Outdoor Instructors are core members of the GirlVentures instructional team and serve as frontline program staff responsible for supervising and mentoring youth participants.

Instructors lead and supportmulti-day outdoor courses lasting 714 daysin campground and backcountry settings. Programs include backpacking, climbing, kayaking, leadership development, and environmental education.

Instructors work as part of a team that includes aCourse Director, Co-Instructor, and a high school-aged Assistant Instructorparticipating in GirlVentures Leadership Development Program.

This is aseasonal residential position requiring overnight work during courses.

What This Job Is Like

Working as a GirlVentures Instructor is rewarding and demanding. Instructors should expect to:

• Live and work outdoors with youth for714 consecutive days
• Take responsibility for participant safety and group wellbeing in dynamic outdoor environments
• Facilitate conversations about leadership, identity, and community with diverse groups of youth
• Work long, active days that include hiking, teaching, cooking, and supporting group dynamics
• Collaborate closely with a small instructional team while modeling leadership and adaptability

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor youth participants during multi-day outdoor programs
• Facilitate GirlVentures leadership, outdoor skills, and social justice curriculum
• Support backpacking, rock climbing, and sea kayaking program components under the direction of the Course Director
• Prepare course materials including curriculum supplies, food packing, and gear organization (with logistics staff support)
• Maintain safety and risk management protocols during all program activities
• Model leadership, teamwork, and personal responsibility in residential outdoor settings
• Mentor and support the high school Assistant Instructor
• Maintain positive relationships with program partners, guides, and staff
• Participate in course debriefs, evaluations, and student assessments

Required Qualifications

• Experience working withmiddle or high school youthin educational, mentoring, or outdoor settings
• Experience leading groups in outdoor environments
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR)certification (must be current before the summer season; partial reimbursement may be available)
• Ability to live and work outdoors for714 consecutive days
• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth development
• Valid drivers license with a clean driving record and ability to safely drive youth in a large SUV

Preferred Qualifications

• Climbing and/or kayaking instructor certification
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Experience facilitating leadership, identity, or social justice programming
• Class B Commercial Drivers License with passenger endorsement
• Experience navigating alpine terrain both on and off trail

Physical Requirements

Ability to hike up to8 miles per day while carrying a backpack weighing up to 40 lbs, and to live and work in campground or backcountry environments for extended periods.