Outdoor Education Specialist

Families and Youth Innovations Plus; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Families & Youth Innovations Plus is seeking an Outdoor Education Specialist to lead outdoor programming for youth involved in the Outdoor Equity Project. The role emphasizes building outdoor skills, confidence, and connection to nature, while coordinating with partners and ensuring safety.

Work occurs primarily outdoors across Doña Ana County, with travel to rural sites. The perfect candidate will have a related degree or equivalent experience, CPR/First Aid, and the ability to engage families

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in outdoor-related field preferred.
• Must pass CYFD Criminal Records Check and maintain CPR/First Aid certification.
• Wilderness First Aid or equivalent preferred; CPI certification beneficial.
• Maintain NM driver's license; willingness to travel across Doña Ana County.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead outdoor programming for youth, including hikes and nature sessions.
• Develop age-appropriate curricula to build outdoor skills and environmental awareness.
• Ensure safety on outings through risk assessment, weather monitoring, and protocols.
• Coordinate logistics: transportation, gear, permits, site selection.
• Maintain outdoor equipment and inventory; manage project closet organization.
• Build relationships with youth and families to encourage engagement.
• Collaborate with staff to align programs with participants' goals.
• Track attendance and outcomes for internal and funder reporting.
• Identify partnerships with local parks and outdoor organizations.
• Support outreach to engage historically underserved youth and families.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

CPR/First Aid

Wilderness First Aid

Driver's License

Bilingual

Outdoor program planning

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in outdoor recreation, environmental education, youth development, or related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Outdoor Education Specialist

Families & Youth Innovations Plus (FYI+)

Position: Part-Time

Hourly Rate: $17.00 - $20.57 (3 levels based on experience and education)

FLSA Status: Hourly/Non-Exempt

Reports To: Program Manager

Department: Outdoor Legacy Program

Job Summary

As an Outdoor Education Specialist, works with youth participating in FYI+'s Outdoor Equity Project. An Outdoor Education Specialist leads outdoor programming and activities that build outdoor skills, confidence, and connection to nature, while supporting youth well-being and expanding access to the outdoors for families who face barriers to these experiences. An Outdoor Education Specialist works closely with FYI+ program staff, behavioral health teams, and community partners such as local parks and land management agencies, schools, and youth-serving organizations to better serve youth and families most in need.

Work with youth is conducted primarily outdoors — on trails, at parks, and at outdoor program sites — as well as at FYI+ program locations. This role requires travel throughout Doña Ana County, including rural sites such as Anthony and the Hatch Valley.

What you’ll Do:

• Plan, prepare, and lead outdoor programming and activities for youth, including hikes, camping trips, nature walks, and environmental education sessions
• Develop age-appropriate, culturally responsive curricula and activity plans that build outdoor skills, environmental awareness, and connection to nature
• Ensure participant safety on all outdoor outings, including risk assessment, first aid readiness, weather monitoring, and adherence to FYI+ safety protocols
• Coordinate logistics for outdoor programming, including transportation, gear and equipment, permits, and site selection
• Maintain outdoor equipment and gear inventory in good working condition
• Manage inventory and organization of the Outdoor Legacy Project Closet, including equipment check-in/check-out.
• Build relationships with youth participants and families to encourage consistent engagement and a sense of belonging in outdoor spaces
• Collaborate with FYI+ program staff, navigators, and behavioral health teams to align outdoor programming with participants’ broader goals and needs
• Track attendance, participation, and program outcomes; maintain accurate records for internal use and funder reporting
• Identify and maintain partnerships with local parks, land management agencies, and outdoor organizations to expand access to sites and resources
• Support outreach and recruitment efforts to engage youth and families who have historically faced barriers to outdoor recreation
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development as required
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Outdoor Equity Project and FYI+'s mission

What You Need:

• Bachelor's Degree in outdoor recreation, environmental education, youth development, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and direct experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• High school diploma or equivalent required with 4 years of experience
• Must pass a CYFD Criminal Records Check
• Maintain full certification in CPR/First Aid
• Maintain a valid NM Driver's License
• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification required, or must be obtained within 90 days of hire
• Maintain full certification in CPI
• Preferred: Bilingual (English/Spanish)