Northern Tier is the premier high adventure for wilderness canoeing and winter camping offered by Scouting America, providing a unique experience in the rugged wilderness of the Great North American Canoe Country. Our programs are renowned for their challenging and rewarding wilderness canoeing and winter camping expeditions.

Requirements for working at Northern Tier

1. Must be at least 18 years of age or older (21+ for some positions, local residents: some base camp positions are age 15+)
2. Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
3. Must Submit a complete application – using this online portal (if desired, you may attach a cover letter and resume)
4. Provide contact information for three references (not required for returning staff)
5. Must authorize Scouting America to submit and pass a criminal background check
6. Must be or become a member of Scouting America upon hiring
7. Submit a current Scouting America Annual Health & Medical Record (Most positions require meeting height/weight requirements)

Hiring Process

1. Submit employment application including contact information for three references
2. Completed applications (only those with references) will be reviewed by Northern Tier Hiring Managers
3. Telephone or online interviews will be conducted
4. A verbal/preliminary employment offer may be made and background check authorization form will be sent via email
5. Background check authorization is submitted by application (no prior background check results can be substituted)
6. Pending positive background check results, employment paperwork will be sent to candidate and on-boarding process will begin

Benefits of Employment

1. Staff salaries beginning at $1,590 for 2025, $1,590 for 2026 per month and up depending on tenure, qualifications, and position responsibility
2. Roofed housing (cabin style depends on position.)
3. Three meals a day in the dining hall or on the trail
4. Variety of training opportunities depending on position with opportunities for continuing training
5. Access to Northern Tier equipment and canoeing in the Boundary Waters/Quetico/Crownlands (must meet weight requirements and have a valid swim check)
6. Access to Northern Tier Health Officer and Scouting America High Adventure Base Accident & Sickness Insurance Plan

Scouting America is committed to equal employment opportunity and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that prohibit workplace discrimination and unlawful retaliation, such as those that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), gender, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, genetic information, citizenship status, protected activity (such as opposition to or reporting of prohibited discrimination or harassment), or any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. This policy of equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including without limitation advertising, recruiting, hiring, training, evaluation, promotion, transfer, work assignments, compensation, benefits, disciplinary action, termination, or any other term, condition, or privilege of employment. Scouting America will provide reasonable accommodation to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process if so requested.