Outdoor Education Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly eco-conscious society, the importance of outdoor education instructors is at an all-time high.
As nature takes center stage, the demand for skilled instructors who can teach, inspire, and guide individuals in the great outdoors is growing.
But let’s uncover the details: What’s truly expected from an outdoor education instructor?
Whether you are:
- An individual seeking to understand the core of this role,
- A recruiter outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the realm of outdoor education,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable outdoor education instructor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Outdoor Education Instructor Duties and Responsibilities
Outdoor Education Instructors conduct educational lessons and programs in an outdoor setting.
They are responsible for the planning, implementation, and facilitation of physical and educational activities that promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
The duties and responsibilities of an Outdoor Education Instructor include:
- Plan, organize, and lead groups in outdoor adventure activities, such as hiking, camping, canoeing, climbing, and wilderness survival skills
- Assess the abilities of participants and modify activities to meet the needs of individual participants
- Teach and promote environmental awareness, conservation, and the cultural history of the outdoor area
- Provide instruction on safety procedures and the proper use of outdoor equipment
- Monitor participants’ activities to ensure safety and prevent accidents
- Administer first aid and emergency care when needed
- Prepare and serve meals for participants, following food safety guidelines
- Maintain outdoor equipment and facilities, ensuring they are safe and ready for use
- Communicate with parents, school officials, and other stakeholders about program goals, progress, and participant behavior
- Organize and participate in camp maintenance and cleaning tasks
- Participate in ongoing professional development and training
Outdoor Education Instructor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Outdoor Education Instructor to lead, instruct, and facilitate outdoor activities and lessons for various age groups.
Responsibilities include planning educational outdoor activities, ensuring safety guidelines are followed, and promoting environmental conservation.
Our ideal candidate is passionate about outdoor education and has a strong background in environmental science, outdoor recreation, or a related field.
Ultimately, the role of the Outdoor Education Instructor is to provide engaging, safe, and educational outdoor experiences for our program participants.
Responsibilities
- Plan, develop and implement outdoor educational programs
- Conduct risk assessments and ensure safety guidelines are followed at all times
- Lead outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, orienteering, and survival skills
- Facilitate learning through experiential education and outdoor pursuits
- Communicate effectively with participants of all ages and abilities
- Promote environmental conservation and sustainable practices
- Maintain equipment and report any damages or necessary repairs
- Participate in continuous professional development and training
Qualifications
- Proven experience as an Outdoor Education Instructor or similar role
- Strong knowledge of outdoor activities and safety protocols
- Certification in first aid and CPR
- Ability to lead and instruct groups of varying ages and abilities
- Passion for outdoor education and environmental conservation
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- BSc degree in Environmental Science, Outdoor Recreation, Education or relevant field
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
- Outdoor gear and equipment discounts
Additional Information
- Job Title: Outdoor Education Instructor
- Work Environment: Predominantly outdoor setting in various weather conditions. Some office work may be required for planning and administrative tasks.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Outdoor Education Program Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Outdoor Education Instructor Do?
Outdoor Education Instructors primarily work for outdoor education centers, summer camps, or adventure training organizations.
They can also work independently, organizing various outdoor programs for individuals or groups.
They are responsible for teaching outdoor skills like camping, hiking, rock climbing, canoeing, and survival skills.
They may also educate participants about wildlife, plant life, and environmental conservation, depending on the program’s focus.
Their job is to ensure safety while teaching these skills, which involves demonstrating correct techniques, checking equipment, and monitoring participants to prevent accidents.
They also need to understand first aid and emergency evacuation procedures.
Moreover, they plan and conduct outdoor education programs that combine adventure, education, and personal development.
They may also be required to tailor programs to meet the specific needs of different groups, such as people with disabilities or elderly participants.
Outdoor Education Instructors often aim to instill a love and respect for the outdoors in their participants while helping them develop their problem-solving skills, teamwork, and confidence.
Outdoor Education Instructor Qualifications and Skills
An effective Outdoor Education Instructor should possess the following qualifications and skills:
- Strong knowledge of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, camping, canoeing, survival skills, and environmental conservation.
- Excellent communication and instructional skills to effectively teach and guide groups in outdoor settings.
- Physical fitness and endurance for participation in outdoor activities and the ability to demonstrate techniques.
- Strong leadership and motivational skills to inspire and engage students of various age groups.
- First Aid and CPR certification, along with the ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
- Experience in risk management to ensure the safety of participants during outdoor activities.
- Ability to work in varied weather conditions and adapt to changing situations.
- Patience and empathy to understand and accommodate the learning needs and pace of different individuals.
- Good organizational skills to plan and execute outdoor programs and trips.
- An understanding of environmental principles and a commitment to promoting sustainability and conservation.
Outdoor Education Instructor Experience Requirements
Entry-level Outdoor Education Instructors often have at least 1 to 2 years of experience, usually acquired through volunteering, internships, or part-time roles in outdoor education or related fields.
Some may have gained practical experience during their studies in environmental science, education, or similar disciplines.
Candidates seeking to become Outdoor Education Instructors may also gain relevant experience in roles such as Camp Counselor, Wilderness Guide, or Park Ranger.
Additionally, experience and certifications in first aid, life-saving techniques, and specific outdoor pursuits (like rock climbing, kayaking, or hiking) are usually required.
Those with 3 to 5 years of experience often have developed their skills in outdoor education and activity facilitation, and have experience managing groups in an outdoor setting.
They may also have experience in designing and implementing outdoor education programs and possess strong knowledge about safety regulations and procedures.
Outdoor Education Instructors with more than 5 years of experience likely have held leadership roles, such as Team Leader or Program Coordinator, and may have experience training less experienced instructors.
This experience level may prepare them for roles such as Outdoor Education Program Director or Manager.
Outdoor Education Instructor Education and Training Requirements
Outdoor Education Instructors typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree in outdoor education, recreation, physical education, or a related field.
They often have a background in areas such as environmental science, biology, or geology, which helps them to enrich the outdoor experiences they lead.
Additionally, they need to have a strong knowledge of outdoor skills and activities, including camping, hiking, rock climbing, canoeing, and survival skills.
A number of certifications are essential for Outdoor Education Instructors.
This includes first aid and CPR certification, as well as specific certifications related to outdoor activities, such as rock climbing or water safety instructor certifications.
Some positions may require instructors to be certified teachers, particularly if the job involves a significant amount of classroom instruction.
Furthermore, a master’s degree in outdoor or experiential education can enhance job prospects and career advancement opportunities.
This higher education degree indicates a deeper understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of outdoor education.
Lastly, extensive experience with outdoor activities and leadership, often demonstrated through previous work in camping, guiding, or outdoor education settings, is typically required.
Outdoor Education Instructor Salary Expectations
An Outdoor Education Instructor can expect to earn an average salary of $39,000 (USD) per year.
This salary can vary greatly based on the instructor’s experience, the location of the job, and the organization that they are working for.
Other factors such as the level of certification and specialization in certain outdoor activities can also affect the salary.
Outdoor Education Instructor Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Outdoor Education Instructor need?
Outdoor Education Instructors should possess excellent leadership and communication skills, as they often lead groups and provide instructions.
They should also have a comprehensive knowledge of various outdoor activities, survival skills, and first-aid procedures.
Physical fitness is crucial as the job involves strenuous activities.
Instructors also need strong problem-solving abilities to adapt to unpredictable outdoor conditions and situations.
Do Outdoor Education Instructors need a degree?
While a degree is not always necessary, having a degree in outdoor education, physical education, or a related field can be advantageous.
Most employers require certification in first aid and CPR, and some may require additional certifications depending on the activities they offer, such as rock climbing or water sports.
Experience in leading outdoor activities and working with diverse groups of people is often more important than formal education.
What should you look for in an Outdoor Education Instructor resume?
An Outdoor Education Instructor’s resume should highlight their experience in outdoor activities, leadership roles, and first aid and safety skills.
Any certification related to outdoor activities, such as lifeguarding or wilderness first aid, should be included.
The resume should also outline the age groups the candidate has experience with, as instructing adults may require different skills than teaching children or teenagers.
What qualities make a good Outdoor Education Instructor?
A good Outdoor Education Instructor is passionate about the outdoors and physical activity.
They should be patient, empathetic, and adaptable, as they often work with people of different ages and abilities.
Being able to think on their feet and make quick decisions is important due to the unpredictable nature of outdoor environments.
They should also be committed to safety and be able to handle emergencies calmly and efficiently.
Is it difficult to hire Outdoor Education Instructors?
Hiring Outdoor Education Instructors can be challenging because it requires finding candidates with a unique combination of skills.
They need to be knowledgeable about various outdoor activities, have strong leadership and communication skills, and be physically fit.
Additionally, they must be certified in first aid and CPR, and sometimes in specific activities like rock climbing or water sports.
Therefore, finding a candidate who meets all these requirements can be a difficult task.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve journeyed through the adventurous path of being an outdoor education instructor.
But guess what?
It’s not just about knowing the ropes and outdoor skills.
It’s about fostering a love for the great outdoors, one adventure at a time.
Armed with our handy outdoor education instructor job description template and authentic examples, you’re ready to embark on your next journey.
But why stop there?
Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your compass to accurately-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every outdoor experience is a part of the grand adventure.
Let’s explore this journey. Together.
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