Outdoor Instructor Jobs
Outdoor Instructor jobs are open across adventure camps, outdoor education programs, public parks, and recreation organizations, from entry-level staff to senior lead and program director roles, with specializations in wilderness education, rock climbing, and kayaking. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Summary
To learn more about working with Camp & Outdoor Leadership at the Y, please visit us online at www.campingandoutdoorleadership.org.
What you'll get from working at The Y:
- Individual membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle
- Free access to mental health resources
- Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO) available immediately upon hire
- A positive, growth-oriented community of fun coworkers
- Opportunity for adventure every day
- Act as part of the total camp staff team to provide a quality outdoor education program to school groups and weekend family camps.
- Actively contribute to the camp staff team by communicating ideas and concerns openly, making solution-oriented suggestions, exhibiting a service-minded attitude, and being an appropriate role model.
- Prepare and teach classes in Environmental Education and Challenge Education daily as assigned.
- Facilitate activities (e.g., crafts, archery, large group games, campfires, etc.) daily as assigned.
- Facilitate evening activities, meal duties, and cleaning duties as assigned.
- Model and enforce all camp policies.
- Attend and participate in all required meetings and trainings.
- Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, program and equipment inspection written documentation, and emergencies.
- Ensure high standards of housekeeping are met in all cabins, facilities, staff housing, program areas, bathrooms, and main lodge. Monitor and restock housekeeping supplies as needed.
Work Environment
This job operates at a seasonal residential camp, both inside and outdoors. Staff typically live in either shared cabins with campers or in shared housing with staff for the duration of employment. Specific housing depends on position and availability.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and store supplies, up to 50 pounds.
Position Type / Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, seasonal position. The usual camp work week is five (5) days on and two (2) days off, including training, staff meetings, and regular duties. This position is exempt from minimum wage and overtime regulations per State of Washington wage and hour law.
Code of Conduct for Applicants
All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements.
- At least one (1) season of experience teaching environmental education.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Current state-approved First Aid certification.*
- Current state-approved CPR certification.*
- BA / BS degree or equivalent in related field.
- Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
- Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building.
- CPR and FA training will be provided within first 30 days of employment.
OUR VALUES
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Honesty
- Caring
- Passion for Excellence
All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.
Job Summary
To learn more about working with Camp & Outdoor Leadership at the Y, please visit us online at www.campingandoutdoorleadership.org.
What you'll get from working at The Y:
- Individual membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle
- Free access to mental health resources
- Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO) available immediately upon hire
- A positive, growth-oriented community of fun coworkers
- Opportunity for adventure every day
- Act as part of the total camp staff team to provide a quality outdoor education program to school groups and weekend family camps.
- Actively contribute to the camp staff team by communicating ideas and concerns openly, making solution-oriented suggestions, exhibiting a service-minded attitude, and being an appropriate role model.
- Prepare and teach classes in Environmental Education and Challenge Education daily as assigned.
- Facilitate activities (e.g., crafts, archery, large group games, campfires, etc.) daily as assigned.
- Facilitate evening activities, meal duties, and cleaning duties as assigned.
- Model and enforce all camp policies.
- Attend and participate in all required meetings and trainings.
- Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, program and equipment inspection written documentation, and emergencies.
- Ensure high standards of housekeeping are met in all cabins, facilities, staff housing, program areas, bathrooms, and main lodge. Monitor and restock housekeeping supplies as needed.
Work Environment
This job operates at a seasonal residential camp, both inside and outdoors. Staff typically live in either shared cabins with campers or in shared housing with staff for the duration of employment. Specific housing depends on position and availability.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and store supplies, up to 50 pounds.
Position Type / Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, seasonal position. The usual camp work week is five (5) days on and two (2) days off, including training, staff meetings, and regular duties. This position is exempt from minimum wage and overtime regulations per State of Washington wage and hour law.
Code of Conduct for Applicants
All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements.
- At least one (1) season of experience teaching environmental education.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Current state-approved First Aid certification.*
- Current state-approved CPR certification.*
- BA / BS degree or equivalent in related field.
- Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
- Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building.
- CPR and FA training will be provided within first 30 days of employment.
OUR VALUES
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Honesty
- Caring
- Passion for Excellence
All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.
Outdoor Instructor Jobs by Experience Level
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Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in outdoor instructor jobs.
- Current Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certification
- CPR and AED certification from an accredited provider
- Experience leading groups in outdoor or backcountry settings
- Activity-specific certification such as ACA, AMGA, or Leave No Trace Trainer
- Valid driver's license and ability to operate program vehicles
- Background check clearance and experience working with youth or vulnerable populations
Tips for Your Outdoor Instructor Job Search
List your certifications before experience
Outdoor instructor hiring managers scan for Wilderness First Responder, CPR, and activity-specific credentials like ACA or AMGA before reading your work history. Put certifications in a dedicated section at the top of your resume so they're impossible to miss.
Tailor your application to the environment
A role at a school-based outdoor education program expects different language than one at a backcountry guiding outfit. Match your resume's tone and highlighted skills to the specific setting, whether that's youth development, technical climbing, or paddle sports.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists outdoor instructor 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 peak hiring windows
Most camps and programs hire for summer and spring seasons two to four months in advance. Searching in late winter puts you ahead of the rush when positions are freshest and competition is thinner than it will be closer to the start date.
Prepare a skills demonstration for your interview
Many outdoor instructor interviews include a practical component where you teach a short skill segment to the panel. Know which activity the role emphasizes, prepare a five-minute teach-back, and be ready to explain your safety decision-making out loud.
Negotiate start date around your certifications
If a certification renewal is coming up, flag it proactively rather than letting it surface as a problem. Employers often build onboarding around training schedules, and showing awareness of your credentials' status signals professionalism before your first day.
Outdoor Instructor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most outdoor instructors?
The most active employers for outdoor instructors right now are ENDLESS HORIZONS, YMCA Of Greater Seattle, and YMCA of San Diego County, and the most openings are in Oregon, Virginia, and Wisconsin, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Availability shifts seasonally, so checking frequently gives you the most accurate picture of where demand is highest.
How many outdoor instructor jobs are remote?
About 100% of outdoor instructor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most roles in the field. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include curriculum development, program coordination, and virtual safety training design rather than direct instruction.
How do you become an outdoor instructor?
Start by earning core safety certifications, specifically Wilderness First Responder and CPR, since most employers treat these as non-negotiable minimums. Build hands-on experience through volunteer roles, internships, or staff positions at camps or recreation programs. Add activity-specific credentials like Leave No Trace Trainer or a climbing instructor certification as you specialize. A background in education, recreation management, or environmental science strengthens your candidacy for program-level roles.
Can you get hired as an outdoor instructor with little or no experience?
Yes, entry-level outdoor instructor positions exist specifically for candidates building their first professional resume in the field. Day camps, school enrichment programs, and community recreation centers hire assistants and junior instructors who hold basic safety certifications even without prior paid experience. Volunteering with youth organizations, completing a Wilderness First Aid course, and demonstrating comfort in an outdoor setting through personal pursuits are the most effective ways to close the experience gap quickly.
What does the outdoor instructor interview process look like?
Most outdoor instructor interviews begin with a phone or video screen focused on your certifications, relevant experience, and comfort working with specific age groups. A second round often includes a practical skills demonstration where you teach a short activity segment to the interview panel. Some employers conduct a site visit or group interview day, particularly for residential camp and expedition roles, where they observe how you interact with other staff and handle spontaneous scenarios.
Where can I find and apply to outdoor instructor jobs?
You can find and apply to outdoor instructor 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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