SEASONAL PROJECT LEADER

Job type

• Part Time, Seasonal
• Remote
• April/May through September/October 2025

Job Description

Wilderness Volunteers is seeking a motivated and experienced outdoor enthusiast to lead up to six week long volunteer projects in various wilderness areas. As a Project Leader, you (along with another experienced co-leader) will be responsible for guiding and managing a group of up to 12 volunteers during these projects, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and productive experience for all participants. This role is ideal for someone with a passion for conservation and stewardship work and extensive experience in the outdoors, including camping, hiking, and backpacking.

Key responsibilities include managing all aspects of the volunteer projects, from logistics and safety to food planning and preparation. The Project Leader will create and execute a menu, shop for and repackage food supplies, and lead meal preparation in the field. Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills are essential, as is the ability to adapt to changing conditions in remote wilderness settings.

The ideal candidate will possess a current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification and have a solid understanding of safety and risk management in front and backcountry settings. Leadership experience, particularly in outdoor settings, is highly desirable. This role requires someone who is personable, responsible, and mature, with strong leadership skills and the ability to foster a positive and productive group dynamic.

The Project Leader would lead a minimum of 4-6 projects during the 2025 Project Season (March through November), ideally within an 8-10 hour travel time of their homebase. Additional part-time work may be available November-March, at the same hourly rate with a max of 15 hours per week.

Essential Functions

• Lead 4-6 week-long volunteer projects per year (combination of front country and backcountry settings) with at least two weeks between projects
• Prepare a menu for up to 12 people, shop and repackage food, and lead meal preparation in a front country camping or backcountry setting
• Ability to hike up to 12 miles daily in various elevation settings
• Ability to repeatedly lift and carry outdoor equipment 
• Be able to participate in the conservation and stewardship work being completed for each project
• Ability to work long hours (~5:45 am - 9 pm)
• Ability to handle volunteer/agency communication as role dictates

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills or customer service skills
• Strong group management skills
• Ability to work with another co-lead to ensure a safe, positive, and productive project
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Ability to be flexible in regard to scheduling and daily duties and unforeseen circumstances
• Personal interest in outdoor pursuits, including extensive hiking/backpacking and camping experience 
• Previous leadership experience in an outdoor settings
• Ability to manage and mitigate risks in remote and potentially hazardous environments.
• Personable, responsible, and mature with the ability to lead and inspire a diverse group of volunteers
• Strong organizational skills, particularly in managing group logistics and food planning
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, or ability to secure certification
• Leave No Trace Online Awareness Certification, or ability to secure certification (preferred)

Desired Education and/or Experience

• Degree in outdoor education, outdoor management, outdoor adventure leadership, forestry, or related field
• Previous professional/educational experience as an outdoor adventure guide
• First aid and CPR certification (preferred)

Pay

• $16/hour for pre-project preparation 
• $185/day per 6-7 day project
• Travel, including necessary hotel accommodations, is covered by the organization
• $1,000 bonus upon satisfactory completion of contract

Benefits

• Remote
• Flexible schedule
• Ability to join two additional projects as a volunteer, free of charge
• Working in some of America’s most beautiful locations 

Schedule

• April/May through September/October 2025
• 4-6 week-long projects, with approximately 20-30 hours of pre-project preparation

Location

• Preferred homebase in: AZ, NV, UT, CA, OR, ID, NM, CO, or WY