Outdoor Education Instructor

Outdoor Classroom; Winthrop (CT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shared housing

Meals provided

Weekend stipend

Job summary

Outdoor Classroom is seeking Environmental Education Instructors to guide elementary and middle school groups through immersive outdoor learning at our NE sites. You will lead daily activities, ensure safety, and foster curiosity in science and nature.

Instructors typically work Monday to Friday with housing and meals provided for the season. A positive, collaborative mindset and comfort with outdoor work are essential, with paid training starting in the fall.

Qualifications

• Strong desire to work outdoors and enjoy working with elementary and middle school students.
• Positive attitude and ability to work effectively in a team.
• Comfortable walking 3–5 miles per day with students; long days.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead groups of 12–14 students through daily and evening activities.
• Deliver hands-on lessons connecting science, nature, and SEL.
• Facilitate team-building exercises (low ropes), aquatic biology, wood carving, outdoor cooking, and night hikes.
• Participate in 1.5 weeks of paid staff training before fall season.

Skills

Teamwork

Outdoor work

Student engagement

Positive attitude

Endurance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Are you passionate about the environment, teaching, and being in nature? Outdoor Classroom is looking for dynamic and dedicated educators to join our team!

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 exciting 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 our seven beautiful sites located across New England.

Description

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.

Who we are

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 exciting 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 our seven beautiful sites located across New England.

A day in the life

As an Outdoor Education Instructor, you will have the joy of being 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. Our 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.

*No prior experience in teaching these classes? Don't worry! We start the fall season with 1.5 weeks of paid staff training

As put by a former staff member

"I’m encouraged to use my unique skills and interests in my teaching. I work alongside instructors who are just as passionate as I am, and it’s so rewarding to have a positive and educational impact on so many students every week. The beautiful locations, amazing leadership, and plain old fun have kept me coming back season after season."

- Shelby F., Fall ’21-Spring ’25

Instructors work from Monday to Friday. Looking for candidates who can start soon, and the season ends on November 20.

Qualifications

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. Given the nature of the role, you should be comfortable walking 3 to 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.

Salary, housing, and meals

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. As housing is shared, please note that pets and ESAs are not allowed.