Seasonal Outdoor Educator

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB • Gorham, NH

3d • $16 - $16 • Onsite

About The Position

Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) offers staff-led outdoor experiences for youth, adults, and families that promote appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, and responsible use of natural resources. The Outdoor Educator leads educational programs and trips for K–12 school groups during the school program season (April–June and September–October). During July and August, programming also serves families and adults. Lessons on climate change, forest and watershed ecology, map and compass, geology, weather and climate, outdoor skills, community building, and leadership development are integrated into nature- and student-centered hiking programs. The Educator leads trips, manages risk, facilitates learning, and serves as an interpretive and informational resource to participants and guests, providing high-quality outdoor experiences.

This seasonal position is based at Pinkham Notch in Gorham, New Hampshire, and is scheduled from April 7 through October 29, 2027. Work includes frequent backcountry travel and may involve long hours in mentally and physically demanding conditions. The Educator travels to AMC lodges, backcountry huts, and shelters and drives 12-passenger vans carrying participants.

Requirements

• Friendly and flexible personality, with commitment and enthusiasm for teaching youth.
• Demonstrated experience leading student or youth groups in the backcountry.
• Experiential teaching experience.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and ability to work with youth from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with co-leaders.
• Ability to create an emotionally safe and inclusive learning environment, foster positive group culture, and build healthy rapport with youth.
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification, preferably Wilderness First Responder (WFR), or ability to obtain certification before starting employment.
• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in natural sciences, experiential education, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Ability to hike 6–8 miles per day on uneven terrain while carrying a backpack and other equipment weighing up to 40 pounds, in all weather conditions.
• Willingness to work long hours in mentally and physically demanding conditions.
• Satisfactory driving record and background check, verified by state record check.
• Employees working in programs or facilities serving children, disabled persons, or the elderly must undergo an annual criminal background record check; employment is contingent on satisfactory results.

Nice To Haves

• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification preferred.
• Age 21 or older and ability to obtain DOT medical clearance to drive vehicles strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate single- and multi-day hiking, backpacking, and occasional canoeing trips for youth, adults, and families.
• Implement thematic, place-based environmental education, leadership, and community-building lesson plans suited to diverse participant populations.
• Create and foster an inclusive group culture and learning environment among participants and co-workers.
• Prioritize participant safety and manage risk in backcountry settings by assessing environmental and human risk and making decisions that benefit the group and individual experience.
• Provide wilderness medical care.
• Model responsible outdoor behavior and Leave No Trace ethics.
• Work independently or collaboratively on curriculum development, teaching tools, and logistical tasks.
• Collaborate across AMC departments.
• Perform program logistics, including issuing, collecting, cleaning, and maintaining gear; preparing teaching supplies; ordering and organizing food; and assisting with gear and supply inventories.
• Travel to and become familiar with the operations of AMC lodges, backcountry huts, and shelters.
• Drive 12-passenger vans carrying participants.

Benefits

• Dorm-style room for $75 per week, with meals included.
• Insurance available for positions lasting six months or longer when working more than 30 hours per week.
• Voluntary 403(b) contribution.
• Earn up to 10 days of paid earned time, depending on length of service.
• 30% discount on AMC merchandise.
• Free annual AMC membership.
• Four free nights at AMC locations.
• Prodeals discounts on equipment and gear.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level