BOLD & GOLD
UPDATES: Hiring!
Hiring:
Wilderness Instructor
Hiring Range: $135.00-$165.00/day
Do you want to make a difference in the world and have fun while doing it? As a Wilderness Instructor, you and your co-lead will be responsible for the physical and emotional safety of up to 10 participants while engaging them in activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Instructors work from a set itinerary, manage the risks of backcountry travel, and facilitate a variety of workshops and activities that help participants develop their own leadership style.
Responsibilities
Lead 5–15 day wilderness-based backpacking, paddling, rock climbing or mountaineering courses with an emphasis on multicultural leadership.
Build strong rapport with participants and staff, foster positive group development, create structure, and draw learning from experiential activities.
Model cultural humility and celebrate diversity, effectively working with people of different identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
Ensure both a physically and emotionally safe and inclusive environment for youth and staff.
Transport participants in 14-passenger mini-buses to and from program areas.
Manage the unique risks of outdoor climbing and mountaineering programs.
Other duties as assigned.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
BOLD & GOLD is based out of the Cascade People’s Center (CPC), located in Seattle, WA. BOLD & GOLD courses begin and end at the CPC. BOLD & GOLD programming takes place in remote wilderness locations (national park, national forest, state park land) across Washington State.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Employees must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50lbs, safely travel over varied terrain (trails, tree roots, boulder/rock fields, shoreline, mud, snow, ice) up to 15 miles per day, be comfortable spending multiple days and/or weeks in a wilderness setting, communicate both verbally and non-verbally with other staff, volunteers, and participants. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a seasonal exempt position and staff are paid a daily rate. There is an optional Backcountry Skills Training June 4th-6th that new staff are encouraged to attend. All Staff Training occurs June 9th- 18th and instructors can expect to have three to five field-weeks of work (usually about 35 – 55 working days) between late June and late August.
Travel
BOLD & GOLD employees must be able to commute to the Cascade People’s Center, 309 Pontius Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. Parking is not available onsite, but there is paid public parking located around the building. The area is serviced by several public bus routes. All travel required for work will be done in YMCA vehicles. This is an Authorized Driver position, read more in the Position Requirements.
Code of Conduct for Applicants
Qualifications
What we're looking for in an applicant
Two or more years of experience working with teens in an organized setting, including facilitating activities that address issues facing adolescents.
Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
Knowledge of developmental needs of teens; demonstrates an understanding of the needs of teens and the ability to evaluate their needs individually.
Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the everyday lives of underserved youth.
Personal or professional experience in backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and/or mountaineering.
Be able to hike and/or backpack over a variety of terrain and teach techniques for approaching that type of terrain.
Have experience and knowledge of basic backcountry equipment or techniques such as stove use, bear hangs, water purification, and/or shelter craft.
Have experience and knowledge of reading maps and using them for navigation.
Effectively manage physical risks for yourself and participants including terrain, weather, and wildlife interactions.
Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.
Current WFA and CPR Certification*
Current Washington State Food Handlers Permit*
Authorized Driver Role Requirements
This role requires you to transport clients as an “authorized driver” for the YMCA. Authorized drivers are a safety-sensitive position. If you agree to become an authorized driver, you must clear a drug test upon hire for substances that would impair your ability to drive (including marijuana). Requirements for authorized driver duties include:
21 years of age or older
Current Driver’s License with a minimum 3 years safe driving experience and a driving record which meets or exceeds YMCA standards
Maximum one minor violation
No speeding violation of more than 20mph over the limit
YMCA Pre-employment Drug Screening
BOLD & GOLD uses 14-passenger mini-buses to transport passengers and equipment to trailheads and campsites. This includes driving on interstates, city streets, and rural roads.
* Required by start date
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Current WFR or W-EMT Certification
Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
Experience with anti-racism practices.
MISSION STATEMENT
Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.
OUR VALUES
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Caring
• Passion for Excellence
YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.
All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.
Climbing Instructor
Hiring Range: $135.00-$165.00/day
Do you want to make a difference in the world and have fun while doing it? As a Climbing Instructor, you and a co-lead and a co-lead will be responsible for the physical and emotional safety of up to 10 participants while engaging them in activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Instructors work from a set itinerary, manage the risks of backcountry travel, and facilitate a variety of workshops and activities that help participants develop their own leadership style. Climbing Instructors will be responsible for setting up routes, teaching climbing skills, and ensuring the emotional and physical safety of participants during their programs.
Responsibilities
What you'll be doing
Lead 5–15 day wilderness-based backpacking, paddling, rock climbing or mountaineering courses with an emphasis on multicultural leadership.
Build strong rapport with participants and staff, foster positive group development, create structure, and draw learning from experiential activities.
Model cultural humility and celebrate diversity, effectively working with people of different identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
Ensure both a physically and emotionally safe and inclusive environment for youth and staff.
Transport participants in 14-passenger mini-buses to and from program areas.
Manage the unique risks of outdoor climbing and mountaineering programs.
Other duties as assigned.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
BOLD & GOLD is based out of the Cascade People’s Center (CPC), located in Seattle, WA. BOLD & GOLD courses begin and end at the CPC. BOLD & GOLD programming takes place in remote wilderness locations (national park, national forest, state park land) across Washington State.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Employees must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50lbs, safely travel over varied terrain (trails, tree roots, boulder/rock fields, shoreline, mud, snow, ice) up to 15 miles per day, be comfortable spending multiple days and/or weeks in a wilderness setting, communicate both verbally and non-verbally with other staff, volunteers, and participants. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position Type/Expected Hours of WorkThis is a seasonal exempt position and staff are paid a daily rate. There is an optional Backcountry Skills Training June 4th-6th that new staff are encouraged to attend. All Staff Training occurs June 9th- June 18th. In addition to All-Staff training, Climbing Instructors are required to attend Climbing Training from June 23rd- 25th. Instructors can expect to have a combination of backpacking and frontcountry climbing trips and three to five field-weeks of work (usually about 35 – 55 working days) between late June and early September.
Travel
BOLD & GOLD employees must be able to commute to the Cascade People’s Center, 309 Pontius Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. Parking is not available onsite, but there is paid public parking located around the building. The area is serviced by several public bus routes. All travel required for work will be done in YMCA vehicles. This is an Authorized Driver position, read more in the Position Requirements.
Code of Conduct for Applicants
Qualifications
What we're looking for in an applicant
Two or more years of experience working with teens in an organized setting, including facilitating activities addressing issues facing adolescents.
Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
Knowledge of developmental needs of teens; demonstrates an understanding of the needs of teens and the ability to evaluate their needs individually.
Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the everyday lives of underserved youth.
Personal or professional instructional experience in rock climbing and/or mountaineering.
Be able to climb a variety of terrain and teach and role model movement techniques for that type of climb.
Have experience and knowledge of using specialized climbing gear.
Be able to effectively build anchors using gear and/or natural features.
Select, prepare, and manage top rope sites that are suitable for participants.
Effectively manage a belay and be able to recognize and correct participant errors in belaying, climbing, and rope skills.
Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.
Current WFA and CPR*
Current Washington State Food Handlers Permit*
Authorized Driver Role Requirements
This role requires you to transport clients as an “authorized driver” for the YMCA. Authorized drivers are a safety-sensitive position. If you agree to become an authorized driver, you must clear a drug test upon hire for substances that would impair your ability to drive (including marijuana). Requirements for authorized driver duties include:
21 years of age or older
Current Driver’s License with a minimum 3 years safe driving experience and a driving record which meets or exceeds YMCA standards
Maximum one minor violation
No speeding violation of more than 20mph over the limit
YMCA Pre-employment Drug Screening
BOLD & GOLD uses 14-passenger mini-buses to transport passengers and equipment to trailheads and campsites. This includes driving on interstates, city streets, and rural roads.
* Required by start date
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Current WFR or W-EMT Certification
Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
Experience with anti-racism practices.
MISSION STATEMENT
Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.
OUR VALUES
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Caring
• Passion for Excellence
YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.
All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.
Operations Specialist and Wilderness Instructor
Hiring Range: $135.00-$165.00/day
Do you want to make a difference in the world and have fun while doing it? In this role, you will have the opportunity to work both as a wilderness instructor and a member of BOLD & GOLD’s logistics team. While instructing, you and your co-lead will be responsible for the physical and emotional safety of up to 10 participants while engaging them in activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Instructors work from a set itinerary, manage the risks of backcountry travel, and facilitate a variety of workshops and activities that help participants develop their own leadership style. The logistics side of this position allows for more variation in work, days might be spent driving, assisting with food packing, repairing gear, and completing other tasks that support expedition programming.
Responsibilities
What you'll be doing
Lead 5–15 day wilderness-based backpacking, paddling, rock climbing or mountaineering courses with an emphasis on multicultural leadership.
Build strong rapport with participants and staff, foster positive group development, create structure, and draw learning from experiential activities.
Model cultural humility and celebrate diversity, effectively working with people of different identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
Ensure both a physically and emotionally safe and inclusive environment for youth and staff.
Transport participants in 14-passenger mini-buses to and from program areas.
Manage the unique risks of wilderness-based programs.
Coordinate the organization, function, and availability of backpacking, camping, and rock-climbing equipment, including clothing, first aid supplies, stoves, backpacks, sleeping bags, and tents.
Collaborate with staff to pack and prepare all field-going food and equipment.
Facilitate and provide support to instructor teams during the trip prep, de-issue, and debrief process.
Other duties as assigned.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
BOLD & GOLD is based out of the Cascade People’s Center (CPC), located in Seattle, WA. BOLD & GOLD courses begin and end at the CPC. BOLD & GOLD Programming takes place in remote wilderness locations (National Park, National Forest, State Park land) across Washington State.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Employees must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50lbs, safely travel over varied terrain (trails, tree roots, boulder/rock fields, shoreline, mud, snow, ice) up to 15 miles per day, be comfortable spending multiple days and/or weeks in a wilderness setting, communicate both verbally and non-verbally with other staff, volunteers, and participants. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a seasonal exempt position and staff are paid a daily rate. Operations Specialist and Wilderness Instructors will have a schedule that combines weeks in the field instructing, with logistics work in between, approximately 40-50 hours per week on a Thursday-Monday schedule. Approximate schedule will be from May 28th-September 6th. This includes Logistics Team training, Backcountry Skills Training June 4th-6th, and All Staff Training which occurs June 9th- June 18th. These staff can expect to have one to three field-weeks of work, while having the consistency of logistics work during weeks not instructing.
Travel
BOLD & GOLD employees must be able to commute to the Cascade People’s Center, 309 Pontius Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. Parking is not available onsite, but there is paid public parking located around the building. The area is serviced by several public bus routes. All travel required for work will be done in YMCA vehicles. This is an Authorized Driver position, read more in the Position Requirements.
Code of Conduct for Applicants
Qualifications
What we're looking for in an applicant
One or more years of experience working with teens in an organized setting, including facilitating activities that address issues facing adolescents.
Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
Knowledge of developmental needs of teens; demonstrates an understanding of the needs of teens and the ability to evaluate their needs individually.
Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the everyday lives of underserved youth.
Personal or professional experience in backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and/or mountaineering.
Be able to hike and/or backpack over a variety of terrain and teach techniques for approaching that type of terrain.
Have experience and knowledge of basic backcountry equipment or techniques such as stove use, bear hangs, water purification, and/or shelter craft.
Have experience and knowledge of reading maps and using them for navigation.
Effectively manage physical risks for yourself and participants including terrain, weather, and wildlife interactions.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
Desire to learn and approach challenges with a problem-solving mentality.
High level of self-awareness and can work in a collaborative setting.
Commitment to working with diverse groups of youth and staff.
Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.
Current WFA and CPR Certification*
Current Washington State Food Handlers Permit*
Authorized Driver Role Requirements
This role requires you to transport clients as an “authorized driver” for the YMCA. Authorized drivers are a safety-sensitive position. If you agree to become an authorized driver, you must clear a drug test upon hire for substances that would impair your ability to drive (including marijuana). Requirements for authorized driver duties include:
21 years of age or older
Current Driver’s License with a minimum 3 years safe driving experience and a driving record which meets or exceeds YMCA standards
Maximum one minor violation
No speeding violation of more than 20mph over the limit
YMCA Pre-employment Drug Screening
BOLD & GOLD uses 14-passenger mini-buses to transport passengers and equipment to trailheads and campsites. This includes driving on interstates, city streets, and rural roads.
* Required by start date
Preferred Education/Experience
Current WFR or W-EMT Certification
Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
Experience with anti-racism practices.
MISSION STATEMENT
Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.
OUR VALUES
Respect
Responsibility
Honesty
Caring
Passion for Excellence
YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.
All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.
Course Director
Compensation: $185.00/day
Tell me about this job!
As a Course Director, you will be responsible for supervising one- and two-week wilderness-based expeditions. This includes managing logistics, mentoring staff, and ensuring the safe and successful delivery of these programs. Course Directors work with instructors to plan curriculum for expeditions, provide on-call support to groups in the field, support evacuations, communicate with families, and ensure the smooth day-to-day operations of the BOLD & GOLD summer program.
Responsibilities
What you'll be doing
Direct all aspects of wilderness courses including logistics, staff supervision, participants, risk management situations, and a positive group culture.
Oversee the safe delivery of wilderness courses- with an emphasis on multicultural leadership, ranging in length from 5 to 15 days.
Work within a leadership team to ensure all staff and participants have the equipment, tools and knowledge needed to be successful.
Build strong rapport with participants, staff, and families, foster positive group development, create structure, and draw learning from experiential activities.
Train and mentor staff in how to:
Build emotionally and physically safe environments with groups of middle and high school participants.
Help participants build emotional intelligence and multicultural leadership skills through wilderness experience.
Model cultural humility and celebrate diversity, effectively working with people of different identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
Ensure both a physically and an emotionally safe and inclusive environment for youth and staff.
Other duties as assigned.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
BOLD & GOLD is based out of the Cascade People’s Center (CPC), located in Seattle, WA. BOLD & GOLD courses begin and end at the CPC. BOLD & GOLD programming takes place in remote wilderness locations (national park, national forest, state park land) across Washington State. The Course Director role is primarily office based, aside from participation in staff training, driving, and other field-based support.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Employees must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50lbs, safely travel over varied terrain (trails, tree roots, boulder/rock fields, shoreline, mud, snow, ice) up to 15 miles per day, be comfortable spending multiple days and/or weeks in a wilderness setting, communicate both verbally and non-verbally with other staff, volunteers, and participants. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a seasonal exempt position and staff are paid a daily rate. Course Directors will work approximately 40-50 hours per week on a Thursday-Monday schedule. Approximate schedule will be from May 21st – September 6th. This includes Leadership Team training and All Staff Training which occurs June 9th-June 18th. This position is part of the Outdoor Leadership risk management support system and will require on-call shifts as duties demand.
TRAVEL
BOLD & GOLD employees must be able to commute to the Cascade People’s Center, 309 Pontius Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. Parking is not available onsite, but there is paid public parking located around the building. The area is serviced by several public bus routes. All travel required for work will be done in YMCA vehicles. This is an Authorized Driver position, read more in the Position Requirements.
Code of Conduct for Applicants
Qualifications
What we're looking for in an applicant
Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the everyday lives of youth.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with youth and adults from a variety of backgrounds.
Ability to role model compassionate and confident leadership.
High level of self-awareness and can work in a collaborative setting.
Commitment to working with diverse groups of youth and staff.
Possesses strong organizational skills, flexibility, and a problem-solving mentality.
Ability to mentor staff in technical backcountry skills, including backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and mountaineering.
Ability to mentor staff in interpersonal skills, including clear consistent communication, building positive group culture, and supporting participants through challenges such as homesickness, conflict, etc.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Experience with Microsoft Office suit (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.
Current WFR or W-EMT, and CPR Certification*
Current Washington State Food Handlers Permit*
This position requires driving:
21 years of age or older
Current Driver’s License with a minimum 3 years safe driving experience and a driving record which meets or exceeds YMCA standards
Maximum one minor violation
No speeding violation of more than 20mph over the limit
YMCA Pre-employment Drug Screening
BOLD & GOLD uses 14-passenger mini-buses to transport passengers and equipment to trailheads and campsites. This includes driving on interstates, city streets, and rural roads.
* Required by start date
Preferred Education/Experience
Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
Experience with anti-racism practices.
Our Mission
Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.
YMCA of Greater Seattle's Core Values
Respect
Responsibility
Honesty
Caring
Passion for Excellence
YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.
All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.
Additional Information About BOLD & GOLD
BOLD & GOLD is dedicated to inspiring courage and confidence in diverse groups of youth through outdoor adventures. As a program of the Camping & Outdoor Leadership branch of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, BOLD & GOLD offers year-round partnership programs and summer expedition experiences. Partnership programs engage with schools, non-profits, and community-based organizations to design and implement transformative outdoor experiences. The summer expedition program runs single-gender and all-gender expeditions that engage youth through frontcountry and backcountry trips ranging in length from 5 to 15 days. BOLD & GOLD experiences take place in Mt Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, National Forests, Washington State Parks, and local green spaces. Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, snowshoeing, fishing, art, and teambuilding. The goal of BOLD & GOLD is to increase confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, wonder, and community awareness in our participants. BOLD & GOLD believes these traits are the foundations of leadership and works to inspire participants to develop their own leadership style. BOLD & GOLD prepares young people to be the next generation of leaders through multicultural experiential education in the natural world.
Find out more at www.ymcaleadership.org.
What you'll get from working at BOLD & GOLD
Individual membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle
Free access to mental health resources
Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO)
Subsidized ORCA Transit Pass
Access to discounted gear and equipment through pro deals
Staff may be eligible for a stay bonus for completing their agreement
Link to more information about working with us: https://www.campingandoutdoorleadership.org/bold-gold-positions