Mark Schattenberg

Experienced Outdoor Professional with a strong foundation in expedition leadership, wilderness medicine, and program development. Proven ability to design and lead high-quality, risk-managed experiences across diverse environments, from alpine terrain to remote river systems. Blends technical instruction, logistical precision, and team-building to foster growth, safety, and self-reliance.

Committed to mentorship, environmental stewardship, and transformative learning through challenge and adventure.

Enlisted Soldier – 09S Officer Candidate Contract - Montana Army National Guard - Montana

(2025-05)

Currently engaged in foundational military leadership development with a focus on small-unit tactics, strategic planning, and mission execution.

• Selected for leadership track through the Officer Candidate School (OCS) pipeline
• Execute risk mitigation strategies, team coordination, and operational planning under dynamic field conditions
• Develop physical endurance, tactical proficiency, and disciplined adaptability through structured training
• Strengthen unit effectiveness by fostering cohesion, accountability, and clear communication under pressure

Snowboard Instructor - Whitefish Mountain Resort / Bridger Bowl / Silver Mountain - Multiple locations

(2019 - 2025)

Multiple seasons delivering ski and snowboard instruction

• Delivered up to four lessons per day to group sizes ranging from 5–15, adapting AASI-certified progressions to a diverse audience including school groups, adults, and private clients
• Instructed across the full skill spectrum, from first-time riders to advanced terrain and freestyle park coaching
• Mentored new instructors informally, assisting in onboarding, terrain management, and student evaluation
• Prioritized safety, progression, and individual learning styles while applying AASI teaching fundamentals on varied terrain and in dynamic weather conditions

Founder, Expedition Director & Operations Lead - Based Adventures - Bozeman, Montana

(2019-11)

Launched and operates Based Adventures, an independent expedition and leadership brand dedicated to building elite wilderness teams, facilitating personal transformation through adversity, and training high-performing individuals in remote fieldcraft.

• Design, program and lead dozens of multi-day expeditions involving alpine travel, downriver paddling, glacier movement, and high-risk navigation across North America and Europe
• Orchestrate complete expedition logistics: route planning, permits, budgeting, gear systems, food caches, GPS/satellite tracking, safety protocols, and expedition communications systems
• Build and deliver field-ready curriculum on backcountry nutrition, high-output fitness fueling, trauma care, field hygiene, and expedition psychology
• Mentor assistant guides and clients in risk management, wilderness medicine, Leave No Trace, leadership under stress, and expeditionary mindset
• Scale the brand through media, client referrals, and speaking opportunities; maintain a 100% success and safety record across all guided trips
• Manage social media and digital marketing operations through Meta Business Suite, including content scheduling, community engagement, and social media analytics, to expand audience reach and client visibility via a charitable account, @sw_montana_ice_conditions on Instagram

Guiding Instructor - Outpost Wilderness Adventure - Burnet, Texas

(2016-01)

• Design and deliver multi-day outdoor education programs in rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and canoeing for high school students
• Create immersive learning environments that develop confidence, technical skills, and team-based problem-solving in rugged backcountry terrain
• Balance group risk management with individualized coaching, cultivating growth through challenge and structured adventure
• Mentor students through personal and physical challenges in high-angle and remote environments

Project Manager - Glacier Precast Concrete - Kalispell, Montana

(2023-07 - 2024-04)

• Managed $7K–$550K concrete construction projects, overseeing budgeting, procurement, crew coordination, and timeline execution
• Led client communication and vendor negotiations while navigating evolving site needs and logistical constraints
• Translated engineering designs into field-ready deliverables, ensuring alignment with safety codes and production efficiency
• Balanced administrative planning with hands-on leadership in a fast-paced, industrial environment

Wilderness Instructor - Triple Divide Lodge - Marion, Montana

(2023-01 - 2023-07)

• Facilitated therapeutic outdoor programs for adolescent males in a residential recovery setting
• Led structured fitness, hiking, paddling, and outdoor skills sessions designed to support emotional regulation and behavioral development
• Modeled healthy routines, personal accountability, and resilience in backcountry settings
• Collaborated with clinicians to reinforce therapeutic goals through experiential learning and wilderness-based intervention

Trip Leader / Wilderness Guide / Program Staff - Explore Austin / YMCA / Wilderness Adventures / Camp Widjiwagan - Minnesota, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arkansas, Texas

(2015 - 2021)

• Led multi-day expeditions across canoe routes, alpine terrain, and remote backcountry in Minnesota, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas
• Designed and facilitated immersive outdoor education experiences, incorporating risk assessment, team dynamics, and technical instruction
• Guided students through intense conditions including river crossings, storms, and remote navigation challenges, maintaining safety while fostering growth
• Delivered youth mentorship programs that catalyzed self-confidence, resilience, and leadership in underserved populations

Recreation & Outdoor Programs Leader - City of Bozeman PARD & Outdoor Chattanooga - Bozeman, MT and Chattanooga, TN

(2020-04 - 2022-08)

Led community-centered outdoor programs across two municipal park systems, delivering high-impact experiences that engaged youth, families, and adults in safe, inclusive, and skill-building outdoor recreation.

• Designed and delivered diverse adventure curricula including mountain biking, kayaking, archery, hiking, canoeing, and orienteering
• Facilitated foundational programs such as 'Learn to Ride' bike instruction, 'Rapid Learning' kayak clinics, and Silver Paddlers sessions for older adults
• Developed and taught specialized workshops (e.g., Leave No Trace, Paddle Packing Basics, Maps & Apps, Kayak Navigation, Team Building) to enhance wilderness literacy and environmental ethics
• Created and implemented a 'Fly Fishing & Ecology' youth camp in Bozeman, blending fly casting, knot tying, fish ID, Leave No Trace, and aquatic science into a dynamic watershed-based curriculum
• Oversaw logistics, equipment prep, and on-site risk management for both recurring series and pop-up community events
• Partnered with local organizations to expand access through free or low-cost offerings, ensuring equitable entry points to outdoor recreation
• Delivered naturalist-style interpretive education on regional wildlife, ecosystems, and sustainable land use practices
• Maintained participant safety and engagement by adapting to weather shifts, group dynamics, and urban park limitations in real-time

Climbing Instructor & Outdoor Mentor - Rock-About

(2018-06 - 2019-04)

• Taught technical skills on outdoor top-rope terrain using both bolted and traditional anchor systems
• Instructed students in lead climbing fundamentals, rappelling, and anchor-building techniques
• Managed class 2–3 approach terrain and ensured water safety during downtime through lifeguarding and group management
• Served as a consistent mentor and group leader during youth programs, adapting lesson plans to client goals, skill levels, and group dynamics

Seasonal Ranger / Public Safety & Education - City of New Braunfels - New Braunfels, Texas

(2018-04 - 2018-08)

• Enforced park policies, resolved conflicts, and diffused tense situations through professional communication and conflict de-escalation techniques
• Responded to public emergencies involving medical incidents, intoxicated patrons, and physical altercations
• Delivered environmental education to visitors on local ecology, wildlife behavior, and safe interaction with native species (e.g., deer and waterfowl)
• Monitored dangerous wildlife activity and initiated appropriate public safety measures

Paddlesports Intern - OKC Boathouse Foundation - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

(2017-08 - 2017-11)

• Supported event logistics and operations for local flatwater paddling programs and community regattas
• Assisted with equipment maintenance, boat handling, and facility preparation
• Helped facilitate youth paddling sessions and introductory dragon boat activities under supervision of senior staff

Community Healthcare Student - Community Healthcare - Montana State University (2025-09 - 2028-05)

Bachelor of Science - Recreation Administration - Texas State University (2017 - 2017)

Expedition Certificate - Wilderness Leadership - National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) (2013 - 2016)