Changing lives is a life changing experience
The Trip Director is the person ultimately responsible for everything that happens on a trip. Alongside two co-leaders, you will guide a group of teens through a 10-20 day backpacking and fly fishing trip, setting the tone for the group from the first day to the last. Our leadership model is collaborative: the three of you plan each day, share the teaching, and work through problems together, but when weather turns, water conditions change, or a tough decision needs to be made, the final call is yours. That means managing logistics, keeping everyone safe in the backcountry, and making sure your co-leaders have what they need to do their best work. It also means teaching: casting, knots, reading water, Leave No Trace, and the small habits that keep a trip running well. Your co-leaders and participants will look to you as a role model, and the way you carry yourself will shape what they take home from the summer. This role is for experienced guides who are 21 or older, hold a Wilderness First Responder certification by staff training, and have a clean driving record. We are looking for people who stay steady when plans fall apart, listen well, hold high standards for themselves and their team, and still have fun doing it. In return, you get a summer on some incredible water and the chance to give a group of teenagers a trip they will talk about for years.
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Job Description
To put it simply, trip directors are responsible for everything that goes into leading successful trips. That means they oversee their co-leaders, make major decisions, evaluate risk, manage conflict between participants or co-leaders, monitor budget, teach, navigate, guide... and the list goes on. It is a significant responsibility and could possibly be the most challenging job of your life. But it can also be the most rewarding. When done well your participants will learn from you, look up to you, and remember you the rest of their lives.
Job Requirements
When done well, being a trip director on a LFFE trip will be one of the most rewarding jobs of your life. But doing it well is easier said than done. Successful trip directors are organized, natural leaders with experience working with teens and strong fly fishing and backpacking skills. You must manage a group of teens, make decisions, adapt to challenges, and possess excellent risk-benefit analysis skills. You will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of your participants. Our directors must understand how meaningful that impact can be and are prepared to work to ensure it is a positive experience for every one of their participants.
Minimum requirements:
Have a Wilderness First Responder certification valid from the start of the summer through the last date of their contract.
Have a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
Be 21+ years old at the start of staff training.
Dates
Mandatory in-person staff training begins June 7th at our base camp in Ennis, MT. Contracts typically last through mid-July or early August. You are responsible for getting to Ennis or Bozeman by evening of June 6th. If planned ahead of time, we can also arrange a pickup in SLC. All contracts end back at base camp. You are responsible for getting home from Bozeman at the end of your contract. LFFE will cover any travel required during your contract.
Compensation and Benefits
Our trip directors need a wide variety of skills and experience. The success of our trips depends upon them, and that is why we offer the most competitive pay possible. If you find another outdoor education company with a higher pay rate than ours, please let us know.
Trip director pay is based on experience. Starting pay for directors with no prior experience and who meet minimum requirements is $975 per week. Weekly rate increases with prior experience in a paid position, leading trips for LFFE or other companies, and additional certifications such as EMT, Swift Water Rescue, etc. Additional bonuses are available for staff referrals.
We do send trip leaders' Venmo info to parents along with the final trip update. Tips should never be expected, but trip directors who do a good job of communicating with parents, sending on time and well-written updates, and taking lots of photos to share do often recieve tips.
All your necessary expenses are covered from the start of staff training until the end of your contract. That includes all lodging (tents), food, flies, and terminal tackle for use with participants. The only times you will need to spend money while on contract are for personal fishing equipment or meals you choose not to eat at camp.
Access to pro deals with most well-known outdoor, fly fishing, and camping brands, including Orvis, Sage, Scientific Anglers, Patagonia, Smith, and more.
Develop leadership and decision-making skills that will be useful no matter what field of work you pursue.
Work alongside like-minded new friends you will most likely still be fishing with 5, 10, and 15 years later.
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