Overview
The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is seeking Backpacking Field Instructors for the 2025 season (May – Oct), to work individual trip contracts. Instructors manage the safety of the students while co-facilitating multi-day adventure education programming in the field, including backpacking, hiking, camping, and more! Instructors also manage risks and assure effective courses, while serving as an educator and role model.
Must be able to teach and facilitate NCOAE’s curriculum to teens and adults, complete documentation accurately and in a timely fashion and participate in pre-trip and post-trip briefs. Additional duties include facilitating a meaningful group experience and setting an emotionally and physically safe, fun and engaging tone for students to follow. NCOAE is proud to be an AEE (Association for Experiential Education) accredited organization.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
• Prior experience working with wilderness programs, outdoor education, residential summer camps, or related field
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification, or willingness to obtain prior to employment
• Competency in risk management skills
• Prior to hiring: Satisfactory completion of the NCOAE instructor course
Preferred:
• 3+ years experience leading domestic and/or international outdoor education programs
• Current WFR or WEMT certification
Required Skills:
• Strong Critical Thinking and Problem Solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as a team
About National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education
From North Carolina to Alaska to the high Andes to Patagonia, NCOAE is the values-based outdoor and adventure education provider for teens and adults interested in personal growth and professional development. Our mission is to design and deliver handcrafted outdoor and adventure education experiences that promote personal growth, professional development, and stewardship in our communities and the nature environment.
