✨ Our 2026 Hiring Report is out — see what 146,050 job postings say about getting hired.

Read the report →
JOB DETAILS

Ely Logistics Manager

CompanyVoyageur Outward Bound School
LocationEly
Work ModeOn Site
PostedOctober 14, 2026
About The Company
Perseverance. Resilience. Compassion. Character. Confidence. Problem Solving. Teamwork. The Voyageur Outward Bound School is the second Outward Bound school founded in the United States and serves students from all over the world. The Ely wilderness base is located on the edge of the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness which is a beautiful maze of pristine lakes and rivers that straddle the U.S.–Canadian border, west of Lake Superior. The Twin Cities Center located in St. Paul delivers innovative courses and programs for schools & nonprofits, colleges & universities, and corporate professionals. The Voyageur Outward Bound School doesn’t boast. They do. The first all-women’s Outward Bound course launched its canoes from Ely in 1965. The first urban programs were offered by Voyageur 28 years ago. Today, we meet students where they are, adapting, growing, learning and supporting individual and collective wellbeing.
About the Role

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Logistics Manager (LM) provides leadership, administration and management of the logistics systems for the Ely base camp. Areas of oversight include food, equipment purchasing and repair, management of a yearly budget. The LM also assists in providing leadership at Homeplace, and is an integral member of the Homeplace community.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership

  • Plan and manage up to 12 expedition groups starting or ending courses on the same weekend.
  • Supervise, support, and develop the Head Logistics Coordinator (HLC) and logistical staff.
  • Hire 2 seasonal Logistics Coordinators every year, and assist the HLC in managing their daily and weekly schedules.
  • Participate in the systems of incident command, Local Emergency Response Plans, and Local Operating Procedures for courses running out of Ely.
  • Participate in daily basecamp chores including dishes, bathroom cleaning, snow shoveling, and other tasks.   

Program Logistics

  • Conduct pre-season review of scheduled courses and itineraries and schedule anticipated logistical needs.
  • Manage logistics systems of Ely to ensure the appropriate levels of food and equipment are purchased and maintained for courses. 
  • Participate in picking cages, repairing gear, doing laundry, and check ins with students. 
  • Manage issuance and inventory of drug kits and satellite phones.
  • Refine and maintain Trips organization and paperwork to ensure easy packing, cleaning, repairing, and inventorying of gear and food.
  • Develop and refine user-friendly, comprehensive tools for the logistical work of a course.
  • Participate and manage on-site equipment repair and provide guidance to logistics and field staff on equipment conditions and needs.
  • Create and uphold facilities (Trips building) organization, efficient operation and cleanliness.

Business Management

  • Work directly with 50+ vendors to build relationships that support the needs of the program, in charge of a $130,000 annual budget.
  • Manage and participate in Ely’s annual computerized equipment inventories.
  • Manage payroll for HLC and any persons doing logistical work.
  • Work with the Finance Department to ensure timely payment of invoices and tracking of expenses.


Requirements

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

  • Strong leadership, organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Flexible, adaptable patient, and open to change.
  • Strong personal motivation, initiative, follow through and commitment.
  • Knowledge of OB programs and skill requirements.
  • Ability to work both independently and cooperatively as a team member.
  • Able to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Very strong and effective communicator, both written and oral.
  • Proficient with PC in Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive tools
  • Equipment repair and maintenance experience (sewing, boat repair, stoves, skis, etc).
  • Excellent driving skills and record.


EXPERIENCE

  • 2 - 3 years of experience in the outdoor education / experiential learning field. VOBS on-course experience preferred.
  • Outward Bound or other wilderness expeditionary experience (OB, NOLS multi-day course or equivalent) required.  
  • Management experience required.


WORK CONDITIONS

Position is on site at Homeplace in Ely, MN, during all 4 seasons.   


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to participate in strenuous physical activity, about 7,000 - 10,000 steps daily in busy season.
  • Ability to lift and move a minimum of 40 pounds, navigate stairs, and stand for long periods.
  • Ability to sit at a desk or computer 30% of time or greater.


COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • This is a full-time, benefit eligible position. 12 months per year, 5 days per week.   
  • Salary Range of $47,000 - $64, 000
  • VOBS benefit package which includes (medical, dental, vision, Group Term Life, Long Term Disability, Accidental Death, paid/floating holidays, vacation, sick), access to MN Paid Leave.
  • Eligible for a 403b retirement plan with 2% employer match.
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Program, Pro deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates), MN Paid Leave.

In the interest of transparency and pay equity across our team, a candidate with the minimum experience can expect to be offered in the lower half of the range.


Key Skills
LeadershipLogistics managementBudget managementEquipment maintenanceInventory managementCommunicationGoogle DocsGoogle SheetsGoogle DriveExpedition planningStaff supervisionVendor relationsPayroll managementIncident commandDrivingProblem solving
Categories
LogisticsManagement & LeadershipEducationEnvironmental & SustainabilityAdministrative
Benefits
MedicalDentalVisionGroup Term LifeLong Term DisabilityAccidental DeathPaid holidaysVacationSick leaveMN Paid Leave403b retirement planEmployer matchEmployee Assistance ProgramPro deals
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Logistics Manager provides leadership and administration for the Ely base camp, overseeing food, equipment, and a yearly budget. They are responsible for managing expedition logistics, supervising staff, and maintaining facilities to ensure efficient program operations.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
$47,000 - $64,000
📊Experience Level
2-5
💼Company Size
74
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
Apply Now →

You'll be redirected to
the company's application page