Outdoor Program Instructor

Endless Horizons; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Onsite housing

Meals during training

Equipment rental

Discounts at related facilities

Seasonal housing opportunities

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Horizons Outdoor Learning Center is hiring Program Instructors for Spring 2027 to lead groups through outdoor education, environmental classes, team building, and adventure activities. You will ensure safety, facilitate experiences, and help participants learn through hands-on activities with students, scouts, and adults.

The season runs mid-March through May, with seasonal full-time and part-time roles and on-site housing for eligible staff.

Qualifications

• 1-year outdoor recreation experience or camp counselor preferred.
• Experience working with children preferred.
• Experience with outdoor education, recreation activities, and adventure skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead outdoor educational activities including caving, canoeing, climbing, archery, field games, and evening programming; supervise high/low rope courses; inspect equipment for safety.
• Support clients in all aspects; help clients establish and achieve goals for their experience.
• Promote a safe environment where individuals will feel comfortable challenging themselves.
• Adaptive thinking and problem solving when working with clients.

Skills

Outdoor education

Camp counseling

Group leadership

Safety management

Adaptive thinking

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

18+ years of age

First Aid/CPR (preferred)

Tools

15-passenger van driving

Safety training equipment

Job description

Love the outdoors?! Make it your job at the Outdoor Learning Center! 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.

Outdoor Learning Center 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 clients of all ages. Instructors are responsible for the logistics before, during, and after the groups’ stay, including preparing program areas, facilitating meals and transitions, leading programming, and cleaning and general maintenance of program areas. Seasonal full-time and part-time positions are available, with limited on-site housing.

JOB DUTIES AND RESONSIBILITES:

• Leads outdoor educational activities including but not limited to caving, canoeing, climbing, archery, field games, environmental classes and evening programming; facilitates high and low rope courses; inspects equipment throughout use to ensure it meets safety standards
• Supports clients in all aspects; helps clients establish and achieve goals for their experience
• Promotes a safe environment where individuals will feel comfortable challenging themselves
• Responsible for adaptive thinking and problem solving when working with clients

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 (or WFA/WFR) certifications preferred
• Successful completion of a criminal background check

PERKS:

• Paid, high-quality training
• Pay raise for relevant certifications (Lifeguard, WFA, WFR, etc.)
• Complementary onsite housing for full-time staff available, includes private room and shared amenities, WiFi (Learn more about housing on camp!)
• Meals provided during training and most programs
• Rent camp equipment and use facilities in your free time
• Discounts at related facilities and ProOutdoorLinks.com
• Summer employment and winter housing opportunities
• Referral bonuses available if you refer your friends!

Terms and Compensation:

The fall season 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 on weekends? Need to work around classes on specific days of the week? Reach out!

Base pay is $100/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.

Housing:

Employees seeking housing during a season must sign the Employee Housing Agreement in addition to an Employment Agreement and abide by all policies stated within.