Instructor – Athenian Wilderness Experience

Overview

The Athenian Wilderness Experience (AWE) is a rigorous 26-day expeditionary backpacking course with rock climbing, solo, and possible independent student travel components. Courses are run during two sessions per year. Staff work dates are:

Death Valley National Park: March 8 – April 11, 2026

Yosemite National Park & surroundings: July 14 – August 17, 2026

Tagged as: Backcountry Skills

Qualifications:

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to provide structure, role model, and uphold behavioral standards for 15-18 year old youth. They will have current certification as a Wilderness First Responder, as well as prior professional experience facilitating team development and managing risk for teens on outdoor education trips that take place over multiple contiguous days and nights in a remote environment.

Required Skills:

The Athenian School seeks seasonal AWE Instructors with a history managing risk and technical components for multi-day wilderness backpacking courses. This person will work well in pairs, have excellent interpersonal skills, and be experienced managing and supporting teams in remote wilderness environments. They will enjoy understanding students, meeting them where they are on their educational path, and mentoring them in this unique setting. For many students this is their first experience in the outdoors.

Preferred Skills:

Instructors must have experience with and be able to teach systems such as: navigation with paper topographic maps, safe portable stove operations, packing systems, and tarp shelter set up. Successful applicants will bring excitement and experience to teaching students technical outdoor living skills, possess the ability to lead differentiated learning experiences, and maintain flexibility and a solution-oriented mindset when addressing new challenges.