Work for BOAT

BOAT is trying to change how organizations access the outdoors – and we need your help! We’re looking for guides, instructors, and volunteers for a range of programs.

Interested in joining our efforts to make a more accessible and inclusive outdoors? Check out our mission – and read on:

The Bus for Outdoor Access & Teaching, or “BOAT,” strives to empower impact organizations to get more people outside. We put a full-service outdoor program in the hands of community leaders, addressing barriers to remote outdoor experiences.

By honoring and enabling the vision of others, we leverage the power of building community outside to achieve greater goals.

Current Opportunities

Summer Backpacking Guide

DATES: June 7th – August 16th, 2025 (10 weeks), including:

    • 1 week of staff training
    • 9 weeks of backpacking or basecamping expeditions

Weekly Contracts: If you’re not able to commit for the whole summer, we can sometimes offer weekly contracts – please inquire for availability.

REQUIREMENTS: Wilderness First Responder preferred. Experience working with youth required. Experience with backcountry navigation, outdoor meal preparation, and basic facilitation preferred. See job description for more information.

PROGRAMS & CLIENTS: While details will vary, most programs in 2025 average 5-6 days. We are proud to partner with programs led and designed by leaders for their own communities, with BOAT as a capacity builder. This makes guiding for BOAT distinct, as the ability to flex to the needs of different programs is critical. We are truly “guides” more than we are “leaders.” Strong preference for guides with a background in facilitation, social-emotional learning, cultural competence, and humility.

As an example, 2025 program partners include:

We will be collaborating with Project Kindred, an intentional racially integrated summer camp in Milwaukee, to lead expeditions for their older participants across Wisconsin and Michigan.

Additionally, we’re partnering with the Detroit YMCA to support BOLD & GOLD expeditions, which connect Detroit youth to public lands and foster leadership development.

BOAT Bus will also be involved in multiple programs as part of a partnership agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Forest Service. These programs include the “Urban Connections” initiative as well as a new “Urban Forestry” program aimed at schools and community leaders in the Midwest.

As a general practice, more than 80% of BOAT participants each year come from historically underrepresented groups in the outdoors. While most of our participants are high school-aged, our demographics are diverse and vary depending on the specific partnerships we’re working with.

SCHEDULE: Trips will primarily be backpacking, with occasional base camping trips (i.e. car camping from the bus). Most trips are 5-6 days on, with 24-36 hours off. Because we serve the region, some additional days will involve travel to a new city. Housing is primarily in Milwaukee, WI but campsites or residences (i.e. Airbnb) will be provided when serving other areas. Transportation to and from our HQ is provided, or you can opt to transport yourself.

See details in “Learn More” section below. Many of our arrangements (clients, trip locations, schedule) are seasonal and will be settled throughout the year, but we’re happy to share more of what we know in the interview process!

Lewis & Clark College Precollege Programs Staff

DATES: June 8th – July 26th, 2025 (7 weeks), including:

    • 1 week of staff training (paid)
    • 5 weeks of summer camp
    • 1 week break over July 4th

REQUIREMENTS: Wilderness First Responder preferred. Experience working with youth required. Experience with basic facilitation preferred. See job description for more information.

PROGRAMS & CLIENTS: While the specifics of each camp may vary, most programs typically run for 6 days. For this camp, we will collaborate with various departments across the Lewis & Clark College campus to offer unique programming each week. Professors and staff will oversee the curriculum, but your role will focus on creating a fun, supportive, and safe environment where young people feel engaged and valued.

As a member of the camp team, you will live on the Lewis & Clark campus in dormitories, where you will serve as both a resident advisor and camp staff. When students aren’t in class, they’ll be exploring Portland through activities like hiking, swimming, visiting Powell’s Books, and more. Your responsibility is to ensure their safety during these adventures, while also helping them connect with and appreciate the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

SCHEDULE: The entire season will be based out of residential summer camp at Lewis & Clark College. Most trips are 5-6 days on, with 24-36 hours off. You will also have the week of July 4th off in between camps. 

Bus Driver

DATES: Ongoing

REQUIREMENTS: Class B Commercial Driver’s License with a Passenger and Airbrakes Endorsements required. BOAT can provide training to the appropriate candidate to receive their license.

DETAILS: Daily rate, per trip. Ample opportunities to drive on weekdays throughout the summer and into the fall. Typical days last from 8am – 4pm, but hours may vary. It’s easiest – but not required – to live in or near our headquarters in Milwaukee, WI, or our major areas of service: Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and Minneapolis. That said, programs range more widely, and occasional trips may be available throughout the US. Additionally, for those with the spirit of adventure, we can pay for travel if you want to drive for our longer expeditions.

The Application

BOAT’s application process is online – you can find the full application below. You will be asked to provide basic information about yourself and your skills, to provide a resume, and to provide at least three references. You cannot save information midway through, so have your references, their title, e-mail, and phone number in advance.

Note that each job has a series of brief question statements – these can be brief, but you may want to prepare answers in advance. Our Job Application Checklist is the best place to get a sense of the process!

Learn more about working for BOAT