Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities through shared outdoor adventures so that all people can equitably experience the benefits of time spent in nature.

At Wilderness Inquiry, we believe that everyone belongs. We work to ensure this belief holds true in our workplace, in our community, and in the outdoors. We pursue this belief through our mission and shared values of paddling together, nurturing inclusion, seeking the exceptional, and finding a way.  

Position Summary & Dimensions

Summary

Wilderness Inquiry’s American Sign Language Communication Facilitator (ASLCF) Fellowship offers a unique, accessible, introductory-level professional skill-building opportunity tailored for individuals that  expect to graduate this academic year or have recently graduated from higher education degree programs and pursuing careers in ASL interpretation. This position offers pre-certified ASL interpreters an opportunity to explore interpretation within experiential Wilderness Inquiry outdoor programming. Individuals in this role will support Deaf/Deafblind/Hard-of-Hearing (DDBHH) program participants, ASL users and Wilderness Inquiry staff on single and multi-day canoeing, camping, and hiking trips, contributing to wilderness travel experiences for participants from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and identities. ASLCF Fellows will also engage in outdoor and wilderness skills training, participate in networking opportunities and partner events, provide support for headquarters operations, and have access to mentorship and shadowing of professional ASL Interpreters. 

Dimensions

Position Classification: Fellowship
Employment Conditions: Non-Exempt, Part-Time Seasonal
Department/Section: Programs and Adventures
Classification Range: $19/hr ($182/day for multi-day trips)
Reports To: Senior Manager of Extended Adventures & Career Pathways
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Environment: In-person

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

Responsibility 1: ASL Communication Facilitation (70% FTE)

• Provide effective ASL interpretation in various outdoor environments, ensuring clear communication during outdoor activities or trips
• Demonstrate adaptability in facilitating communication in varying outdoor conditions, considering factors like weather, terrain, and group dynamics
• Attend DDBHH community and professional development opportunities if available for fellows
• Act as a bridge between DDBHH and hearing worlds during trips, ensuring effective communication and a positive experience for everyone involved 
• Work closely with trip directors and primary leaders to plan and implement effective communication strategies for trips including logistics for group activities 

Responsibility 2: Promote Inclusive Programming (30% FTE)

•  Advocate for the inclusion of DDBHH individuals in outdoor programs, working towards breaking down barriers and promoting equal access to outdoor activities
• Gather feedback from DDBHH participants to continually refine communication strategies and improve the overall experience in outdoor settings
• Demonstrate cultural competence in outdoor settings, understanding and addressing the communication needs of DDBHH individuals in the outdoors
• Document and report any communication challenges and successes faced during trips, contributing to the improvement of future events/trips and communication planning
• Assist in the creation of inclusive communication materials for outdoor programs, ensuring that information is accessible to individuals with varying communication needs

Responsibility 3: Embrace Values, Community Agreements and Other Roles/Responsibilities as Assigned.

Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that centers Wilderness Inquiry values and supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees, adhering to our Workplace Community Agreements.

Please note: These are not intended to encompass all roles and responsibilities of this position; other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the supervisor.

Program Schedule & Details:

May 16th: Onboarding/Fellow-specific training
May 20-23, 2025: Participate in all-staff Wilderness Inquiry overview training
May 27-30, 2025: Participate in Wilderness Inquiry overnight field training (transportation, lodging, meals, and equipment provided)
June-August, 2025: Varied work and activities in balance of time-on and time-off*
Sept 13, 2025: Great River Race (attendance desired)

*The ASLCF fellowship position is a seasonal role that fluctuates annually based on program demand, work schedules will vary from week-to-week, with schedules released at minimum 2-weeks in advance.  

Qualities we are looking for in this position:

• Passion for WI’s mission, values, and core audience sectors
• Experience and interest in program design, delivery, and logistics
• Experience working with Wilderness Inquiry core audiences – military families, BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, and school and youth groups
• Outstanding written, spoken language, and ASL communication skills
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Willingness to learn and understand
• Flexible, persistent, and attentive to detail
• Enjoys variety and is open to change

Minimum Requirements

• Possess 2+ years of study or experience in higher education settings for American Sign Language (ASL) for effective communication with Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals
• Have the ability to work as a team and conduct themselves in a way that contributes to a positive working environment with peers
• Have the ability to provide excellent customer service
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States
• Must pass a basic background check (this is because you will work with minors/vulnerable populations- you will only need to participate in this if an offer is made)
• Must be willing to work with a variety of participant populations in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, including remote programming locations for extended periods of time/days and elements while camping (camping or outdoor recreation experience is not required).

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear, and use hands to handle or touch objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally be able to lift and carry heavy loads up to 50lbs over rough terrain for distances of up to 1,000 feet. On occasion the employee must be able to make loud verbal commands, sit and stand for significant periods of time while also directing vessels such as a canoe, use vision to directionally navigate safely, and endure a wide variety of temperatures and elements. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to see while using a standard computer screen, close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The above statements reflect the primary duties and functions of the position and are not intended to describe all of the work requirements that may be inherent in the role.

Non-discrimination Policy:

Wilderness Inquiry prohibits discrimination against any participant, applicant, volunteer, intern, or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, marital or military status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other protected class under law. Applicants who may not meet all of the desired skills are encouraged to apply. Training may be available for some job functions.