The BSA’s looking for a few good men and women to be professional Scouters

Updated | Nov. 6, 2015

As a Scout, I had no idea they paid people to work for the Boy Scouts of America.

I just thought the district executives I saw at Scouting events were just really active volunteers who got to wear cool silver shoulder loops.

Now, of course, I realize district executives and other Scouting professionals are a vital part of the team that supports adult volunteers like you. They’re there to lay a stable foundation on which you can build a successful pack, troop, team or crew.

Oh, and they’re paid to do so.

Just like you can never have enough quality volunteers, the BSA continually searches for potential career employees who want a profession with a meaningful, rewarding purpose.

In other words: We’re hiring. Career opportunities for district executives span 25 different states, including California, Florida, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

What’s the job like? Let’s just say if you want a cubicle job where you fill out spreadsheets all day, look elsewhere.

This is the kind of career where you break free from the desk and get out in the community. You meet people, make new relationships and spread the word of Scouting.

Unlike other jobs, the final goal isn’t to make the company you work for rich. Your underlying goal is to bring the incredible Scouting movement to as many youth as possible.

While I’ve never been a district executive myself, I have met hundreds of these enthusiastic professional Scouters when they visit the BSA’s headquarters as part of their District Operations Basic training. They describe their job as anything but typical.<

One Scouter from Washington told me he sees his office desk two times a week, tops. The rest of the time he’s out meeting with community leaders, helping form new Scout units and sharing ideas with volunteers.

A Scouter from Nebraska raved about the opportunity to work for an organization she actually believes in. Her job description is challenging but rewarding: Help build future leaders.

An Indiana district executive, Chris Snider, emailed to say professional Scouting is “one of the greatest things I’ve ever done in my life.” He spent eight years working in public safety and several more as a district commissioner before joining Scouting’s professional ranks.

What do professionals in Scouting do every day? Go here for more details, but here’s a summary:

The responsibilities are as broad as the tasks are varied, and no two days are the same for a typical Scouting district executive. No matter where they work, in the city, the suburbs, or the countryside, one thing is for certain — this is anything but a “cubicle” job.

Our field staff are typically found in the community, not behind a desk. The job of the professional Scouter is to inspire, recruit, train, and support the BSA’s adult volunteers. In addition, they work with community leaders to rally public support for Scouting.

Specific job requirements are available on the careers page, but the BSA says five skills are essential for a successful district executive:

  1. Ability to build and empower a team
  2. Ability to form relationships
  3. Salesmanship
  4. Time management skills
  5. Project management skills

This is an exciting time to be involved with Scouting as we enter our second century. Join us for the ride of your life.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.