Outdoor Educator Jobs
Outdoor Educator jobs are open across nonprofits, summer camps, school programs, parks, and outdoor recreation organizations, from entry-level instructors to senior program directors, with specializations in wilderness education, environmental science, and adventure therapy. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Position Summary
Come work at the Nature Interpretive Center nestled in our beautiful 265-acre forested park on Staten Island! You'll learn how to teach a large variety of programs for all ages including our weekly toddler story time, maple syruping, investigating pond macroinvertebrates, bird walks, and more! SCA Members help run monthly public programs, lead field trips, create exhibits, care for live animals, and contribute to ongoing research of the park's ecosystems.
Hosting Organization
Clay Pit Ponds State Park NYS OPRHP
Location
Staten Island, NY
- This position is primarily in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are available within 30 minutes . Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
- This position may conduct work in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
- This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.
Schedule
January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Assist educators in planning, setting up, teaching, and evaluating in-person programs and workshops. Lead interpretive hikes on forested trails. 2. Design education content that motivates, inspires, and informs across a wide variety of digital platforms using a variety of media, including but not limited to social media posts, exhibits, program signage, etc.
3. Design, plan, and implement one lasting impact project at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve.
4. Assist with the creation of program materials. Keep materials organized and catalogued to maintain inventory.
5. Conduct research and perform field work to support education programs, community science, and stewardship such as wildlife surveys and invasive species removal.
6. Assist with maple syrup production and education.
7. Assist with maintenance and programming at the historic Gericke Farm. 8. Assist with general Nature Interpretive Center upkeep including but not limited to, designing and creating new exhibits, handling and caring for live animals, pollinator garden maintenance, greeting and interacting with visitors, and composting.
Marginal Duties
1. Other duties as assigned by management based on the facilities' operational needs.
2. Spend at least one workday each month with the region's Stewardship Team removing invasive species and conducting research.
3. Travel to other State Parks throughout NYC to assist with special events.
Required Qualifications
- Member Evaluation: A Mid-term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the mid-point of a members' term of service. An End of Term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the members' end of service.
- Reporting Requirements: Members are required to submit timesheets on a Weekly/Bi-weekly basis via SCA's timekeeping system, ADP
- Monthly Data Reports: Members are required to submit weekly output reports; training is provided at Introduction.
- Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members' output report.
- Include any additional requirements:
o Member must have a valid driver's license and be comfortable with operating state vehicles.
o Member must be willing to live in provided housing at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve. o Member must be able to lift 30 lbs.
o Member must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
o Member must be willing to handle and care for live animals.
o Member must enjoy working with children.
o Member must be able to work independently and with a team.
o Member must be willing to work a varied schedule (including weekends and nights).
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
- Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
- Being at least 18 years or older;
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;
- Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowing your native flora and fauna to the region will be beneficial!
Working Conditions
- Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.
- Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.
- Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.
- Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
- Work may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.
- Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.
- Work may take place in cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
- Free housing provided: Member is provided free housing at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve on Staten Island, NY.
- Member will live at the historic Gericke Farm's farmhouse (4 bedroom, 1 bathroom) with 2 other SCA members.
Compensation
$500/Week
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Personal travel will require a personal vehicle.
Driving
Driving an OPRHP Vehicle is required for this position.
To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the NY OPRHP, you must:
Possess a current and valid driver's license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.
Provide your State Driver's Abstract from your State's DMV (reimbursable)
Pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training
Additional Benefits
o Member AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation: Members will receive an AmeriCorps orientation which includes training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more
o SCA Risk Management
o Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
o Mental Health First Aid Training
o Wilderness First Aid & CPR
o Project WILD & Project AQUATIC
o New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
o Hudson River Ecology
o Leave No Trace Level 1
o Professional Development & Job Readiness
o Service events including but not limited to: Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, A Day in the Life of the Hudson River
o Health Insurance
o AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.
Position Summary
Come work at the Nature Interpretive Center nestled in our beautiful 265-acre forested park on Staten Island! You'll learn how to teach a large variety of programs for all ages including our weekly toddler story time, maple syruping, investigating pond macroinvertebrates, bird walks, and more! SCA Members help run monthly public programs, lead field trips, create exhibits, care for live animals, and contribute to ongoing research of the park's ecosystems.
Hosting Organization
Clay Pit Ponds State Park NYS OPRHP
Location
Staten Island, NY
- This position is primarily in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are available within 30 minutes . Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
- This position may conduct work in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
- This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.
Schedule
January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Assist educators in planning, setting up, teaching, and evaluating in-person programs and workshops. Lead interpretive hikes on forested trails. 2. Design education content that motivates, inspires, and informs across a wide variety of digital platforms using a variety of media, including but not limited to social media posts, exhibits, program signage, etc.
3. Design, plan, and implement one lasting impact project at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve.
4. Assist with the creation of program materials. Keep materials organized and catalogued to maintain inventory.
5. Conduct research and perform field work to support education programs, community science, and stewardship such as wildlife surveys and invasive species removal.
6. Assist with maple syrup production and education.
7. Assist with maintenance and programming at the historic Gericke Farm. 8. Assist with general Nature Interpretive Center upkeep including but not limited to, designing and creating new exhibits, handling and caring for live animals, pollinator garden maintenance, greeting and interacting with visitors, and composting.
Marginal Duties
1. Other duties as assigned by management based on the facilities' operational needs.
2. Spend at least one workday each month with the region's Stewardship Team removing invasive species and conducting research.
3. Travel to other State Parks throughout NYC to assist with special events.
Required Qualifications
- Member Evaluation: A Mid-term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the mid-point of a members' term of service. An End of Term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the members' end of service.
- Reporting Requirements: Members are required to submit timesheets on a Weekly/Bi-weekly basis via SCA's timekeeping system, ADP
- Monthly Data Reports: Members are required to submit weekly output reports; training is provided at Introduction.
- Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members' output report.
- Include any additional requirements:
o Member must have a valid driver's license and be comfortable with operating state vehicles.
o Member must be willing to live in provided housing at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve. o Member must be able to lift 30 lbs.
o Member must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
o Member must be willing to handle and care for live animals.
o Member must enjoy working with children.
o Member must be able to work independently and with a team.
o Member must be willing to work a varied schedule (including weekends and nights).
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
- Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
- Being at least 18 years or older;
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;
- Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowing your native flora and fauna to the region will be beneficial!
Working Conditions
- Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.
- Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.
- Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.
- Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
- Work may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.
- Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.
- Work may take place in cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
- Free housing provided: Member is provided free housing at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve on Staten Island, NY.
- Member will live at the historic Gericke Farm's farmhouse (4 bedroom, 1 bathroom) with 2 other SCA members.
Compensation
$500/Week
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Personal travel will require a personal vehicle.
Driving
Driving an OPRHP Vehicle is required for this position.
To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the NY OPRHP, you must:
Possess a current and valid driver's license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.
Provide your State Driver's Abstract from your State's DMV (reimbursable)
Pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training
Additional Benefits
o Member AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation: Members will receive an AmeriCorps orientation which includes training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more
o SCA Risk Management
o Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
o Mental Health First Aid Training
o Wilderness First Aid & CPR
o Project WILD & Project AQUATIC
o New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
o Hudson River Ecology
o Leave No Trace Level 1
o Professional Development & Job Readiness
o Service events including but not limited to: Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, A Day in the Life of the Hudson River
o Health Insurance
o AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.
Outdoor Educator Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Outdoor Educator JobsOutdoor Educator Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in outdoor educator jobs.
- Current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification
- Experience leading outdoor programming for youth or school-age groups
- CPR and first aid certification from a recognized provider
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record for transporting participants
- Bachelor's degree in environmental education, recreation, biology, or a related field
- Leave No Trace Trainer certification or demonstrated LNT knowledge
Tips for Your Outdoor Educator Job Search
List every relevant certification you hold
Outdoor educator postings frequently filter by certifications like Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, or lifeguard credentials before reviewing anything else. Put them in a dedicated section at the top of your resume so hiring managers spot them immediately.
Tailor your resume to the setting
Camp programs, school-based outdoor ed, and wilderness expeditions each want different proof of experience. Swap out bullet points to match the specific environment in the job posting, whether that's youth development outcomes, curriculum design, or backcountry logistics.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists outdoor educator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target seasonal postings before the hiring window closes
Many outdoor educator roles open months before the program starts, especially for summer camps and school-year residencies. Watch for postings in late winter and early spring, since competitive positions fill fast and late applicants rarely get interviews.
Prepare a teaching or facilitation demo
Many employers ask finalists to lead a short activity or lesson with actual participants or staff. Practice a ten-minute nature journaling exercise, team challenge, or ecology walk so you can deliver it smoothly under observation without overexplaining your choices.
Negotiate start dates and housing clearly
Residential outdoor educator roles often include on-site housing as part of compensation. Before accepting, confirm move-in dates, what gear storage is available, and whether housing ends when the program does, since those details affect your real financial picture.
Outdoor Educator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most outdoor educators?
The companies hiring the most outdoor educators right now include Student Conservation Association, Appalachian Mountain Club, and University of Wisconsin–Madison, with the largest share of openings in New York, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Program-based nonprofits and residential camp organizations tend to post the highest volume of roles each hiring cycle.
How many outdoor educator jobs are remote?
About 0% of outdoor educator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how hands-on most of the work is. Curriculum development, program coordination, and virtual environmental education facilitation are the sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
How do you become an outdoor educator?
Start by earning a degree or coursework in environmental education, recreation, ecology, or a related field, then build field experience through volunteer programs, internships, or seasonal camp work. Earn core safety certifications like Wilderness First Aid and CPR, complete Leave No Trace training, and practice facilitating activities with youth groups before applying to full-time roles.
How do you get hired as an outdoor educator with little or no experience?
Apply to seasonal camp counselor or assistant naturalist roles first, since those positions prioritize enthusiasm and safety certifications over a long work history. Volunteer with local nature centers or after-school programs to build documented hours with youth, and earn your Wilderness First Aid certification before you apply, as that credential alone separates newer candidates from the pool.
What does the outdoor educator interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone or video screen to assess communication style and your comfort working with youth outdoors. Finalists are typically invited to a site visit or in-person interview where you may be asked to lead a short activity or lesson with staff or students present. References from past supervisors at camps, schools, or nonprofits are almost always checked before an offer is made.
Where can I find and apply to outdoor educator jobs?
You can find and apply to outdoor educator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings for roles that match your certifications, experience level, and preferred setting, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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