Summer field instructor
Job description
Course size is generally 20–24 students with 5–6 instructors. Groups may be smaller than that, but we will always maintain a 4:1 ratio of student to instructor. For international trips, group size is generally 2 instructors, 1–2 in-country guides, and a maximum of 12 students. The outdoor skills that instructors teach include backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, canoeing, cooking, orienteering, Leave No Trace concepts, and general environmental education. Other specialized skills like whitewater rafting and kayaking will be taught in conjunction with outfitters.
On each program, the instructor team works closely together to coordinate all aspects of the trip, including instruction in all outdoor activities, risk management, driving 15-passenger vans and towing U-Haul trailers (North America trips only), managing group dynamics, planning menus, purchasing food, laundry, coordinating with outfitters, turning in blog and photo updates, maintaining equipment, and handling medical issues. Instructors receive additional ongoing support from the director team.
Minimum requirements
- Preference given to those 21 and older
- Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree, or degree in-progress strongly preferred
- Wilderness first responder and CPR certifications (must be completed by June 2025)*
- Experience working with young people
- Experience in outdoor education and leading wilderness programs
- Genuine interest in students’ personal growth, ability to teach them outdoor and life skills, and enthusiasm for having fun with them
- Proficiency in multiple outdoor skills
- Expertise in Leave No Trace principles
- Clean driving record with no major infractions
- Ability to maintain high energy and a positive mental attitude with little to no time off and limited personal time
- Must be authorized to work legally in the United States
- For international trips: Valid passport and experience leading student programs abroad or extensive personal international travel experience required
*We host two full WFR courses in May and July, and a recert course in May in Toledo, WA, each year. View details about those courses here. We highly recommend that new instructors attend the Adventure Treks course if possible!
Benefits
Personal and professional skills learned at Adventure Treks are applicable to many different careers for years to come.
- Leadership and responsibility: Responsible for being a role model to 20–24 teenagers and running a safe and fun trip, including balancing a trip budget
- Communication: With your students, co-instructors, trip leader, parents, and Adventure Treks directors
- Resilience and adaptability: Positively overcome adversity and creatively solve problems
- Decision-making: Confidence in safe, quick, and intentional decisions
- Strong work ethic: A challenging yet fulfilling job
- Relationship-building: Creating strong connections and building an inclusive community
- Feedback: Ongoing opportunities to provide and receive constructive feedback to students, co-instructors, and trip leader
Additionally, instructors will have:
- The opportunity to be a teacher, mentor, and friend to highly motivated students
- Multiple seasons of employment (spring and fall opportunities are also available in Costa Rica and North Carolina)
- Dynamic work environment
- Highly organized and well-planned adventures
- A focus on year-round personal and professional growth, including career resource webinars and reimbursements toward professional development
- Competitive salary
- Outdoor experiences throughout the United States
Compensation
We’re pleased to offer competitive compensation: 2024 salaries for new instructors start at $4,000–$4,200, dependent on experience, hard skills, education, and certifications (2025 salaries coming soon); this salary is for a full summer of work. Shorter contract salaries are adjusted accordingly. Instructors also receive:
- Travel reimbursements
- Certification reimbursements for returning instructors
- Professional development scholarships and reimbursements for new and returning instructors
- All-inclusive employment: all accommodations, meals, outfitted activities, group equipment, and transportation to and from the trip’s locations are included while on course
- Pro-deal access to hundreds of outdoor brands
