Seasonal Senior Outdoor Educator

Appalachian Mountain Club; Gorham (ME); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Room & Board

Insurance

403(b) Contribution

Paid Time Off

Merchandise discount

Job summary

The Appalachian Mountain Club is seeking a Youth Education Senior Outdoor Educator to lead school groups and youth programs at AMC facilities in the White Mountain National Forest, with day and overnight trips throughout the year.

This long-term seasonal role requires enthusiastic teaching, backcountry hiking, curriculum development, logistics, and collaboration with other AMC Guided Outdoors Staff to create engaging, safe outdoor learning experiences for K–12 students.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching youth in backcountry settings.
• Ability to create inclusive, student-centered learning environments.
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification preferred or obtainable before start.

Responsibilities

• Lead place-based environmental education and field trips for K–12 groups.
• Coordinate curriculum development and teaching tools with teachers and schools.
• Train and mentor seasonal staff in April, June, and August.
• Plan morning group check-ins and maintain program safety and logistics.

Skills

Youth program leadership

Backcountry teaching

Experiential education

Diversity & inclusion

Team collaboration

WFR/CPR certification

Bachelor's degree in natural sciences

Endurance for long hikes

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences/experiential education

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Pinkham Notch - Gorham, NH 03581, Position Type: Seasonal, Salary Range: $18.00 - $18.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Any, Through Youth Education programming, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) offers an engaging slate of staff-led outdoor experiences for the youth, adults, and families, which promote the appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, and responsible use of natural resources. We provide people of all ages and backgrounds with the skills to enjoy the outdoors and an increased understanding of their connection to the natural world.

THIS IS A LONG-TERM SEASONAL POSITION (January 5th, 2027, to November 14th, 2027)

Applications submitted by October 30th will be given preference in the selection process. Application submitted after October 30th will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled.

The Senior Outdoor Educator will predominantly lead educational programs for school groups and trips for participants in grades K through 12 but will also be cross-trained and occasionally scheduled to lead with adults and families as well. Schedules are varied and include all days of the week. Trips range in length, but time off and work are balanced for staff.

The Youth Education Senior Outdoor Educator is a responsible, energetic individual who is excited to share their knowledge and love of the outdoors with young people. They will work with public, private, and home-schooled students and other youth groups. These day and overnight programs are primarily based at AMC facilities in the White Mountain National Forest. Academic lessons on climate change, forest and watershed ecology, map and compass, geology, weather and climate, outdoor skills, community building, and leadership development are integrated and taught in a nature- and student-centered hiking-based program. The Senior Educator is responsible for planning and logistics duties as well as teaching programs in the field.

What you'll be doing at AMC

• Implement thematic, place-based environmental education, leadership, and community-building lesson plans that meet the needs of diverse student populations, are culturally relevant, transferable for students, and incorporate the learning objectives of the program.
• Work independently or collaboratively on projects such as curriculum development, the creation of teaching tools, and logistical tasks such as communicating with teachers, schools, and community partners.
• Aid in staff training of seasonal staff in April, June, and August.
• Provide mentorship and be advocate for seasonal staff during their shorter seasonal term
• Take initiative to plan morning check ins with the group of staff working together on a program.
• Create and foster an inclusive group culture and learning environment among participants and co-workers.
• Lead and facilitate single and multi-day hiking and backpacking, which are student-centered and experiential. These programs occur in all 4 seasons, including winter months.
• Facilitate day programs within local communities and at schools and front-country and backcountry multi-day programs.
• Ensure the physical, emotional, and social safety of 8-12 students
• Manage incidents in the backcountry; communicate effectively with the on-call team and facilitate evacuations when necessary.
• Model responsible behavior in the outdoors and Leave No Trace ethics.
• Perform logistics functions for the program including issuing, collecting, cleaning, and maintaining gear, preparing teaching supplies, organizing food, and evacuations.
• Plan menus, handle food requisitions, and cook meals when huts are self-service
• Drive 12-passenger vans carrying participants.
• Maintain professionalism through lesson planning, personal appearance, and communication with other staff, chaperones, and/or participants.
• Collaborate with other AMC Guided Outdoors Staff to guide day-long or multi-day adult and family workshops.

Qualifications: What AMC is Looking For

• Friendly and flexible personality with a commitment and enthusiasm for teaching youth
• Experience leading student/youth groups in the backcountry
• Experiential teaching experience
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and ability to work with youth across a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences
• Able to effectively collaborate and communicate with co-leaders who may have varying leadership and communication styles
• Able to create an emotionally safe and inclusive learning environment, create a positive group culture, and build a healthy rapport with youth
• Able to maintain effective self-care during extended trips so as not to compromise the student experience
• Wilderness First-Aid & CPR certification (WFR preferred) or the ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment
• Bachelor’s degree with course work in natural sciences, experiential education, or related field, or equivalent work experience
• Work requires frequent backcountry travel. Requires ability to hike 6 – 8 miles per day on uneven terrain, carrying a backpack and other equipment up to 40 pounds, in all weather conditions
• Willingness to, at times, work long hours in mentally and physically demanding conditions
• Satisfactory driving record and background check, as verified by state record check
• 21+ years old and the ability to obtain DOT medical clearance to drive vehicles strongly preferred

What AMC Can Offer You

Salary: $18.00/hr

We are committed to fair compensation practices, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits

• Room & Board: Dorm-style room for $75 week – meals included, too!
• Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 30 hours per week
• Retirement: Voluntary 403(b) Contribution
• Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of paid earned time depending on length of service
• Other Team Member Perks:
  • 30% discount on AMC Merchandise
  • Free Annual AMC Membership
  • 4 Free nights at AMC locations
  • Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!

The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility which serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.