Seasonal Senior Outdoor Educator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Dorm-style room with meals

Insurance available

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off

AMC Membership

Merchandise discounts

Job summary

The Senior Outdoor Educator at Appalachian Mountain Club leads school group programs and youth-focused hiking-based experiences at AMC facilities in the White Mountain National Forest. The role combines teaching, planning, and safety oversight across all seasons, with opportunities to work with public, private, and home-schooled students.

WFR/CPR certification is preferred or obtainable before start; a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in natural sciences or experiential education is

Qualifications

• Experience teaching youth in backcountry settings or schools.
• Ability to plan and deliver place-based environmental education.
• Strong communication and collaboration with co-leaders and teachers.

Responsibilities

• Lead thematic, place-based environmental education and outdoor leadership lessons for diverse student populations.
• Develop curriculum tools and coordinate with teachers and partners.
• Mentor seasonal staff and support staff training.
• Plan morning check-ins and foster inclusive group culture.
• Lead one-day and multi-day hiking and backpacking programs in all seasons.

Skills

Outdoor education

Curriculum development

Student safety leadership

Backcountry hiking

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

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 AMCImplement 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 termTake 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 studentsManage 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-serviceDrive 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.What AMC is Looking ForFriendly and flexible personality with a commitment and enthusiasm for teaching youthExperience leading student/youth groups in the backcountryExperiential teaching experienceCommitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and ability to work with youth across a wide variety of backgrounds and experiencesAble to effectively collaborate and communicate with co-leaders who may have varying leadership and communication stylesAble to create an emotionally safe and inclusive learning environment, create a positive group culture, and build a healthy rapport with youthAble to maintain effective self-care during extended trips so as not to compromise the student experienceWilderness First-Aid & CPR certification (WFR preferred) or the ability to obtain certification prior to starting employmentBachelor’s degree with course work in natural sciences, experiential education, or related field, or equivalent work experienceWork 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 conditionsWillingness to, at times, work long hours in mentally and physically demanding conditionsSatisfactory driving record and background check, as verified by state record check21+ years old and the ability to obtain DOT medical clearance to drive vehicles strongly preferredWhat AMC Can Offer YouSalary: $18.00/hrWe 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.BenefitsRoom & 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 weekRetirement: Voluntary 403(b) ContributionPaid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of paid earned time depending on length of serviceOther Team Member Perks:30% discount on AMC MerchandiseFree Annual AMC Membership4 Free nights at AMC locationsProdeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!To Apply:Please include a resume and cover letter. No phone calls or agencies please.AMC encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you have a passion for the outdoors and believe your skills and experiences align with this role, we welcome your application.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.