Outdoor Program Instructor

Endless Horizons; Clifton (VA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Certification pay raises (Lifeguard, W

WA?

Job summary

Horizons at Hemlock is hiring for Spring 2027 to lead outdoor education programs for students, scouts, and adult groups. Instructors will manage groups, deliver high-quality programming, coordinate logistics, and support meals and transitions during stays.

Responsibilities include leading team-building activities, environmental classes, rope course instruction, and ensuring safety standards while promoting experiential learning and growth.

Qualifications

• 1-year outdoor recreation experience or camp counselor preferred
• Experience working with children preferred
• Must have experience or comfort with outdoor education, recreation activity, and adventure skills (camping, climbing, paddling, hiking, etc.)
• Must be 18 and have High School diploma or equivalent
• Must have good driving record and ability to drive a 15-passenger van (training provided)
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications preferred
• Successful completion of a criminal background check

Responsibilities

• Leads activities in team building, environmental classes, evening programming, field games and more; facilitates high and low rope courses; inspects equipment throughout use to ensure it meets safety standards
• Supports user groups in all aspects; helps user groups establish and achieve goals for their experience
• Promotes a safe environment where individuals will feel comfortable challenging themselves
• Recognizes and responds to opportunities for problem solving with the group

Skills

Outdoor education

Team building

Safety awareness

Education

High School diploma

Job description

Love the outdoors?! Make it your job at Horizons at Hemlock! We are now hiring for Spring 2027!

Spring season runs mid-March through May

We are looking for curious, caring, and hardworking staff to lead groups through outdoor education, including environmental education, team building, adventure trips, and more. You’ll develop your skills and love of the outdoors while providing unforgettable experiences for students, scouts, and adult groups.

Hemlock Program Instructors are responsible for the care and management of groups while delivering high-quality outdoor programming. They are expected to create a positive atmosphere while establishing opportunities for experiential learning and authentic growth for students and clients. Our clients include public and private schools, colleges and universities, scout groups, and specialty retreats. Instructors will also be responsible for the logistics before, during, and after a group stay. This includes preparing program areas and facilities, facilitating meals and transitions, developing programming, cleaning, and general maintenance.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads activities in team building, environmental classes, evening programming, field games and more; facilitates high and low rope courses; inspects equipment throughout use to ensure it meets safety standards
• Supports user groups in all aspects; helps user groups establish and achieve goals for their experience
• Promotes a safe environment where individuals will feel comfortable challenging themselves
• Recognizes and responds to opportunities for problem solving with the group

EXPERIENCE:

• 1-year outdoor recreation experience or camp counselor preferred
• Experience working with children preferred (formally or informally)
• Must have experience or comfort with outdoor education, recreation activity, and adventure skills (camping, climbing, paddling, hiking, etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 18 and have High School diploma or equivalent (21+ years of age preferred)
• Must have good driving record and ability to drive a 15-passenger van (training provided)
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications preferred
• Successful completion of a criminal background check

PERKS:

• Paid, high-quality training
• Pay raise for relevant certifications (Lifeguard, WFA, WFR, etc.)
• Meals provided during training and overnight programs
• Rent camp equipment and use facilities in your free time
• Discounts at related facilities and ProOutdoorLinks.com
• Referrall Bonuses available if yo refer your friends!

Terms and Compensation:

The spring season at Hemlock Overlook is mid-March through May. Program Instructors should be available for work full days (no half days available), but we can work with your schedule. Only available weekends? Need to work around classes on specific days of the week? Reach out!

Base pay is $110/day, with a $5.00 increment added for each previous season of employment at Horizons, and with each relevant and current national certification and a cap of $125.00/day. In the event of program changes, cancellations, or open days during the operating season, Program Instructors may be assigned tasks in facility or equipment maintenance, customer service, hospitality, clerical, or program development.

Training:

All Program Instructors participate in mandatory paid training at the start of each season, with meals provided. Training will be paid as long as the training is completed in its entirety. Training will not be paid if separation of employment happens prior to the end of training.