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Outdoor Youth Mentor

We encourage women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you're passionate about the outdoors and committed to making a difference, we want to hear from you. No previous professional outdoor experience is required.

Full time, year round | 8 days on/6 days off | $152-260/day | Benefits

Orientation Weeks: April 24th, May 22nd, June 19th, August 14th

____________________________________________________________

Our Mission:

With the wilderness as our catalyst, we reveal potential, inspire hope, and heal families. We believe it. We live it.

About the Role: As an Outdoor Youth Mentor, you play a crucial role in the healing process for our students. You will work closely with at-risk teenagers, helping them navigate their challenges and discover their potential through outdoor experiences. Your presence and guidance are essential in creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.

What You'll Do:

  • Robust Training: Outdoor Youth Mentors complete an Orientation Week that gets you started in both hard skills (outdoor-oriented) and soft skills (relationship building and clinical understanding).
  • Mentorship: Build strong, supportive relationships with students, providing mentorship and guidance.
  • Outdoor Skills: Teach students essential outdoor skills, such as creating bowdrill fire sets, building shelters, and navigating the wilderness.
  • Recreation: Facilitate mountain biking, slack lining, disc golf, and other outdoor recreation activities.
  • Exploration: Lead students on adventures to visit petroglyphs, ghost towns, and mountain peaks, and watch the sunrise over herds of mustangs.
  • Team Collaboration: Work alongside a dedicated team of guides, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.
  • Safety and Supervision: Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times.

Shift Details: You will join one of our two rotating shifts, working 8-day shifts in the backcountry with small groups of teenagers and 1-3 other guides. All guides have the opportunity to work both programs:

  1. ThreePeaks Groups: These groups live at a base camp in yurts. They engage in day hikes and other recreation activities.
  2. RedCliff Groups: These groups live primitively and nomadically, hiking and setting up camp across 400-square-mile valley in the high desert.

Outdoor Youth Mentors can expect to start in the ThreePeaks Groups and be in the ThreePeaks groups more frequently.

Why This Job is Rewarding:

  • Transform Lives: Be a beacon of hope for teenagers and their families, helping them overcome significant challenges.
  • Gain Experience: Acquire valuable experience in behavioral and mental health while developing outdoor leadership skills.
  • Supportive Environment: Join a team that values collaboration, creativity, and safety, ensuring you have the support you need to succeed.
  • Empowerment: Empower students to develop resilience, confidence, and life skills through shared experiences in nature.
  • Advancement: Advancement opportunities are integral to the Outdoor Youth Mentor position. As you gain field experience and demonstrate proficiency in both technical and interpersonal skills, you will have the opportunity to advance and increase your earnings.

Join Us: Become a part of the RedCliff and ThreePeaks team. Help heal families, save lives, and share your passion for the outdoors. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Responsibilities

  • Work 8 consecutive days in the backcountry with struggling teenagers
  • Ensure the supervision and safety of students
  • Mentor students in primitive and outdoor skills
  • Assist students in their curriculum work
  • Share appreciation and knowledge of nature and the outdoors
  • Lead students through experiential activities
  • Facilitate group discussions
  • Create a safe environment for students to process their emotions
  • De-escalate and manage crises within the group
  • Provide support, direction, and feedback to coworkers during shifts
  • Address challenges and obstacles of the backcountry creatively and safely
  • Carry essential gear such as 1st Aid kit, radio, and SPOT device
  • Follow all company policies and procedures
  • Follow all local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and laws
  • Remember to have fun--we are working with kids!

Please note: Your resume should include education, work experience, certifications, and licenses.

Candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements at the time they submit their application will not be considered.

Hard Skills

  • High School diploma or equivalent, college degree preferred
  • Must be 1st Aid & CPR certified (30 day grace period), WFR (Wilderness First Responder) preferred
  • 19+ years of age
  • Fluency in spoken and written English
  • Able to pass criminal investigation background check
  • Able to pass pre-employment health assessment
  • Permanently authorized to work in the USA
  • Professional or personal experience in the backcountry AND/OR
  • Professional or personal experience working with at-risk youth
  • Fully outfitted (able to purchase gear when employment begins, if desired)
  • Physical ability and stamina to work 8 day shifts in the back country and live primitively
  • Walk, hike, and/or climb daily over uneven terrain in all weather conditions carrying 40+ pounds

Soft Skills

  • Work well within a team
  • Leadership skills and ability to make decisions
  • Strong problem-solving aptitude
  • Able to emotionally self-regulate
  • Good judgement
  • Safety-oriented
  • Able to give and receive feedback
  • Firm, healthy boundaries
  • Fully outfitted
  • Find your tribe: A supportive and close-knit niche in the outdoor community. These are your people.
  • 8 on/6 off schedule means you have about 150 days off each year!
  • Discounted membership at local gym
  • Only have to drive to work 4-5 times a month
  • Accommodation available at base for the nights before and after your shift (beds, kitchen, showers)
  • Bonuses
  • Full-time job with guaranteed overtime
  • Health, dental, vision, accident, critical illness, and other insurance plans available after first 60 days
  • Employer contributions to Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Pro deals! Significant discounts for hundreds of professional outdoor gear brands
  • Long off-shifts ideal for travel, exploring Utah's Big 5, or any other adventure!
  • A few hours from Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Lake Powell
  • A few hours from many world-class ski resorts
  • Close to Mccarran International Airport in Las Vegas
What You Should Know About Outdoor Youth Mentor, ThreePeaks Ascent

Are you ready for an adventure? As an Outdoor Youth Mentor, you'll have the incredible opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of at-risk teenagers while enjoying the awe-inspiring outdoors and fostering personal growth. Join us at this rewarding role where you’ll not only guide youth through challenges but also empower them to discover their hidden potential in nature. No prior professional outdoor experience is necessary, so if you’re passionate about mentoring and have a knack for building relationships, we want to hear from you! You’ll receive comprehensive training that equips you with outdoor skills and the ability to create a safe, nurturing environment for students. From teaching essential skills like building shelters and navigating the wilderness to leading engaging recreational activities like mountain biking and slack lining, every day will offer a new experience. Your supportive mentorship can be the beacon of hope for these teenagers as you lead them on unforgettable adventures—exploring ghost towns, petroglyphs, and breathtaking mountain peaks. With an empowering 8 days on/6 days off schedule, you’ll also enjoy plenty of downtime to recharge. Plus, competitive pay and benefits mean you can focus on what you love while knowing you’re doing important work. Ready to make a difference? Join our team of dedicated guides, and together we can inspire hope and transform lives, creating meaningful connections in the great outdoors. This is your chance to shine—apply today to join us as an Outdoor Youth Mentor!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Outdoor Youth Mentor Role at ThreePeaks Ascent
What are the main responsibilities of an Outdoor Youth Mentor at this company?

As an Outdoor Youth Mentor, you will play a crucial role in guiding at-risk teenagers through outdoor experiences, helping them navigate personal challenges. Your responsibilities include building strong relationships, teaching essential outdoor skills, facilitating recreational activities, ensuring student safety, and creating a nurturing environment.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What qualifications do I need to become an Outdoor Youth Mentor?

To qualify for the Outdoor Youth Mentor position, you should have a high school diploma or equivalent (a college degree is preferred), be CPR and First Aid certified, and have a passion for the outdoors and working with youth. A previous experience in the backcountry or with at-risk youth is advantageous, but not mandatory.

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What benefits can an Outdoor Youth Mentor expect at this company?

Outdoor Youth Mentors enjoy a range of benefits including competitive pay, insurance plans (health, dental, vision), an Employee Assistance Program, paid time off, significant discounts on outdoor gear, and a unique 8 days on/6 days off schedule that allows for travel and exploration during time off.

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How does the training for an Outdoor Youth Mentor work?

Training for Outdoor Youth Mentors includes an Orientation Week, where you'll learn essential hard skills related to outdoor activities as well as soft skills focused on relationship building and emotional support. This comprehensive training ensures you are well-prepared to mentor and guide students effectively.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you explain the shift schedule for the Outdoor Youth Mentor position?

The Outdoor Youth Mentor position features a unique 8 days on, 6 days off schedule. You will work intensively in the backcountry with small groups of teenagers for eight consecutive days, followed by six days of rest, allowing for a balanced work-life experience and plenty of downtime for personal adventures.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Outdoor Youth Mentor
How do you build trust with at-risk youth?

Building trust with at-risk youth requires patience and consistency. Share personal stories, listen actively, and demonstrate empathy. Make sure to communicate openly and create a safe space where they can express themselves without judgment.

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What outdoor skills are essential for an Outdoor Youth Mentor?

Essential outdoor skills for an Outdoor Youth Mentor include proficiency in navigation, fire-making, shelter construction, first aid, and understanding wilderness safety regulations. Additionally, experience in facilitating recreational activities is valuable.

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How would you handle a crisis situation among students in the backcountry?

In a crisis situation, it's important to remain calm and assess the situation quickly. Implement de-escalation techniques, ensure student safety, and seek to understand the root cause of the issue. Collaborate with your team to address the situation effectively.

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What is your approach to fostering a supportive environment?

Fostering a supportive environment involves actively listening to students' concerns, promoting open communication, and encouraging positive peer interactions. Engaging students in group discussions and feedback can significantly enhance the sense of community.

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How do you adapt to different students’ needs?

Adapting to different student needs requires keen observation and flexibility. I assess individual backgrounds and challenges, tailoring my mentorship approach to foster a personalized experience for each student. Understanding diverse backgrounds is key.

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Can you give an example of a challenging experience you’ve faced in outdoor education?

In a previous experience, a student struggled with emotional regulation during a hike. I focused on one-on-one conversations to help them express themselves, ultimately turning the situation into a powerful learning moment for both of us.

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What motivates you to work with youth in an outdoor setting?

My motivation stems from a deep passion for the outdoors and the belief in the transformative power of nature. I find it incredibly rewarding to witness the growth and resilience of youth in an environment that encourages exploration and self-discovery.

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What kind of feedback do you seek from your peers?

I actively seek constructive feedback on my mentorship style, communication skills, and ability to create engaging activities. This feedback is vital for my continuous growth and to ensure I can effectively support students and my team.

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How do you emphasize safety while being in the wilderness?

Safety is my top priority. I conduct thorough pre-trip safety briefings, ensure all gear is functioning properly, and serve as a continuous presence during activities, always evaluating the group's dynamic and well-being.

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How do you believe outdoor experiences can benefit at-risk youth?

Outdoor experiences can profoundly benefit at-risk youth by enhancing their social skills, building resilience, and offering a supportive environment to face challenges. Nature's unpredictability teaches problem-solving and personal growth in unique ways.

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MATCH
VIEW MATCH
FUNDING
DEPARTMENTS
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
No info
HQ LOCATION
No info
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 27, 2025

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