Summer Positions

At Apogee, we pride ourselves on attracting the very best leaders in the business. Through years of experience, we’ve found that applicants who are responsible, compassionate, and adaptable make the best trip leaders and staff members. Our leaders thrive on challenge, enjoy living in the outdoors, and love working with young people. Working with Apogee presents an outstanding opportunity to see the world, inspire young people, and realize your own leadership potential. For the 2024 Summer season, we are hiring the following positions:

  • Outdoor Trip Leaders
  • Summer Assistant Directors
  • Support Staff
  • Summer Housing & Warehouse Specialist

To learn more about the different positions available, please click here to view our 2024 Summer Staff position descriptions and for more information about what it is like to work with Apogee, check out our 2023-24 Online Info Session. For more specifics, select from the links below:


APPLICATION MATERIALS

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Our 2024 Summer Staff Application is now live! Please note that we also require a copy of your current resume, which can be uploaded to your CampInTouch account after completing the online application or emailed to us at staff@apogeeadventures.com For the 2023-24 season, we will have three application periods (Fall, Winter, and Spring). During this time we will visit a number of colleges and universities (refer to the on-campus recruiting calendar below for details), and interested students at those schools will have an opportunity to interview during our campus visit. We will also offer virtual interviews to a select number of qualified applicants either before or shortly after each deadline. After all on-campus and virtual first round interviews have been completed, we will offer second round interviews to a smaller subset of the applicant pool (all to be completed virtually). We will make employment offers in each hiring season, and we will also offer the opportunity for some Fall and Winter applicants to remain in the applicant pool for the following hiring period(s).

2023-2024 Application Deadlines:

  • Fall: Sunday, November 12
  • Winter: Sunday, January 21
  • Spring: Sunday, February 25

Any applications received after the dates above will be considered in the subsequent applicant pool. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions about our application process. You can reach us via email at staff@apogeeadventures.com or by phone at (207) 725-7025.


VIRTUAL INFO SESSION SCHEDULE

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Please check back throughout the winter for our updated virtual info session calendar.


ON-CAMPUS RECRUITING

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We are getting ready to hit the road and travel around the country to find the next great batch of Apogee leaders – and we can’t wait to meet you. We will be at the following schools this winter:

  • Colorado College: January 30 & 31
  • Washington & Lee University: February 12 & 13
  • Macalester College: February 15 & 16

In most cases, one of our Directors will host a short, 20-25 minute information session (with plenty of time for questions) in the evenings, followed by interviews the following morning. Applicants can sign up for an interview ahead of time through their Career Center’s recruiting platform or by coordinating directly with Apogee, and we will offer any available interview slots at the info session, too. If we are not coming to your school or town, or you are unable to attend our info session, we would encourage you to watch our 2023-24 Online Info Session. As always, if you have any questions at all – about an on-campus recruiting visit, scheduling an interview, or otherwise – please do not hesitate to reach out via email at staff@apogeeadventures.com or by phone at (207) 725-7025.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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  •  Age
    • Trip Leaders & Support Staff: Age 20 or older by mid-June, 2024
    • Summer Assistant Directors & Summer Housing & Warehouse Specialists: Age 21 or older by mid-June, 2024
  • Responsible, motivated, adaptable, and hard-working
  • Excellent decision-making and risk management skills
  • Prior positive leadership experience
  • Prior positive experience working with young people
  • Eager to work and live in the outdoors
  • Dynamic, adventurous, and an outstanding role model
  • Meets Apogee’s essential eligibility criteria (see FAQ below)
  • Current, valid driver’s license is required for all Support Staff, Summer Assistant Directors, Summer Housing & Warehouse Specialists
  • Minimum certification requirements
    • Prior to arrival at Leader Training, Apogee requires all staff members to be certified in CPR and either Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder, depending on the position. Certain positions will also require a Lifeguarding or Wilderness Lifeguarding certification, as well. Please note that you are not required to hold these certifications to apply. Apogee will provide certification opportunities during Leader Training or will provide reimbursement for required certifications prior to the summer.
  • Working with Apogee is a full summer commitment, beginning in June and concluding in mid-August.

We work hard to take great care of our leaders before, during, and after the trip season. Your compensation will be in the top range of other teen-oriented outdoor adventure companies, and we will cover all of your food and lodging costs while you are working with us. You will also be able to take advantage of Apogee’s negotiated pro-deals with outstanding outdoor gear companies. Apogee provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We especially encourage Black, Indigenous, people of color, and those from other underrepresented groups to apply.


ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT

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Our Additional Financial Support Application is now available! This program is designed to provide additional financial support to make working with Apogee a viable summer employment option. While we encourage applicants from historically marginalized backgrounds to apply, this need-based scholarship is open to all staff members. Your application will be reviewed when we are actively offering positions – you will not hear from us about your Additional Financial Support application until that point. Depending on each applicant’s needs, Apogee may award Additional Financial Support packages as supplementary salary in their first summer paycheck or through other means (e.g., purchasing a flight to Maine at the beginning of the summer or supporting your Wilderness First Responder certification if our base travel and certification reimbursements* don’t cover the entire costs). In most cases, we will inform applicants about any awarded additional financial support in conjunction with their job offer. *Please note that Apogee offers a travel reimbursement to every staff member and also a partial or full reimbursement for required Wilderness First Aid/Responder Certifications. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at staff@apogeeadventures.com with any questions. Thank you!


LEADER TESTIMONIALS

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Will Pittman – Washington & Lee ’24

“I grew more as a person in my few months with Apogee than perhaps any other time in my life. The dynamic and the environment Apogee has fostered is really incredible; I think it’s a workplace like no other, and I will be lucky if I work somewhere in the future with a culture as good. As a leader, it is incredibly rewarding to realize at the end of a trip that you have given these kids a positive formative experience. This job takes you out of your comfort zone, puts you in new situations in which you are challenged and must adapt and improvise – this is the stuff that has a monumental effect on your growth and maturity. You can expect to have had an incredibly rewarding and meaningful summer experience and grow in more ways than you thought were possible.”

Ben Thibeau – University of San Diego ’21

“You are in for one WILD ride, and for the best dang summer of your life! An Apogee summer will change your life in all the best ways, give you life long friends, incredible skills, and the ability to tackle whatever challenges come your way. It is a busy summer of hiking, biking, essay writing, photography, service, or whatever else you’re doing, and you will be tired, but it’s the most rewarding experience in the world. Not only are doing something so incredible that so few people get the chance to do, you are bringing a group of young adults around Cape Cod, into the backcountry of the Pacific Northwest, or to the glaciers of Alaska. You get to expose these young people to the wonders of the outdoors and see them grow over the course of your trip. They will face challenges, and so will you, but you will have such a vast toolkit and support network to draw on that you truly will be unstoppable this summer.”

Maeve Dick – Oberlin ’21

A summer as an Apogee leader is no walk in the park, but it is one that will leave you ready for any challenge life throws at you, with laugh-filled adventure stories, with a new circle of friends, mentors and mentees. At Apogee, somehow, a tough occurrence becomes a memorable moment and you can’t quite tell if you had a better time at that sunny summit or teaching tent repair in the rain. As an Apogee leader you get to travel to beautiful places and paid to adventure, which is an amazing summer job summary on its own, but the thing that sets Apogee apart, and what keeps me coming back, is the transformative power of almost every moment throughout the summer. I have grown and learned so much thanks to each person that I have worked with at Apogee— every trip, every co-leader, everyone in the Apogee community has such valuable insight, all of which will stay with me even after my summers end. At Apogee, everyone is invited to dig in to difficulty and succeed together, and at the end of the day you’ll be proud— and glad— that it wasn’t just a walk in the park.

Josh Calianos – Dartmouth ’22

“This summer is entirely what you make of it. If you put the effort into appreciating and knowing your students, you’ll help them find reserves they never knew they had. If you want to make friends, the leader cohort is the most interesting and talented group I’ve ever been around. Take pictures and keep notes, because it ends quicker than you think it will. And when you look back on those pictures, you will have something to be proud of if you dug in during the tough times and laughed during the crazy ones and told every kid that they can do even more than the day before.”

Will Titus – Williams College ’23

There is no better way to spend your summer than as a leader for Apogee. I went into my first summer not knowing what to expect and without much experience in this kind of work. I left with a deep sense of confidence in myself, lasting friendships with my co-workers, and the knowledge that I was more capable than I could have ever imagined. My only regret is not having started leading for Apogee earlier! Apogee will challenge you to grow as a leader in a way that few other experiences can. At times, an Apo summer can be a lot – but it is always a lot of fun. You will sleep less, laugh harder, and have better stories to tell than you ever have before. Every step of the way, I felt thoroughly supported by Apogee – the Directors truly care about your success, wellbeing, and growth, and they go above in beyond in supporting you. One of the best parts of Apogee is the way the organization buys into, and is fully committed to, you as a leader.

Daryl Konstandt – University of North Carolina ’20

“My summer with Apogee was truly the summer of a lifetime. Apogee provides an experience full of self-discovery, exploration, and vibrant people and places. It is difficult to articulate the immense gratitude I have for Apogee, Kevin, and Chad. After a single summer as an Apogee leader, I can emphatically say that I am a more confident, resilient, independent, self-aware, and intentional person. Not only did I grow as an individual, but I also gained outdoor skills that I will practice and broaden for life. Apogee uniquely renders a remarkable environment in which you can grow alongside the Directors, other leaders, and your students. I consistently felt heard and supported. Undoubtedly, throughout the ups and downs of life, I will always be able to draw on the lessons and experiences gained from Apogee.”

Jocie Funderburk – Warren Wilson ’24

“My summer with Apogee was a summer like no other. I made lifelong friends, many memories, and I learned so much about myself. The community that I found in the Apogee family is unlike any I have found before. If you want to spend your summer around people who really care, are incredibly funny and who will support you then Apogee is the place to be. Being a leader for Apogee means that you get to spend your summer adventuring with cool people in cool places. It also means you will be challenged, and forced to grow and learn. My summer with Apogee left me with a wonderful community to rely on, a new set of skills, and so many memories and stories”

Kaitlyn Bieber – Hamilton ’22

“Apogee is one of the most supportive, kind, joyful, and inspiring communities you can find. Being a leader is such an adventure — it’s not easy, and it will challenge you in so many ways, but what you learn about yourself and the world is transformative. Not only is it so valuable for your own personal and professional development, but you’re exploring some of the most unbelievable places and having so much fun along the way. Working for Apogee surrounds you with some of the most incredible people that encourage you to push yourself to be a better leader and individual every day, and you can genuinely tell that everyone is in your corner. It’s also incredibly rewarding to watch your kids learn and grow alongside you on trip. The tangible impact you have on young adults by sharing your love for the outdoors and adventure with them is so special, and it’s made even more meaningful by the wonderful people you get to do it with.”


LEADER FAQ

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Staff Application Process

I’m not an outdoorsy type, but this looks great. Should I even bother applying?

Absolutely! While we love our outing club friends, we find that some of our very best leaders come from all backgrounds. As long as you demonstrate great decision-making and leadership skills and you love working with kids, we’d love to talk to you.

How challenging are Apogee trips to lead?

We believe in the concept of “achievable challenge.” While Apogee programs provide a measure of both physical and mental challenge, our trip itineraries are carefully designed to be within the reach of motivated staff members and students who are able to fulfill the “essential eligibility criteria” (please see below for more about essential eligibility criteria). Nonetheless, prior experience and fitness for a particular role may figure in to staff assignments.

What is the application process like? Does everyone who applies get an interview?

The application process includes the following components:

  • Complete our written application and submit a resume;
  • After reviewing written materials, we will invite a select number applicants to participate in first and, in some cases, second round interviews (either in-person or virtual).

Please see the “Application Materials” section above for more information.

I’ve been selected for an interview – what should I expect?

We have a multi-round interview process that becomes increasingly selective with each round. In first-round interviews, you can expect to be asked questions about your leadership style, past leadership experiences, and experience working with kids. If you advance to later rounds of the interview process, you can expect questions about risk management and team building. We will also ask you to talk us through how you would respond to a few different scenarios that could come up on an Apogee trip. As we use these interviews to help determine your ability to think quickly and critically, we do not provide a list of questions in advance.

I’m not certified in First Aid, much less Wilderness First Aid… can I still apply? How do I get certified if I’m hired?

You can absolutely still apply! If you are offered a position with Apogee, we’ll tell you what certifications we need you to obtain. Most Wilderness First Aid (WFA) courses can be completed in two days, and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses range from 5-10 days in length. We can help point you in the right direction to find courses near you. Additionally, if we ask you to obtain a certification you don’t already have, we offer full or partial reimbursements (depending on the type of course) for the course tuition. Finally, we may offer an in-house WFA training immediately prior to our Leader Training, too.

Can I apply to lead a specific trip?

You are more than welcome to request a specific trip in your application, but there is no guarantee that you will be hired to lead that trip.

Leading with Apogee

So where am I going to be working, anyway?

That depends on what trip you’re hired for! In most cases, we offer a specific trip position with every job offer so that you know where you’ll be leading before you accept your offer. Regardless of the trip you’re leading, you’ll spend two-plus weeks in Brunswick, Maine at the beginning of the summer for leader training and a few days back in Brunswick at the end of the summer for your gear de-issue and final debrief (and final celebration!). For our New England-based trips, you’ll spend your time in between trip sessions in Brunswick, Maine, and for most non-New England-based trips, you’ll spend your time in between trip sessions in a hub city near where your trip runs (e.g. our Northwest Explorer leaders spend their off days near Seattle). In both cases, Apogee provides lodging and food between trip sessions.

When does the summer end?

The Apogee summer should wrap up on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024.

Where is Leader Training?

In and around fabulous Brunswick, Maine!

When does Leader Training start?

It’s very likely that our 2024 Leader Training will begin on the morning of Wednesday, June 12.

What does Leader Training entail?

Leader Training is an intense, focused combination of hard-skill and soft-skill training. You’ll learn how to deal with common problems on trip; learn how to cook tasty, nutritious meals; many of our leaders will become certified as a Lifeguard; and depending on what you are leading, get great mechanical training from biking professionals and/or re-visit the fundamentals of safe hiking and backcountry living. After the “classroom” portion of your training is complete, you’ll hit the road or the trails with your peers for a multi-day training trip in the field. While it’s fast-paced, most leaders would agree that Leader Training is a highlight of the summer!

Does Apogee provide food and housing during staff training, between trips, and after trips?

Yes. And the food is good, too!

Is transportation provided to Brunswick, Maine?

No – however, we do offer a travel stipend to help cover your travel expenses, and we’ll be more than happy to pick you up at the airport or bus station if you’re not driving.

What equipment do I need, and what does Apogee provide?

You will bring your personal gear with you (clothing, sleeping bag, etc.), and we’ll send you a detailed list of what you’ll need before the summer. Leaders will also have access to Pro Deal discounts with some great gear companies ahead of time. Apogee provides tents for all trip leaders, bikes and panniers (bike saddlebags) for bike trip leaders, and all group gear (e.g. cookware and stoves, med kits, etc.). Additionally, Apogee has a limited supply of other personal gear (backpacks, sleeping bags, etc.) available to use as needed. We are happy to work with you if you don’t have access to any equipment specific to your trip.

What are Apogee’s essential eligibility criteria for staff members?

Essential eligibility criteria for Apogee staff members may vary by trip or position, but will include at a minimum:

  • The staff member must be ambulatory and able to propel themselves over varied terrain, and ride a bicycle (as applicable), without assistance. As appropriate for the specific trip and physical frame of the staff member, the staff member must be able to carry weight, appropriate to the staff member’s frame and the program, either in a backpack or in panniers attached to a bicycle.
  • The staff member must be able to see clearly, whether with or without glasses or contacts.
  • The staff member must be able to self-toilet and provide for their own self-care.
  • The staff member must be verbal and able to clearly communicate their own needs.
  • The staff member must be able to follow verbal directions and clearly communicate directions and information to students with oral dialogue.
  • The staff member must be able to follow a structured schedule.
  • The staff member must be able to self-manage frustrations or emotional outbursts. Additionally, the staff member must be able to self-calm following an event that causes frustration, sadness, or anger.
  • The staff member must be able to demonstrate consistent resiliency and strong mental and emotional fortitude in order to persevere through challenging conditions over a sustained period of time (e.g. often limited sleep opportunities and limited ability to communicate with others).
  • The staff member must be able to sleep in a small tent (if applicable) without sleep aids (such as lights, music, screens, etc.).
  • The staff member must be able to abstain from tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol while in the field and any illegal drugs for the duration of their employment.

What kind of compensation can I expect from an Apogee summer?

Summer salaries for first-year staff members range between $2,500-3,000 (this range generally depends on your time in the field), and staff members will receive a salary increase for each subsequent year with us. In addition to your salary, Apogee will also cover your food, housing, and intra-summer travel expenses. While staff members are responsible for getting to and from Maine at the beginning and end of the summer, we offer a travel stipend to help cover your travel expenses.

Please refer to the Additional Financial Support section for more information about that opportunity, too.