Organization & Program Description: Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) is a volunteer-based nonprofit providing the joy and challenge of outdoor adventures to people with all abilities and from all backgrounds since 1972. We inspire self-confidence, connection to nature, and community-based environmental stewardship through accessible sea kayaking, rafting, and multi-week expeditions for youth from historically marginalized backgrounds. The Youth LEAD Program (YLP) is one of ETC’s three main programs. We provide outdoor experiences for youth from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, focusing on technical outdoor skills, environmental education, socio-emotional growth, and leadership development. Our 14-to-21-day courses incorporate sea kayaking, rafting, and backpacking. Students learn about themselves, their community of peers, natural history, and environmental science through lessons, storytelling, community-building, and adventure in the wilderness.

Positions:

Each YLP Course has a team of one Lead Instructor, one Instructor, and one YLP Fellow Field Intern. This core Instructor Team is supported by 3-6 ETC Volunteers during the sea kayak and rafting portions of each Course (depending on the activities of the Course).

• The Lead Instructor position is for individuals with exceptional technical and interpersonal skills, advanced medical wilderness certification, and previous experience with ETC. Lead instructors will have the final say in risk management and decision making throughout the course period. Most Lead Instructors have worked a minimum of one Youth LEAD course or have extensive experience with another ETC program or programs alike. Lead instructors will provide direct mentorship to the fellow field intern as well as the co-instructor.
• The Instructor position is for individuals with experience and competence in the outdoor education and/or wilderness guiding fields, who hold a current wilderness medical certification. Instructors will work collaboratively with the Lead instructor in all course related decision making. Field instructors will also provide direct mentorship to the fellow field intern. 

2026 Course Dates & Details

INSTRUCTOR TRAINING: Monday, June 1- Friday, June 5th 2026

We have positions available in the following two courses:

21-DAY SEA TO SOURCE; Tomales Bay Sea Kayak + Backpacking in the Sierras + River Camp 

• Instructor Prep Days: June 16, 17, 18, 20
  Course Start: Sunday, June 21
  Graduation: Saturday, July 11th
  Post Day: Monday, July 13th

14-DAY SIERRA EXPLORATION; Backpacking in the Sierras + River Camp 

• Instructor Prep Days: July 2, 3, 5
  Course Start: Monday, July 6th
  Graduation: Sunday, July 19th
  Post Day: Tuesday, July 21st

Qualifications

• Age 21+
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or higher; Wilderness First Responder (WFR) preferred
• Hiring is dependent on criminal background check and DMV driving check:
  Must have clean driving record
• Must have 2+ years licensed driving experience
• Ability to safely drive youth in a van for up to 6 hours with frequent stops
• Previous experience as a leader in a backcountry setting during extended expeditions
• Comfortable navigating on/off trail in alpine environments (for backpacking courses)
• Ability to cultivate a safe space to fit the needs of students from historically marginalized backgrounds through culturally relevant curriculum and discussion topics
  • For individuals identified with socially dominant groups (white, upper class, heterosexual, cis gender, etc), demonstrates a commitment to examining personal privilege and engaging in ongoing self-education about power dynamics relevant to this work
• Ability to communicate positively, show receptiveness to feedback, and excel in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Experience in leading outdoor activities and culturally relevant lessons that foster environmental curiosity, excitement, and healthy relationships
• Ability to practice patience, adaptability, and effective de-escalation skills in dynamic outdoor environments, especially when navigating challenges or heightened situations
• Ability to remain present, responsive, and focused with student participants for 14-21 consecutive days
• Open to different leadership styles and collaboration, celebrating individual uniqueness with the goal of creating inclusive and safe spaces

Additional Preferred Experience

• Experience as a sea kayak, backpack, and/or raft guide preferred
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid
• Class B Commercial Driver’s License

Compensation:

We are committed to equitable, transparent compensation and hiring practices. Compensation is determined based on a candidate’s certifications, wilderness guiding and/or outdoor education, experience working with youth from historically marginalized communities, and prior involvement with Youth LEAD programs as an instructor, course participant, or youth fellow.

• All instructors will get paid our training rate of 160/day for 5 days of training 
• Range for Lead Instructors: $165 – $180/day for prep, course, and post days
• Range for Instructors: $145 – $160/day for prep, course, and post days

How to Apply:

Thank you for your interest! Please send a resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications, related experience, and which course(s) you’re interested in to: ylp@etctrips.org.