Outdoor Program Instructor

Sierra Nevada Journeys; Portola (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Off-site staff housing

Daily meals provided

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Journeys in Portola, California, is hiring Outdoor Program Instructors to start in August 2026. This full-time seasonal role runs through mid-November 2026 with a renewal option for the following season. Compensation is $115 to $118 per day (DOE) with off-site staff housing and daily meals provided.

Location: Sierra Nevada Journeys Outdoor Education Camp, Portola, CA. The season runs nine months, focusing on hands-on science, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship for

Qualifications

• Experience delivering culturally relevant camp-based programs for schools and community partners serving youth from under-resourced communities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver one-to-five-day outdoor science education programs primarily for 5th and 6th grade students.
• Lead and educate groups of 12–15 students per session and facilitate large group activities.

Job description

We are now hiring for two Outdoor Program Instructors to start in August 2026.

Competitive Compensation Package: $115 to $118* per day (DOE)

*Specific certifications can increase pay by $1/day, up to $120/day.

Plus, off-site staff housing and workday meals are provided

Full-Time seasonal position; start date is August 2026, and the season runs through mid-November 2026; opportunity to renew your contract for the following season

Location: Sierra Nevada Journeys Outdoor Education Camp, Portola, California

Job Description

Sierra Nevada Journeys is seeking Outdoor Program Instructors with experience delivering culturally relevant camp-based programs for schools and community partners, serving youth from under-resourced communities. This is a ten-month seasonal position with varying roles and responsibilities.

During the spring and fall sessions, the primary responsibility of instructors is delivering one-to-five-day outdoor science education programs primarily serving 5th and 6th-grade students from elementary and middle schools. All lessons rest upon the foundation of hands‑on science and collaborative problem solving, with a focus on critical thinking, exploration, and environmental stewardship. Instructors are responsible for leading and educating a group of 12‑to-15 students throughout their program, including facilitating large group activities