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Outdoor Classroom

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Outdoor Education Instructor

Freedom, NH · On-site

$615/wk

Outdoor Education Instructor Are you passionate about the environment, teaching, and being in nature? Outdoor Classroom is looking for dynamic and dedicated educators to join our team! This is an ...

CHADWICK SCHOOL

Outdoor Education Instructor

CA · On-site

$20/hr

Outdoor Education Instructor Grades 7-12 Chadwick School, Palos Verdes Peninsula POSITION OVERVIEW Chadwick Outdoor Education (COE) instructors facilitate outdoor experiences for students, helping ...

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Outdoor Education Instructor information

What is the difference between Outdoor Education Instructor vs Camp Counselor?

AspectOutdoor Education InstructorCamp Counselor
CredentialsCPR/First Aid, outdoor activity certificationsCPR/First Aid, basic training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor classrooms, educational settings, nature centersCampgrounds, recreational facilities, residential camps
Employer & IndustrySchools, outdoor education programs, nature centersSummer camps, youth organizations, recreational camps
Primary FocusTeaching outdoor skills, environmental educationSupervising campers, ensuring safety, organizing activities

While both roles involve working outdoors and supervising youth, Outdoor Education Instructors focus on teaching environmental and outdoor skills in educational settings, whereas Camp Counselors primarily supervise campers and facilitate recreational activities at camps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Outdoor Education Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Outdoor Education Instructor, you need expertise in outdoor activities, safety protocols, and educational techniques, often supported by certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or CPR. Familiarity with outdoor equipment, risk management systems, and navigation tools like GPS is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and adaptability are crucial for effectively guiding groups and managing dynamic, sometimes unpredictable environments. These skills ensure participant safety, foster learning, and create positive group experiences in outdoor settings.

What are some common challenges faced by Outdoor Education Instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Outdoor Education Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable weather, ensuring group safety, and adapting activities to diverse participant abilities. Effective planning, thorough risk assessments, and clear communication with both participants and co-instructors are key to overcoming these obstacles. Building strong rapport with participants and maintaining flexibility in lesson plans help instructors create a positive learning environment, even when conditions change unexpectedly.

What are Outdoor Education Instructors?

Outdoor Education Instructors are professionals who teach individuals or groups practical skills and knowledge related to the natural environment. They typically lead activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and environmental education, often focusing on safety, teamwork, and personal growth. Their work can take place at schools, camps, nature centers, or adventure companies, and they play a crucial role in fostering appreciation for the outdoors and promoting environmental stewardship.
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What job categories do people searching Outdoor Education Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Education Instructor jobs are:
Outdoor Education Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Education Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Outdoor Education Instructor

Outdoor Classroom

Freedom, NH • On-site

$615/wk

Temporary

Posted 13 days ago

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Job description


Outdoor Education Instructor

Are you passionate about the environment, teaching, and being in nature? Outdoor Classroom is looking for dynamic and dedicated educators to join our team! This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who love the outdoors, enjoy working with children, and are considering a career in education, recreation, or conservation. 


Who we are

As the largest outdoor and environmental education program in the northeastern US, we focus on place-based education with an emphasis on science, nature, and social-emotional learning. We facilitate exciting outdoor learning experiences for elementary and middle school students who visit us for overnight field trips. Each spring and fall, we host hundreds of schools at our seven beautiful sites located across New England.


A day in the life

As an Outdoor Education Instructor, you will have the joy of being welcomed each morning by eager 4th to 8th graders ready for a day of outdoor exploration and learning. Your main responsibility will be leading groups of 12-14 students through their day and evening activities. Our lessons are hands-on and aim to foster critical thinking while uncovering the connections between the natural and human-made world. Favorite staff-led activities include team-building exercises (low ropes), aquatic biology, wood carving, outdoor cooking, and night hikes. You can check out our full list of activity options by clicking this link! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dI7MLfwGXnANBACDZU3bWGYCn3J7P3L9nAQZO0bZsjk/edit

*No prior experience in teaching these classes? Don't worry! We start the fall season with 1.5 weeks of paid staff training


As put by a former staff member 

"I’m encouraged to use my unique skills and interests in my teaching. I work alongside instructors who are just as passionate as I am, and it’s so rewarding to have a positive and educational impact on so many students every week. The beautiful locations, amazing leadership, and plain old fun have kept me coming back season after season.”       

- Shelby F., Fall ’21-Spring ’25


Our locations

Freedom, NH; Ocean Park, ME; Yarmouth Port, MA; Groton, MA; Great Barrington, MA; Ivoryton, CT; and Lakeside, CT


Work schedule

Instructors work from Monday to Friday. The season starts with 1.5 weeks of paid staff training. End dates vary slightly by location. Staff training starts August 31 and the season ends either in late October or mid-November.


Qualifications

Successful candidates will have a strong desire to work outdoors and enjoy working with elementary and middle school students. A positive attitude and the ability to work effectively in a team are highly valued. Given the nature of the role, you should be comfortable walking 3 to 5 miles per day with students and working long days (breakfast through evening programs, with some breaks during the day). A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, but not required. 


Salary, housing, and meals

Outdoor Education Instructors earn $615 per week. We provide shared accommodations for the season. Meals are provided by the dining hall when schools are on-site. Food on weekends is supplemented through a stipend for the whole staff team. As housing is shared, please note that pets and ESAs are not allowed.


How to apply

If interested, we encourage you to apply!  If your resume doesn't show experience working with children, please include a cover letter detailing your interest in the position.


To apply, please use our online application:

https://jobs.gusto.com/postings/outdoor-classroom-outdoor-education-instructor-ee412d45-87b4-4df2-8cdb-2f8d6fedacc0