Outdoor Field Instructor

Location: Spruce Knob Mountain Center – Circleville, WV
Dates: May 31 – October 31, 2026
Housing: Shared housing provided

Job Summary

Experience Learning is hiring Outdoor Field Instructors to lead immersive, adventure-based outdoor education programs for youth ages 7–18. This is one position with two distinct seasons, offering a dynamic blend of expedition-style summer camp programming and school-based wilderness field courses.

Instructors live and work on-site at our remote, high-mountain campus near Spruce Knob and lead 1–8 day programs focused on leadership, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and personal growth through hands-on learning in wild places.

Seasonal Structure

This position follows a two-season rhythm that keeps the work fresh, dynamic, and adventurous all season long. During the Summer Camp Season (June–August), instructors dive into the heart of Mountain Stewards Summer Camp—leading 6-day, expedition-style adventures filled with backpacking, canoeing, campfires, dorm life, and daily moments of growth as campers build confidence, leadership, and a love for the outdoors. As the season shifts into the Field Program Season (September–October), instructors transition into leading Wilderness Learning courses for schools and community groups, guiding students on 1–8 day residential and backcountry programs that blend outdoor skills, natural science, leadership development, and meaningful exploration at Spruce Knob and wild places throughout West Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic.

Core Responsibilities

Instruction & Group Leadership

• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe learning environment for all students, campers, guests, and staff
• Prepare and deliver hands-on, experiential, and inquiry-based lessons in outdoor and residential settings
• Lead 1–8 day programs, including:
  • Multi-day backpacking trips (4–6 days) in mountainous terrain
  • Canoe expeditions (up to 6 days)
  • Dorm-based and front-country programs
• Teach and facilitate activities such as hiking, backpacking, canoeing, caving, rock climbing, orienteering, outdoor cooking, camp craft, wilderness survival, and natural science lessons (forest ecology, stream ecology, geology)
• Adapt instruction to meet program themes and group needs, including leadership development, communication, teamwork, diversity, environmental stewardship, and creative problem-solving

Risk Management & Student Care

• Implement and model strong risk management practices at all times
• Administer first aid and respond appropriately to emergencies
• Lead groups in varying weather conditions and on uneven, mountainous terrain while carrying required loads

Operations & Community Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals for students, campers, and visiting groups with minimal supervision
• Prepare gear and facilities before programs and clean, organize, and maintain them afterward
• Assist with general facility upkeep as needed, including basic repairs, carpentry, vehicle support, and troubleshooting
• Maintain a professional, welcoming demeanor when interacting with students, guests, partners, and staff
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and some weekends, and be on-call during portions of the season
• Live cooperatively in shared housing, contributing positively to a supportive and professional staff community

Physical Requirements

• Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day on uneven and mountainous terrain
• Ability to carry a backpack weighing approximately 35–55 pounds
• Comfort working, teaching, and living outdoors in inclement weather and remote environments

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent life experience
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR/AED certification (required or ability to obtain before start date)
• Valid driver’s license
• Effective communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
• Teaching experience (formal or informal)
• Ability to confidently lead groups in remote outdoor settings
• Positive attitude, determination, and strong work ethic
• Desire to work with young people from diverse social and economic backgrounds
• Curiosity about the natural world and willingness to learn and teach natural science concepts
• Ability to live and work in a remote setting as part of a collaborative instructor team

Preferred Qualifications

• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification
• Experience leading multi-day backpacking, canoeing, or expedition-style programs
• Prior experience in outdoor education, summer camps, or residential programs

Compensation & Benefits

• Daily compensation rate: $65.00–$105.00/day based on a merit-based pay scale (See Merit-Base Pay tab below this job description)
  • Typical starting range: $80–$95/day
• Shared housing provided
• 1 day of health leave per month worked
• Access to outdoor industry pro deals
• Opportunities for professional development and organizational advancement

Why Be an Outdoor Field Instructor at Experience Learning?

This role is ideal for educators who want a single, immersive position that blends expedition-based learning, residential programming, and youth mentorship. Outdoor Field Instructors gain meaningful teaching experience, live and work in a stunning high-mountain environment, and help inspire the next generation of leaders and environmental stewards.

Relevant Experience Credits	Seasonal (less than 130-day contract)	Mountain Bike Instructor	Resident (more than 130-day contract, March-Nov.)	Lead Instructor
0-5	$65	$82	$75
6-10	$68	$85	$79	$85
11-15	$75	$89	$85	$89
16-20	$82	$95	$92	$95
21-25	$90	$105	$100	$105
26-30	$95	$110	$105	$110
31-35	$100		$110
36+	$105

 

Experience	Credit	Max	EMPLOYEE POINTS
·Certified teacher in a traditional school setting (full year, teacher responsible for classroom)	6 per year	18
·Substitute or non-certified teacher in a traditional school setting. This does not include planning days, but full days in the classroom.	1 per 40 days worked	10
·Work/field experience as a Lead Instructor (in a role involving leading/training fellow staff) in a similar organization (expedition based/outdoor setting). This does not include planning or training days.	2 per 20 days worked	10
·Work/field experience as an Outdoor Instructor in a similar organization (expedition based/outdoor setting, excludes summer camps unless the role was an adventure trip leader). This does not include planning or training days. *(Cannot double days from above)	2 per 40 days worked	10
Work experience at a summer camp. This includes acting as a counselor, lifeguard, rec staff, etc.	1 per 60 days worked	10
·Work/field experience as a logistics person in a similar organization (outdoor program, preferably expedition based).	2 per 60 days	10
·Documented extended personal skill-based expedition experience of more than 14 days	1	3
·Work as a guide or instructor in the following areas: rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, whitewater rafting, skiing, and caving.	1 per 40 days worked	5
Grant writing experience	1 per 40 days worked	5
·Work in the following industries: hospitality, food service, agriculture	1 per 90 days worked	5
Advanced Certifications	Credit	Max
·WFR	1
·EMT	2
·WEMT	3
·AMGA Top Rope/Single Pitch	1
·Undergraduate degree in a related science content or human skills field	2	4
·Graduate degree in a related science content or human skills field	3	6
·LNT Master Trainer	1
·SWRT (Swiftwater Recue Technician)	1
Master Naturalist	1
NICA Certified
Mountain Bike Certification	1	4
Lifeguard Certificate	1