Adventure Guide

arc After School and Experiential Education; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Earned paid sick leave

All equipment provided for events and

Certification assistance for long-term

Arc-branded outdoor wear

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

Arc Experience’s Outdoor Adventure division is seeking enthusiastic Outdoor Adventure Guides to inspire and empower youth through nature-based activities. You will lead team-building challenges and offsite adventures, including kayaking and biking, helping students build confidence and social-emotional skills.

We train you in outdoor skills, require a high school diploma (Bachelor’s preferred), and offer paid benefits, equipment, and certification support.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience working with K-12 students.
• Understanding of outdoor education or leadership development programs.
• Experience in adventure activities (hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, team-building).
• Ability to participate in outdoor activities.
• Strong leadership and behavior management skills, overseeing up to 20 students.
• Encouraging and patient approach with youth.

Responsibilities

• Lead team-building challenges, obstacle courses, and offsite adventures such as kayaking and biking.
• Create and maintain a safe environment and foster personal growth, confidence, and leadership.
• Complete administrative paperwork for each outing and assist with event preparation and cleanup.

Skills

Youth leadership

K-12 experience

Outdoor education

Safety management

Activity supervision

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Job Overview

Arc Experience’s Outdoor Adventure division is seeking enthusiastic Outdoor Adventure Guides to inspire and empower youth through nature-based activities. No need to be a backcountry expert—we will train you in the outdoor skills you need. As a guide, you will lead team-building challenges, obstacle courses, and offsite adventures such as kayaking and biking, helping students build confidence, develop social-emotional skills, and discover their potential—all while having an unforgettable time outdoors.

Qualifications & Experience

• 2+ years of experience working with K-12 students.
• Understanding of outdoor education or leadership development programs.
• Experience in adventure activities is highly preferred (hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, team‑building activities).
• Ability to personally participate in outdoor activities.
• Strong leadership and behavior management skills, overseeing up to 20 students.
• Encouraging and patient approach when working with youth.

Safety & Compliance Requirements

• Create and maintain a physically and mentally safe environment for students, fostering personal growth, confidence, self-reliance, and leadership.
• Certified in first aid, CPR, and basic wilderness safety (or willing to complete training).
• Ability to drive vehicles with and without student passengers, including towing a climbing wall; will receive refresher training as needed.
• College transcripts showing 48+ credits completed, or pass an academic proficiency exam.
• Provide proof of a negative TB test and a completed Live Scan background check.
• Valid California driver’s license required; a commercial driver’s license is a plus.
• English‑Spanish bilingual speaker highly preferred.

Additional Expectations

• Available to work both weekdays and weekends.
• Complete administrative paperwork for each outing.
• Assist with event preparation, post‑event tasks, cleanup, and inventory.
• Familiarity with Leave No Trace principles preferred.
• Open to sharing ideas for improving programs and logistics.
• High school diploma or GED required (Bachelor’s degree highly preferred).

Pay Rate & Benefits

Position Type: Part‑time, non‑exempt
Reports To: Director of Outdoor Education Operations
Compensation: $20.00 – $24.00 per hour (based on experience & skills)
If the school requires a Covid‑19 vaccination, documentation of full vaccination is required.

Perks of Being an Arc Outdoor Adventure Guide

• Earned paid sick leave
• All equipment provided for events and activities
• Company-sponsored certification assistance for long‑term guides
• Arc‑branded outdoor wear
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Ability to Commute / Relocate

Reliable commute to the work location is required.

Arc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.