thank you for your interest in employment with lifeworks international!
As a leader in the field of international travel and community service programs for teenagers, we attribute our continuing success to the quality of our staff and the strong relationships we build in pursuit of our mission. Below you will find more information about us and how you can begin your path towards an exciting and rewarding summer experience.
company overview
Backed by over 30 years of experience in the field of experiential education, Lifeworks International of Global Expeditions Group offers quality international travel and community service programs for teenagers. Our mission is to provide outstanding service adventure experiences where teen ambassadors actively participate in promoting positive change in their world. We seek to educate, facilitate and inspire the growth and development of both hard and soft skills, thus arming our students with a new set of tools for the future.
employment information
Lifeworks is proud to attract and recruit the best in our field. Our summer staff consists of avid world travelers, highly qualified professionals, and fun and experienced facilitators and educators. All members of our team are dynamic, multi-talented and passionate individuals with an unending devotion and commitment to the safety and experience of our students.
The average age of our summer staff is 26. Almost all are 21 years or older, although we would consider a 19+ year-old for a Staff-In-Training (S.I.T.) position if they possess the desired level of qualifications. Most of our staff are U.S. citizens, though a wide range of nationalities are represented every year. We accept applications on a year-round basis but begin our summer hiring process between January and March. Contracts vary in length from 3 to 11 weeks depending on the location(s) assigned. We seek summer staff for the following positions in each of our program locations:
Program Director - Manages the overall operation of the program under the guidance of Lifeworks Executive Directors and/or the Lifeworks Director of Operations. Supervises the Operational Staff in country and ensures all program operations are in accordance with the mission, philosophy, spirit, policies and procedures of Lifeworks International. Program Directors also fulfill all of the responsibilities expected of Operational Staff.
Operational Staff - Provides direct care and supervision for the students. Works to create and maintain a positive, productive group dynamic. Fills various roles as assigned by the Program Director, Lifeworks Executive Directors and/or the Lifeworks Director of Operations. This may include coordinating and/or leading educational activities, managing logistics and/or serving as language facilitator and translator.
**The Application for Employment includes an opportunity for you to share what program(s) you feel you are the most qualified to lead. We take this into consideration; however, all staff are hired on the basis that they are willing to lead any program(s) assigned to them. The placement of staff is determined based on the applicant's skills, abilities and Lifeworks staffing needs.**
compensation and benefits
Lifeworks offers compensation packages competitive within our field. Compensation is dependent on many factors including staff qualifications, experience, position and responsibilities, program location and duration. Compensation packages generally include expenses to attend Lifeworks Staff Training, round trip air tickets from a major airport to the program's starting/ending point, staff apparel, room, board, laundry credit and a temporary medical insurance plan. Most staff are afforded the opportunity to join us for multiple summers, and in many cases experience multiple program locations. Please contact our office at 800.808.2115 or +1.941.924.2115 if you have specific questions regarding compensation and benefits.
staff expectations
Our professional staff need to be the embodiment of the Lifeworks mission, philosophy, policies and procedures. We place high expectations on our summer staff, thus applicants should consider all of the following before applying.
Our staff must be enthusiastic and young enough at heart - as well as physically, mentally and in all ways able - to work with teenagers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in an environment that is highly active and adventurous, is physically and mentally demanding and lacks personal privacy, space and time off.
Safety comes first in everything we do at Lifeworks. Staff are expected to create a safe, fun and educational environment for our students, as well as be a positive role model.
As international travel, community service and work with teenagers is in many ways unpredictable, staff need to be able to think on their feet and be flexible enough to handle change and associated challenges.
Although English does not need to be a first language, staff are expected to be fluent.
Staff need to maintain professional conduct and present a professional appearance at all times.
Staff must be available for work through the duration of the program(s). When applicable, staff are required to attend Lifeworks Staff Training, usually held several days before the beginning of our summer. Please click HERE to view our program dates.
All staff are required to be trained in First Aid and CPR. Special consideration is given to applicants with advanced medical training such as Wilderness First Responder or EMT. In most situations, Lifeworks will pay for a highly qualified candidate to become certified upon hire.
We are a strict tobacco, alcohol and drug-free program for our students. As our staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are models of the behavior we expect from our students, our staff must be able to maintain tobacco, alcohol and drug-free behavior during their contractual periods. On exception, staff are permitted to consume alcohol in moderation during approved times off, but staff must understand these are infrequent exceptions to the rule rather than regular occurrences. All staff agree to random drug testing in the workplace.
Employment is conditional upon successful completion of Lifeworks Staff Training, a passing background check and an acceptable medical history form and/or examination by a licensed physician.
how to apply
If you think you have what it takes, not just the right qualifications but also the right outlook, motivation and commitment to our programs, we'd love to hear from you! Please download and fill out in full the Application for Employment. Please type your entries into the pdf, print, sign, then mail, fax, or scan and e-mail it to us to the contact information found within the packet.
Please note that our employment process is highly competitive. As such, upon receipt of an Application for Employment, Lifeworks is only able to contact potential candidates for interviews.
