Outdoor Program Instructor

Sierra Nevada Journeys; Portola (CA); On-site; USD 21,217 - 21,771; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Off-site staff housing

Meals provided at camp

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Sick Time Off

Bonus structure based on sessions worked

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Journeys is hiring Outdoor Program Instructors in Portola, California, for a full-time seasonal position. Instructors will lead outdoor science education programs and recreational activities for youth from under-resourced communities. Compensation ranges from $115 to $118 per day, with opportunities for additional pay based on specific certifications. Benefits include off-site staff housing, meals, and professional development opportunities. The role begins in early February and runs through mid-November 2026, with potential for renewal.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering culturally relevant camp programs for under-resourced communities.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Willingness to accept a 30-foot challenge course element.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate high-quality outdoor science education programs.
• Lead outdoor recreation activities like archery and kayaking.
• Implement initiatives that advance Sierra Nevada Journeys' mission.

Skills

Leadership experience

Experience working with youth

Ability to work irregular hours

Enthusiasm for education

Ability to lift 30 pounds

Education

Current CPR and First Aid certification

Tools

Wilderness First Responder Certification

Job description

We regularly hire Outdoor Program Instructors and conduct interviews with candidates throughout the year.

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 early February and the season runs through mid‑November 2026. There is an opportunity to renew 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 ten‑month seasonal position involves a variety of roles and responsibilities across our spring, fall, and summer sessions.

During the spring and fall sessions, instructors primarily lead one‑to‑five‑day outdoor science education programs for 5th and 6th grade students. Lessons are grounded in hands‑on science, collaborative problem solving, critical thinking, exploration, and environmental stewardship, and are written according to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Instructors lead and educate groups of 12‑15 students, facilitate large‑group activities, manage meals, and coordinate evening programming. Training is supported through UC‑Berkeley’s BEETLES pedagogy.

During the summer session, instructors facilitate overnight camps and community partner programs, including camps for people with disabilities and teen leadership development. Activities include challenge course, swimming, kayaking, and leadership programs. Instructors may occupy roles such as head lifeguard, camp helper, staff mentor, or cabin leader. In community partner camps, instructors deliver challenge courses and social‑emotional learning competencies to support leadership experiences and collaborative critical thinking. Instructors also adapt activities for participants with disabilities and support weekend camp participants during spring and fall. They ensure educational outcomes for all attending groups are met.

OPI’s may also receive training for a Ropes Lead role, to oversee and mitigate risk on the challenge course in partnership with or in lieu of the Challenge Course Manager.

Areas of Responsibility

• Training Attendance – Attend all staff trainings delivered by the Program Management team.
• Education Instruction – Facilitate high‑quality outdoor science education and challenge course programs (day and evening) using the Sierra Nevada Journeys curriculum and teaching methods.
• Camp Facilitation – Safely facilitate outdoor recreation activities (archery, kayaking, etc.), lead meals, and engage participants before meals.
• Challenge Course Facilitation – Safely facilitate the challenge course to achieve collaborative, social‑emotional, and problem‑solving goals.
• Assessment and Evaluation – Deliver, organize, and grade student assessments and related paperwork. Support evaluation collection and participate in debriefs.
• Collaboration and Initiative – Work effectively with chaperones, teachers, community group staff, and other instructors. Offer assistance where needed.
• Equipment Management – Clean, restock, and inventory program supplies, including educational materials and challenge course supplies.
• Programmatic Support – Work on assigned projects such as creating materials for schools, camp improvement projects, curriculum revisions, and support travel facilitation.
• Professional Development – Continue to develop personal skills in outdoor education, leadership, and safety practices.
• Program Improvement – Observe, identify, and implement initiatives that advance Sierra Nevada Journeys’ mission.

Required Qualifications

• Leadership experience or experience working with youth.
• Experience delivering culturally relevant camp‑based programs for under‑resourced communities.
• Enthusiasm for working with students and making a difference through education.
• Ability to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends.
• Ability to live and work positively in a communal shared environment with other staff members.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Willingness to accept a 30‑foot challenge course element.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and hike up to seven miles on varied terrain.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification prior to the start date (at own expense).
• Ability to pass a background check.
• All employees must attest that they have current immunizations required for public school attendance in their state.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish or another second language.
• Experience in science instruction – outdoor or classroom setting.
• Experience working with students from BIPOC communities.
• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder Certification.
• Current lifeguard certification or willingness to obtain certification prior to the start date.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive Compensation Package: $115–$118 per day (DOE) with off‑site staff housing and meals while at camp. California meal stipend provided when meals are not provided on days worked.
  • *Specific certifications can increase pay by $1/day, up to $120/day.
• Employees earn $1 per day extra for each of the following certifications:
  • Waterfront lifeguard / pool lifeguard
  • Wilderness First Aid / Wilderness First Responder
• Phone use reimbursement at $5 per paycheck.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – Six PTO days accrued per full season.
• Sick Time Off – Five sick days accrued per full season (per California State Law).
• Accrual period for PTO and Sick Time is based on start date and runs from February 20, 2026 to October 15, 2026, adjusted accordingly.
• Bonus structure based on consecutive sessions worked:
  • $850 total bonus available, paid after successful completion of the session.
  • $100 after the first session.
  • $250 after the second session.
  • $500 after the third session.
  • Sessions run as follows:
    • January 1 – May 28, 2026 – paid June 4, 2026.
    • May 29 – August 7, 2026 – paid August 13, 2026.
    • August 8 – November 19, 2026 – paid November 20, 2026.
• *Successful completion is contingent on maintaining good standing throughout employment, including no active disciplinary actions or performance warnings.
• Sierra Nevada Journeys provides 12 paid holidays each calendar year for full‑time employees. Eligibility applies to holidays falling within contracted dates.
• Optional 403(b) retirement plan with up to 4% match by Sierra Nevada Journeys.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish may result in an additional 3 % pay increase, at the discretion of Sierra Nevada Journeys.
• 50 % discount on Sierra Nevada Journeys’ youth camps for immediate family.

Employment Highlights

• Home base for living, working, exploring, and recreating in the beautiful Sierra Valley.
• Employment with an innovative company focused on improving outdoor education delivery.
• Professional development geared toward outdoor education leadership or classroom teaching goals.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to employ individuals who represent the rich diversity of cultures, language groups, and abilities of our surrounding communities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.