Who are we? 

At Voyageur Outward Bound School, we believe in the potential of every individual. We believe when people discover strength of character, an aptitude for leadership and a desire to serve, it has a positive impact on their lives and the lives of those around them. 

When you join us, you are joining a growth minded community where we are actively engaged in creating a more inclusive organizational culture.  To foster a more welcoming outdoor community for all, we are working to address barriers related to race, culture, socioeconomics, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation and mental health. See our Equity Statement here. 

Voyageur Outward Bound School is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks staff as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

Outward Bound has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority.

We know that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage any interested applicant to apply, even if you don’t meet every one of our qualifications listed.  

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Head Logistics Coordinator (HLC) reports to the Logistics Manager and plays a key role in supporting the overall management of logistics systems at Voyageur Outward Bound School. The HLC assists the Logistics Manager with all aspects of year round operations of the logistics building and systems.  A key function of this position is ensuring a clean, well-stocked, and effective food room at the Ely basecamp. They also assist the Ely Logistics Manager with the issuing, repair, and management of all course-related equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Logistics Support

• Course Support - Ensure all courses are effectively supported with appropriate gear and food.
• Food Systems - Manage the Homeplace basecamp’s annual food budget ($52,000), including ordering, inventorying, and maintaining a well-stocked and efficient food room and pantry on a daily and annual basis.
• Dietary Accommodations - Coordinate with VOBS Admissions staff to accommodate special diets/food allergies on course. Assist instructors with allergy and dietary alternatives when needed.
• Cross-Base Collaboration - support the TCC Logistics Manager in planning for and managing their food and gear as needed.
• School Store Management - Oversee inventory and organization of the School store. 
• Annual Planning - In coordination with the Ely Logistics Manager, determine yearly program logistical and gear needs and support systems.
• Gear Management - Manage, supply, clean, and issue all equipment and supplies for courses.
• Equipment Repairs - Perform all on-site equipment repairs, including industrial sewing, canoe and kayak repair, tents, stoves, zippers, etc.  Train interns and support staff in repairs.

Basecamp Support

• Seasonal Gear Flips - Lead spring and fall gear transitions, preparing basecamp for summer and winter programming. 
• Actively participate in all-school functions, events, and daily chores.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other team members and School departments to support instructional staff and students.
•  Support program as needed, including driving, possible course work (if qualified), help on site and with basecamp chores, and other duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision & Training

• Work with and mentor Summer Logistics Coordinator(s), coordinating work schedules and providing training and time management help.
• Work with Interns and room/board work trade staff to ensure that projects are accomplished in a safe fashion that allows for helpers to use their skills and learn on the job.

Safety Management

• Participate as needed to support the basecamp’s on-call field response system. This could include driving, paddling or hiking to evacuate an injured student from the wilderness, answering the emergency field line, and preparing food and gear for evacuation teams.
• Adhere to local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures as outlined in the field staff manual, the employee handbook and in our community guidelines.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Equipment repair and maintenance
  • Strong technical abilities in two of the following categories: Sewing, boat repair, stove repair, zipper repair, winter ski repair/ski maintenance (edges and bases).
  • Wilingness to learn how to repair all of the above as needed.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Respond effectively to changing circumstances, new information and shifting priorities.
• Innovation & Problem Solving - Develops creative solutions using limited resources, identifies opportunities for improvement. 
• Accountability - holds self and others accountable for measurable, high-quality, timely and cost effective results.
• Proactivity - Anticipates needs and takes initiative to address challenges and opportunities.
• Administrative Proficiency –Familiar with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace for administrative tasks (including spreadsheets/word processing).

SKILLS

• Communication—The ability to clearly convey ideas, facts, and information in a variety of settings (1:1, small groups, large groups) using different mediums (written vs. verbal) effectively taking into account the makeup of the audience while encouraging the open expression of a diversity of ideas and opinions.
• Collaboration - The ability to work with people from different backgrounds, communities, lived experiences, and cultures to effectively build partnerships to meet shared objectives.
• Self Management - The ability to set well-defined and realistic personal goals, take on and complete assignments in a timely manner, and complete work with minimal supervision.
• Judgement & Decision Making - ability to synthesize information to make sound, goal-aligned decisions.
• Time management & Organization - Prioritizes tasks effectively; maintains attention to detail and manages workload efficiently.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Age 21 or older
• Acceptable driving record based on VOBS grading criteria
• 1-3 years experience in a similar role or setting, preferably with supervisory experience.

WORK CONDITIONS / LOCATION

• Position is on-site, at our basecamp located outside of Ely, MN.
• Work primarily occurs in a warehouse setting.
• Sometimes works in outdoor weather conditions, occasionally during poor weather. 
• On “feet” and moving around the worksite, performing logistical tasks up to 70% of the time.
• Sitting at a desk or computer less than 30% of the time.
• Occasionally there are long days (10+ hours a day) based on programmatic needs, possibly more in the case of an emergency. 
• May at times be asked to camp or sleep outside while supporting courses.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to participate in all site and course activities and to maintain energy, strength, and focus to support students and staff.  
• Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity such as lifting, moving boxes, climbing stairs.
• Ability to lift, crawl, bend, carry and pull. Work is sometimes done in confined spaces and at height. 
• Occasionally must carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• This is an 11 month, non-exempt (hourly) position that is benefit eligible. 
• Hourly Range: $16-$20 per hour
• VOBS offers a competitive benefits package, including employer sponsored health insurance, a dental and vision plan, STD, LTD and a 403(b) retirement plan with 2% match. Paid time off including, vacation, holidays, personal, parental and sick leave. 
• Rustic on-site housing is available for the successful candidate, if desired. This housing reflects the remote, outdoor nature of our program environment and is simple in design. Accommodations may be shared with one or more staff members, and housing assignments will shift seasonally based on operational needs. Facilities typically include access to a shared bathhouse and communal kitchen. Running water is not available in any of the staff housing. If you choose to live on base while employed as the HLC, it is expected you abide by our Community Standards and Guidelines (available upon request).
• During the summer months, meals are often available on base when our cook is on duty. In the winter, staff have access to kitchen space for preparing their own meals.

Other benefits include: 

• Pro deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates)
• Paid sick time (accrued at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked).
• Access to an Employee Assistance Plan

Interview Process: Interviews will be conducted throughout November, with the goal of making a hiring decision by December 1st.

In the interest of transparency and pay equity across our team, a candidate with the minimum experience can expect to be offered in the lower half of the range.