BCM administrative and program staff is not always possible. In order to provide for the physical and emotional well-being of trip participants, TEAM Leaders need to be prepared to make decisions affecting all aspects of their trips including: itinerary and/or route changes, behavior management, transportation, etc. Other responsibilities include:
Trip Logistics
While BCM arranges for and/or provides food, lodging, transportation, permits and trip gear, TEAM Leaders are responsible for coordinating various logistics as follows:
Under the direction of the BCM program staff
- Coordinating all PRE and POST trip logistics (including: communications, scheduling, transportation, gear issue and deissue, etc.)
- Coordinating all trip logistics including transportation, meals, lodging, outfitter, trip itineraries, etc.
- Managing the trip budget and expense report
Trip Content:
With support from BCM program staff and materials
- Ensuring that TEAM members and youth organization participants are thoroughly prepared for their BCM trips through information sessions, orientations, and other pre-trip activities.
- Instruction and facilitation using BCM curriculum
Trip Quality
- Participating in all pre-trip training
- Completing all BCM trip reporting and other paperwork
- Participating in a post-trip debrief with BCM program staff
- Evaluating TEAM member performance
- Ensuring TEAM effectiveness by:
- Identifying and clarifying group goals
- Assigning and managing TEAM member roles and responsibilities
- Establishing and managing expectations for adult TEAM members and teen participant
Trip Risk Management
- Following BCM policies, procedures, and guidelines
- Managing risk and attending to TEAM member and teen participant health by following accepted industry standards and practices
Compensation commensurate with expereince
To apply for a 2008 Team Leader position, please contact Brie Brower 303-271-9200 x 409 for an application packet.
To download this job description as a PDF, click here.
