Outdoor Program Instructor: Camp & Field Science Leadership

Conservation Maven; California; On-site; USD 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Off-site staff housing

Meals during camp

Phone reimbursement

PTO six days per season

Sick time off per season

Annual bonus up to $850

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Journeys in Portola, California, seeks Outdoor Program Instructors for a full-season role starting Feb 2, 2027. Ten months with a mid-November 2027 end, housing and meals provided, with opportunities for renewal.

Instructors deliver NGSS-aligned science programs to 5th–6th graders and lead camps, including adventure activities and day/night sessions. Role includes training, curriculum delivery, assessment, and collaboration with schools and community partners.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience or experience working with youth.
• Experience delivering culturally relevant camp-based programs for schools or community partners serving youth from under-resourced communities.
• Enthusiasm for working with students and making a difference through education.
• Ability to work irregular hours and days, 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 be 30 feet off the ground on the challenge course high elements.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and hike over varying terrain and distances up to seven miles.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification before the start date (at your own expense).
• Ability to pass a background check.
• All employees attest to up-to-date immunizations required for public school attendance.

Responsibilities

• Training Attendance: Attend all staff trainings.
• Education Instruction: Deliver outdoor science education and camp curriculum.
• Camp Facilitation: Safely lead meals and activities for groups.
• Challenge Course Facilitation: Facilitate activities to meet goals.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Deliver and collect student assessments.
• Collaboration and Initiative: Work with chaperones and teachers, support teammates.
• Equipment Management: Clean, restock, and inventory supplies.
• Programmatic Support: Contribute to curriculum and camp improvements.
• Professional Development: Grow in outdoor education leadership.
• Program Improvement: Propel SNJ forward through initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Working with youth

Program delivery

Flexibility

Independence

Initiative

Courage on course

Physical stamina

CPR/First Aid

Background check

Immunization attestations

Job description

Sierra Nevada Journeys in Portola, California, seeks Outdoor Program Instructors for a full-season role starting Feb 2, 2027. Ten months with a mid-November 2027 end, housing and meals provided, with opportunities for renewal.

Instructors deliver NGSS-aligned science programs to 5th–6th graders and lead camps, including adventure activities and day/night sessions. Role includes training, curriculum delivery, assessment, and collaboration with schools and community partners.