Outdoor Education Instructor

Overview

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.

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 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 seven sites located across New England.

As an Outdoor Education Instructor, you will be 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. 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 referring to the internal document.

Freedom, NH;
Groton, MA;
Great Barrington, MA;
Ivoryton, CT; and Lakeside, CT.

Instructors work from Monday to Friday. The season starts with one week of paid staff training. Exact start and end dates vary by location. Training typically starts in late March or early April, and the season ends in early June.

• Lead groups of 12–14 students through daily and evening activities.
• Deliver hands-on lessons that promote critical thinking and connections between the natural and human-made world.
• Facilitate activities such as team-building exercises, aquatic biology, wood carving, outdoor cooking, and night hikes.
• Participate in ongoing staff training and development.

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. The role requires walking 3–5 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.

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. Pets and ESAs are not allowed in shared housing.

If you’re excited by this opportunity and eager to bring your love for outdoor education to our students, apply by submitting your resume and answering a few questions. If selected for the next stage, you will sign up for a video interview and provide references. If your resume doesn’t show experience working with children, please include a cover letter detailing your interest in the position.