Overview
Outdoor Field Instructor
Location: Spruce Knob Mountain Center – Circleville
Dates: June 1 – October 31, 2026
Housing: Shared housing provided
Want a season that actually feels like an adventure? Trade the 9–5 for mountain views, campfires, and meaningful work with awesome people. Experience Learning is hiring Outdoor Field Instructors to spend the summer and fall living and working in the high mountains near Spruce Knob, leading outdoor experiences for youth ages 7–18. This is a hands-on role where you’ll build real leadership experience, grow your outdoor skills, and make an impact—all while living in a tight-knit community and spending most of your time outside.
A Season That Evolves With You
This job follows a two-season flow that keeps things exciting and full of variety:
Summer Camp Season (June–August) — Lead 6-day expedition-style trips with Mountain Stewards Summer Camp. Think backpacking through mountain terrain, canoeing, campfire cooking, dorm life, and mentoring campers as they build confidence and independence. Long days, big laughs, and unforgettable moments guaranteed.
Field Program Season (September–October) — Shift into leading school and group programs. Guide 1–8 day residential and backcountry courses that combine outdoor skills, natural science, and leadership development across West Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic. New groups, new challenges, and fresh experiences each week.
What You’ll Do
Lead backpacking, canoeing, and residential outdoor programs
Teach outdoor skills, teamwork, leadership, and environmental awareness
Create safe, inclusive learning environments and manage risk in the field
Cook meals, prep gear, and help keep programs running smoothly
Live and work in a fun, supportive staff community in a remote setting
Pay & Perks
$65–$115/day (typical starting range $80–$95/day)
Shared housing provided
Health leave (1 day/month worked)
Outdoor industry pro deals + professional development
Qualifications:
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
Required Skills:
Age 21+ with a degree or equivalent life experience
Valid driver's license
Wilderness First Aid + CPR/AED (or ability to obtain)
Experience working with youth and strong communication skills
Ability to hike up to 10 miles daily and carry 35–55 lbs
Positive energy, adaptability, and love for the outdoors
Preferred Skills:
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
About Experience Learning
Experience Learning has a 50+ year record of delivering unique outdoor experiences for both students and adults. Seasonal Outdoor Field Instructors are based at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center in West Virginia. Their primary responsibility will be facilitating beyond the classroom wilderness learning programs including four – eight day long field courses in the national forest, single and multi-day onsite residential courses, and *off-site field-based courses at various wild locations in the Mid-Atlantic region. The mission of these courses is to help people become confident, competent individuals with a clear vision of their responsibilities and potential for improving the human condition and the natural world.
