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Outdoor Education Instructor Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Outdoor Education Instructor information

What is an outdoor education instructor?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an outdoor education instructor?

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 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 job categories do people searching Outdoor Education Instructor jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Outdoor Education Instructor jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Outdoor Education Instructor jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Outdoor Education Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Outdoor Education Instructor job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

K-12 Music Teacher (Mariposa County High School/Educational Services)

Mariposa County Unified School District and COE

Mariposa, CA • On-site

$56K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
The K-12 Music Teacher provides District-wide music instruction serving students in kindergarten through grade twelve, including high school band and general music instruction at K-8 school sites. This position works collaboratively with school site administration and the Educational Services Department to deliver standards-based instruction and supports the growth of the District's music program, inclusive of grades 4-12.
The applicant will educate students throughout the school district,and will act as the high school marching band instructor. An additional salary stipend outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement available to the candidate who meets performance standards as the Band Instructor for the Marching Band.
We are seeking passionate applicants to fill a music position to serve students starting for the 2026-2027 school year.
This positions are part of the Certificated Teacher Unit at MCUSD/MCOE and will be placed depending on experience and education on the Certificated Teacher Unit Employee Salary schedule.
PLEASE NOTE THE 2026-27 SALARY SCHEDULE IS PENDING - SALARY IS CURRENTLY BASED ON THE 2025-26 SALARY SCHEDULE.
A full job description is attached.
All application-related communication, including application status updates and interview follow-up notifications, will be sent via email through EdJoin-please monitor your email and EdJoin account regularly.
Requirements / Qualifications
Comments and Other Information
MCUSD is seeking passionate applicants to fill a music position to serve students starting for the 2026-2027 school year. The applicant will educate students throughout the school district,and will act as the high school marching band instructor . An additional salary stipend outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement available to the candidate who meets performance standards as the Band Instructor for the Marching Band.
The Mariposa County High School is an accredited, comprehensive high school which serves approximately 475 students from grades 9-12. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills in Mariposa, California, the high school provides facilities for academic, cultural and entertainment activities for the high school population as well as the community at large. The music program is a large part of community entertainment activities.
The Mariposa County Unified School District is located in Mariposa County and serves grades K-12. With approximately 1,700 students, the area consists of several necessary small schools, K-8 schools and one comprehensive high school. Mariposa County has several rural communities that surround Yosemite National Park and are centrally-located in California to provide a day's drive to old-growth forests, deserts, coastal communities and cities. The area is suited for those interested in outdoor activities and rural community life, including an Arts Council and Symphony Orchestra right here in the town of Mariposa!
THE MARIPOSA COUNTY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Mariposa County Unified School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis and/or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, retaliation, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, Vietnam Era Veterans' status, or any other basis prohibited by California state and federal nondiscrimination laws respectively and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Not all bases of discrimination will apply to both education services and employment. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Marcia Miller, Deputy Superintendent/Title IX Coordinator; P.O. Box 8; Mariposa, CA 95338; (209)742-0250