Outdoor Adventure: Lead Instructor; Seasonal

Season:
March 18, 2026 through June 17, 2026

Daily Compensation: $188.50

If you have experience or a strong desire to facilitate youth programs, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and enjoy collaborative work, join us to create unforgettable experiences for young individuals at stunning outdoor locations and vibrant city settings.

Founded in 1987, NYC Outward Bound Schools is a nonprofit organization that partners with more than 100 public schools across NYC to engage students in equitable, immersive and joyful learning that prepares them to thrive in community, college and career. Our unique approach to programming focuses on adventurous learning — daring exploration, real-world engagement, and meaningful challenge — whether in school, local communities, or the outdoors.

In schools, we coach teachers and school leaders to implement Crew, our signature advisory structure that supports student connection and belonging, and Instruction for Deeper Learning in the classroom. Outdoors, whether in the city or upstate at our wilderness basecamp, we deliver adventure programming to students, helping them realize that they can do hard things, and develop leadership skills like collaboration and initiative that transfer to the academic classroom.

In all spaces where we work, we support students to be co-creators of their own learning and growth, in environments where their voices are heard and valued. Every day, we are proving that transformation and innovation can happen within a public school system, and that with truly equitable schools, all students — regardless of background or circumstance — are capable of achieving at high levels.

The Outdoor Adventures:
Lead Instructor position at NYC Outward Bound Schools leads students on outdoor adventure courses including hiking, low ropes courses, belaying support on rock climbing walls, and team‑building programs at a remote location in Fishkill, NY and various locations across the five boroughs in NYC. During overnight and single‑day programs, Lead Instructors plan components of outdoor adventure courses for small groups of youth, facilitate adventurous learning experiences, adapt activities based on students’ needs, and ensure a safe and exciting learning environment for all participating youth.

The Lead Instructor is also responsible for modeling high‑quality instruction and providing professional development, coaching, and support to fellow instructors in order to enhance and differentiate instructional strategies and student engagement. This position requires both remote, overnight work on outdoor courses in NY State and urban adventures in NYC as well as work in the NYC Outward Bound Schools’ headquarters office in Long Island City (Queens).

Transportation from our headquarters in Long Island City (Queens) to the Fishkill, NY site is provided, and limited staff housing is available at the Fishkill, NY location for those who need it. This role is expected to work five days a week for the season that runs from March 18, 2026 to June 17, 2026 (dates subject to change but will be confirmed in seasonal contract).

• Participate in course planning, including developing educational and outdoor skill lessons, logistics, and scaffolded activity progressions that build toward clear learning outcomes.
• Serve as a Lead Instructor on course, providing guidance, mentorship, and on‑site support to Instructors while modeling best practices in facilitation, safety, and youth engagement.
• Instruct experiential education and overnight programs for NYC students while creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment at outdoor sites and in NYC parks and schools.
• Proactively assess risk and adjust programming to ensure participant safety.
• Oversee medical screening and medication management on course in accordance with organizational protocols.
• Attend and actively participate in all required trainings, including seasonal onboarding, safety certifications, and role‑specific professional development.
• Manage and submit required program documentation, including daily course reports, youth surveys, incident…