Lead Staff

Lead Staff Job Description

First Descents (FD) is a nonprofit that provides life changing outdoor adventures for young adults (ages 18-39) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. As a Lead Staff, you must be approachable, adaptable, understanding, communicative, organized, hardworking, and motivated. As a member of our team, it is imperative you are passionate about our mission and demonstrate a commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in the outdoor and healthcare spaces.

Lead Staff will report directly to the Lead Staff Manager and, ultimately, the Senior Program Manager. Lead Staff will also work in close coordination with the Programs Team at FD’s Headquarters (FDHQ) for training, general instruction, scheduling, program logistics and planning, risk management, and coordination. 

Responsibilities: 

Facilitation & Logistics:

• Understand, follow, and model FD’s policies and procedures at all times
• Lead or co-lead a participant group of up 15 young adults impacted by cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, and other serious health conditions, including individual and clinical caregivers
• Ensure the FD experience is delivered effectively, reliably, and consistently
• Organize on-site programming including but not limited to on-site group logistics and transportation, traditions and ceremonies, group discussions, daily team debrief meetings, and volunteer team management
• Act as the on-the-ground point of contact between FDHQ and third-party vendors (e.g. outfitters, lodge owners/managers, vehicle rental companies, etc.)
• Work in close coordination with chefs and other catering options where applicable for meals and help manage kitchen prep & clean up

Safety: 

• Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all participants, volunteers, and staff
• Quickly and effectively address medical issues and emergencies as they arise, if and when necessary, and communicate incidents and issues to FDHQ
• Ensure adherence to FD’s risk management policies, including communicable disease control measures and procedures on program

Administrative:

• Act as the main point of contact for participants one week prior to the program start date to answer any programmatic and logistics related questions, including sending the pre-program email, texts, and phone calls to participants
• Complete all necessary pre and post program work, reporting back to FDHQ in a timely manner including but not limited to post-program emails, program recaps, participant and volunteer surveys, incident reports, expense reports, etc.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism surrounding participant information 
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

You will have the following qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years of age or older
• Have a valid driver’s license and can pass a motor vehicle background check
• Have experience in outdoor group facilitation, leading, or guiding
• Passionate about FD’s mission and is committed supporting those impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions
• Must be approachable, adaptable, understanding, communicative, organized, hardworking, and motivated
• Must be able to effectively address issues and resolve conflict in a diplomatic and timely manner
• Must have a current minimum certification in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) – Wilderness First Responder (WFR) preferred – achieved prior to first scheduled program and must provide proof

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• Must have ability to maintain ample energy and have the ability to hold space for others
• Ability to participate in strenuous physical activity including but not limited to whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, surfing, and/or hiking
• Ability to move and carry gear and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Moving about on feet for majority of the day in both indoor and outdoor environments on uneven surfaces

Inside Details:

This is a seasonal position going from mid-April until October. All Lead Staff will need to attend the annual Lead Staff Training & Evaluation and complete any additional training as assigned before leading programs. Completion of training does not guarantee placement on a program in any given season. In order to be considered, you must be able to commit to working a minimum of two programs in 2026. 

At a program, Lead Staff must arrive early to the program location (typically one day before the program start date), and remain on-site throughout the duration of the program. Program locations are nationwide and all food and lodging is covered throughout the duration of the program. Travel expenses to and from program locations are covered in accordance with FD's travel policies. 

FD prides itself on being a fiercely inclusive community with an ongoing commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). We know that cancer and other serious health conditions do not discriminate, and we’re dedicated to serving all categories of identity. Our programs use the healing power of adventure to build supportive networks and ignite the Out Living It spirit. 

The compensation range for this position is $166.38 to $217.63 per day that participant facilitation takes place. Administrative tasks completed outside of programs will have a compensation range of $21.33 to $24.85 per hour.

Apply:

If you’re passionate about contributing your skills and enthusiasm to help us serve countless more young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions, we want to hear from you!

First Descents is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or ​expression, veteran status, caregiver status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.