Outdoor Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join the Adventure as an Outdoor Instructor! Ready to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Catskill Mountains? Frost Valley YMCA is seeking vibrant and passionate individuals to be a part of our dynamic team. Explore the great outdoors, inspire young minds, and make unforgettable memories at one of the most exciting outdoor recreation centers! As an Outdoor Instructor, you'll deliver thrilling outdoor experiences that ignite a love for learning and foster deeper connections. With our Outdoor School Programs, Teambuilding, and Group and Family Retreats programs, you'll lead guided hikes, ecological lessons, team building activities, recreational creative programming, recreational arts programs and exhilarating high and low ropes elements. Rain, snow or shine, you'll engage with students and guests of all ages, bringing the magic of nature to life, while creating unforgettable memories. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and language proficiencies to join our team. Frost Valley YMCA embraces diversity and aims to showcase our collective heritage in the natural world. Together, we'll create an inclusive and empowering environment. Frost Valley YMCA seeks to promote an awareness of the interrelatedness of the natural world through the usage of the natural sciences. We promote deeper connections for our students and guests with the outdoors, with each other, and with themselves.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Facilitate, plan, and implement programs with small groups of students and guests in the areas of ecology, challenge course, group work, outdoor education/recreation, creative and recreational arts, which are primarily based outdoors
• Show and teach students and other guests new skills, helping them gain confidence in themselves and in the outdoors
• Prepare, develop, and maintain program spaces and resources for use by staff and participants, which includes weekly cleaning and organization of spaces and lodges.
• Serve as host and point of contact for school and team building groups during their stay
• Support other areas of programs including rope element set up and take down, and some light maintenance and housekeeping assignments
• Participate in training and development opportunities
• This position requires weekend and evening work
• Support other departments (i.e. maintenance and housekeeping) within organization as needed
• Embrace the YMCA’s character values of respect, responsibility, caring, honesty. At Frost Valley YMCA we are: inclusive and diverse, caring and connected, honest and respectful, responsible and accountable
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience working with children and adults, either in classrooms, after school programs, nature centers, outdoor schools or camp setting
• Commitment to working with guests from diverse backgrounds, have empathy and respect for their social and emotional lives
• Effective leadership, teaching, facilitation and communication skills
• A commitment to exceptional guest service, ensuring warm hospitality and attention to detail
• A deep passion for the outdoors, fueled by awe and wonder
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Studies, Outdoor Recreation, related fields a plus OR equivalent life experiences
• Hold current First Aid/CPR certifications, or willing and able to obtain upon hire
• Excellent communication and organization skills, a strong and reliable leader
• Successful working under pressure and safety-minded in decision-making
• Available to work evenings and weekend
• Ready for new and exciting challenges every day
• (Optional)Possess a valid US Driver’s License and be able to pass internal FV driver training

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The employee must lift and/or move up to 30 pounds - including weekly table, chair, trash, and luggage moving
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust
• Employee may be required to traverse on rough or uneven terrain
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud
• May be required to speak publicly in front of guests
• Employee must be able and prepared to work in inclement weather

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FROST VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

RATE OF PAY: $33,280.00 to $34,008.00 annualized (This position is paid hourly and is eligible for overtime. Starting hourly rate based on experience), shared housing on site (with a private room) and meals and basic groceries included.

EMPLOYMENT DATES: AUGUST 19, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 18, 2027

Medical/vision/dental/life insurance effective the 1st of the month after completing 60 days. See Benefits description to learn more!

Exciting Perks and Benefits:

• Housing and meals included (estimated value of about $10,000/year)
• Shared and individual housing on-site with a private room
• Medical/Dental/ Vision insurance effective the 1st of the month, after completing 60 days (for 10 month contracts)
• 3 Company paid floating holidays
• 56 hrs sick time annually
• Paid time off accrued for 10 month contracts
• Free access to onsite gym equipment
• Professional development opportunities throughout employment
• Relocation reimbursement to support your journey to Frost Valley for 1st time employees
• Receive Frost Valley branded gear for that outdoor adventurer look
• Outdoor pro-deals and Frost Valley store discounts to gear up for your own adventures