Part-Time Seasonal Professional Outdoor Instructor, Bradford Woods

Indiana University; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing

Job summary

Indiana University’s Bradford Woods Outdoor Center in Martinsville, Indiana seeks a Professional Outdoor Instructor for a seasonal 3‑month contract. This in‑person role supports day and residential programs, with on‑site housing provided at no cost.

Bradford Woods is IU's Outdoor Center, located 30 minutes north of the Bloomington campus, on a 2,500‑acre property with a lake and trails. The role requires strong communication, physical effort, and the ability to lead groups.

Qualifications

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred: Pursuing outdoor education or related field.

Responsibilities

• Instructs and facilitates groups in outdoor spaces.
• Plans and prepares activities 1–2 weeks in advance.
• Delivers education programs, campfires, and mealtime support.

Skills

Outdoor leadership

Communication

Adaptability

Group facilitation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Wilderness First Aid

CPR/AED

Tools

First aid gear

Job description

In the questionnaire section of your application, please choose if you are interested in living in provided housing.

BRADFORD WOODS (BA-BRAD-IUBLA)

The Office of Student Life is focused on building a strong foundation to ensure every student's Indiana University (IU) experience is positive, safe, healthy, and meaningful. The Office of Student Life staff and multiple departments aim to help students navigate their time at IU, providing the tools they need to be successful in school and after graduation. Students are our priority, and their health, safety, and overall well-being are our core mission.

Bradford Woods is a department within the Office of Student Life, serving as Indiana University's Outdoor Center. Located 30 minutes north of the Bloomington campus in Morgan County, Indiana, this 2,500-acre property features a 110-acre lake, and a variety of wooded trails and facilities. With over 400 unique programs annually, including retreats, environmental education, and events, Bradford Woods is a hub for transformative outdoor experiences. The center fosters an environment where all participants and staff feel respected, valued, and have a true sense of belonging.

The Professional Outdoor Instructor is a seasonal (3-month contract) position that will actively contribute to the daily operations of our outdoor education programs, including both day and residential experiences.

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Instructs and facilitates groups of people in mostly outdoor spaces on the Bradford Woods property.
• Plans and prepares for assigned groups based on a set schedule (provided 1-2 weeks in advance).
• Plans and facilitates lesson-based education, Adventure Education activities, and additional programming such as campfires, night experiences, recreation, and mealtime support.
• Ensures group safety by understanding and enforcing Bradford Woods policies, emergency action plans, and proper radio communication.

EDUCATION

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED.)

Preferred

• Currently pursuing a degree in outdoor, experiential, therapeutic recreation, education, or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• Experience facilitating personal and group development through initiatives and low/high challenge course events.
• Experience teaching environmental education.
• Experience working with both youth and adults in a learning environment, and working with people with physical and developmental disabilities.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Preferred

• Wilderness First Aid upon date of hire.
• CPR/AED for the professional rescuer upon date of hire.

SKILLS

Required

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage wide variety of audiences.
• Ability and desire to energetically teach, inspire and motivate people from all walks of life.
• Outdoor skills including hiking, backpacking, caving, canoeing, climbing, and interpretation.
• Ability and willingness to learn and master designated program areas.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment for an extended time that can be emotionally and physically demanding.
• Strong teamwork and service-oriented mindset, with a willingness to take on leadership roles.
• Ability to observe of the natural environment and stopping for teachable moments in a camp setting.

The role requires the ability to work in a varied weather environment that may include extreme heat and cold, and other adverse weather conditions. The role also requires the ability to move on flat or uneven surfaces. The person in this role must be able to move items up to 25 pounds multiple times per shift.

Schedules may include long shifts, weekend work, and varied hours based on program needs.

Seasonal staff are limited to a 3-month contract.

Applications are accepted immediately and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

Seasonal staff have the option to live in shared housing on-site at Bradford Woods, provided at no additional cost.

The Office of Student Life is committed to building students build career readiness and workforce skills. Student employment offers practical experience to apply learning, build real-world skills, and develop competencies valued by employers. Each role supports National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Competencies , with emphasis on those most relevant to the position:

• Career and Self-Development
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Leadership
• Professionalism
• Teamwork
• Technology

These are transferable workforce skills a person can add to their resume and use in any career path.

Learn more about Bradford Woods

Martinsville, Indiana

This is an in-person position

$400.00 per week

Flat weekly rate of pay is prorated for any missed days.

Hours are scheduled between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM

Shift times vary according to business needs.

Management reserves the right to adjust work hours to accommodate special events.

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.

Career Level: Part Time Employee

FLSA: Nonexempt

Job Function: Part Time Employee

Job Family: Part Time Employee

Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at [e-mail] or by visiting IUPD.

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