Outdoor Field Instructor

This job has expired.

Organization

Experience Learning

Job Posted

November 20, 2023

Job status

Job Category

Job Type

Job Duration

Job Compensation Type

Remote

No

Contact Name

Katrina Weyland

Contact Email

kweyland@experience-learning.org

Contact Phone

3046063233

Deadline to Apply

Location

Circleville, WV
United States
Nestled just below the highest point in West Virginia lies Experience Learning. If you enjoy the outdoors and want to work with kids this job is for you! From backpacking to caving to rock climbing, you will explore WV from above and below, all the while spreading knowledge and information to young minds.

Summary

Positions available
1. 
Resident Outdoor Field Instructor (7.5 month position) – March 25, 2024 – November 1, 2024 ($500 end of season bonus!)
2. Spring Outdoor Field Instructor – March 25, 2024 – May 31, 2024 
3. Spring/Summer Outdoor Field Instructor – March 25, 2023 – August 16, 2024
4. Summer/Fall Outdoor Field Instructor – June 2, 2024 – November 1, 2024
5. Mountain Bike Summer Camp Instructor – June 2, 2024 – August 16, 2024
6. Fall Outdoor Field Instructor – August 19, 2024 – November 1, 2024

To apply please follow this link to our website.

Location: Spruce Knob Mountain Center, Circleville, WV
Experience Learning is seeking outdoor professionals to lead high-quality, adventure-based, outdoor education programs in backcountry environments throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Position Overview:

Based at the remote Spruce Knob Mountain Center in West Virginia, Field Instructors lead students on Wilderness Learning courses (both field and residential based), helping people become confident, competent individuals with a clear vision of their responsibilities and potential for improving the human condition and the natural world.

Our courses typically serve students in 5th-12thgrade. Courses can include 1-2 day dorm based courses, 1-2 day off-site courses in local communities (visiting WV public schools), 4-8 day field courses (Private schools from the Mid-Atlantic region) both in the nearby national forest, as well as variety of off-site courses in wild spaces throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including the Appalachian Trail.

Field Instructors help students gain confidence, experience, and appreciation for mountains through lessons and activities such as hiking, backpacking, camp craft, orienteering, caving, stream ecology, forest ecology, geology, rock climbing, canoeing, outdoor cooking, stewardship projects, and survival skills. In addition, Field Instructors tailor courses to meet the thematic goals of each school served, leading students in discussions and initiatives around leadership, communication, environmental stewardship, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.

While living and working on-site Field Instructors will also have the opportunity to cook for large groups, as well as be on-call at different points in time throughout the season.

Our ideal candidate will be able to:

  • Maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students and guests
  • Prepare and deliver hands-on, experiential, and inquiry-based lessons in a remote outdoor setting for both day and evening programs
  • Lead 1-8 day residential and field-based programs in challenging settings that include hiking, backpacking, camp craft, orienteering, caving, stream ecology, forest ecology, geology, rock climbing, canoeing, stewardship projects, outdoor cooking, and survival skills
  • Facilitate discussions and initiatives around leadership, communication, environmental stewardship, teamwork, creative problem-solving, and other subjects
  • Implement and model excellent risk management strategies and administer first aid as needed
  • Teach and lead groups in the outdoors, in varying weather conditions, and on uneven terrain
  • Prepare facilities and gear before trips and clean facilities and gear at the end of trips
  • Prepare and cook meals for visiting educational and rental groups with little supervision
  • Maintain a professional demeanor while interacting with groups and guests
  • Assist with facility upkeep as needed, including basic carpentry, repairs, vehicle maintenance, and general troubleshooting


Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent life experience
  • Must be 21+ years of age or older
  • Current Wilderness First Responder Certification (Preferred)
  • Minimum of Wilderness First Aid & CPR/AED certification (Required)
    -WFA class offered on-site March 29-32, 2024 & August 23 – 25, 2024
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Effective communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
  • Positive attitude, determination, and unassailable work ethic
  • Teaching experience, either formal or informal
  • Ability to confidently lead groups in a remote outdoor setting
  • Desire to teach and work with young people from varying social and economic backgrounds
  • Curiosity about the natural world and willingness to learn academic natural science lessons
  • Experience working in the outdoors, especially in inclement weather
  • Ability to live in shared space with other instructors and practice positive self-care.
  • Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and some weekends
  • Desire to live in a remote place with an outstanding community of outdoor professionals and to work hard to make positive change in our world

Compensation Information

  • Daily compensation rate: $65.00-$105 a day based on the merit-based scale. On average our instructors begin at $85-$95/day
    • See the Merit Based Pay tab on our website to see what pay range you might fall in.