Expedition Leader Application

TFW is always looking for experienced leaders and assitant leaders. Please download the application form.

"Among Trekforce's greatest assets are the professionalism and dedication of it's leaders and medics - a demonstration of how seriously Trekforce treats its expeditions"
Daily Telegraph writer, Tom Harding who attended an expedition with Trekforce

Trekforce Worldwide is managed by a combination of full-time staff both in the UK and in-country staff overseas. Sometimes in fieldbases. Its international teams work closely throughout the planning, development and execution of all it's programmes. Trekforce's operations are supported by volunteer staff working around the UK and overseas.

Expedition Leaders and assistant leaders

We are always looking for experienced leaders for our expeditions for our Gap Year programmes as well as our Expedition Consultancy. A successful leader will combine a sound knowledge of expedition safety, good project management skills, the highest standards of personal conduct, and the ability to inspire and enthuse a diverse group of intelligent young adults. It is a challenging but immensely rewarding job. Assistant leaders may have less experience than leaders, but they require all the same qualities. Successful assistants may be invited to return as leaders.

Each expedition starts with a 6-8 day centralised Jungle Training package. This is run by the Trekforce permanent in-country staff, but all leaders and medics will be expected to teach some lessons (you will have time to prepare for this before the trekkers arrive). The Jungle Training period allows trekkers to acclimatise, and provides them with the skills and knowledge to allow them to live, trek and work safely in the jungle.

On completion of Jungle Training, leaders take their project teams off to remote parts of the country where they will carry out a 2 - 6 week conservation, scientific or community project. This may involve construction, scientific study, exploration, trail clearing, or some combination of the above.

Before you arrive, Trekforce in-country staff will have selected the projects and carried out initial planning (booking transport, ordering raw materials etc). Leaders will have time to recce their project and carry out detailed planning before Jungle Training, and will be responsible for maintaining good relations with the local project partner until the successful completion of the project.

During the expedition, groups will leave the main project site to carry out treks through different parts of the jungle. These treks typically last 7 days. Assistant leaders will normally have the chance to lead their own trek, and will also be responsible for the progress of the project when the leader is away on trek.

Leaders and assistant leaders must have the confidence and initiative to deal with any eventuality, and (for example) to plan and control the evacuation of a casualty from a remote jungle location. Trekforce will provide you with radios, satphones, EPIRBs, GPS and other necessary safety equipment, and a comprehensive medical kit. If appropriate, our in-country base will be manned 24/7 during the expedition and will provide backup in any emergency.

Role

It is the responsibility of the leaders and assistant leaders to ensure the overall smooth running of the expedition. Key responsibilities are therefore:

• To manage the projects (ensure their successful completion and maintain good working relationships with the project partners)
• To conduct continuous risk assessments
• To manage volunteer (’trekker’) expectations
• To lead jungle treks
• To teach lessons during the ’Jungle Training’ phase
• To provide a duty of care

Requirements

• Experience of leading teams of young people in the outdoors and (ideally) overseas
• An approachable and confident leadership style
• Knowledge of risk assessment and associated safety matters
• Mountain Leader Summer (assessed), or an equivalent qualification with proven experience as an expedition leader
• Project management skills
• Jungle experience is useful but not essential
• An up to date First Aid qualification (minimum 16 hours + assessment)
• Other qualifications - climbing, canoeing or caving would be a bonus
• Good references
• A cheerful personality and strong sense of adventure

Pay and expenses

Trekforce will provide:

• A competitive package
• Flights, medical and liability insurance and all in-country expenses

Leaders will need to provide their own personal clothing and equipment; however Trekforce will provide all safety equipment including radios, satphones, EPIRBs, GPS and climbing kit.

Briefing and deployment

If selected, you will be expected to attend a two-day leaders briefing event in the UK, and a separate two day briefing event for your expedition group. These take place 2-3 months before the expedition.

Leaders fly out three weeks before the expedition. They receive a comprehensive briefing by our in-country staff, and carry out project recces, risk assessments and detailed planning. Assistant leaders will join them one week before the start of the expedition.

The application process

If you feel you have the character, skills and experience to be a leader or assistant leader on a Trekforce expedition, please download the application form below and send it, together with an up to date copy of your CV, to paulmartin@trekforceworldwide.com

and rob@trekforceworldwide.com

Download the Expedition Leader/Assistant Leader Application Form

You may then be asked for an informal interview in the UK , after which (and subject to us obtaining favorable references) you may be offered a place on an expedition. In general we aim to sign up leaders 3-9 months before the expedition, but from time to time there are vacancies at short notice.

There are limited opportunities for leaders to stay on after their expedition to supervise language training courses. This can be discussed further at the interview.

Training courses for prospective leaders

If you are interested in becoming a leader but lack the necessary qualifications, you can find out more about leadership training courses in the UK by visiting the Mountain Leader Training Board