Seasonal Field Instructor

Who we are: The Mountaineers is a community of outdoor recreationists and conservationists founded in 1906 to explore the peaks and waterways of the Pacific Northwest. Today, we have more than 15,000 members and seven branches in Western Washington, where we deliver most of our outdoor education programming. Thanks to the work of generations of volunteers and our internationally recognized publishing division, we continue to enjoy an outstanding reputation in the fields of outdoor education, recreation, and public lands conservation and advocacy.
Our core value of community reflects the belief that a diverse and inclusive outdoors inspires unity, respect, and passion for the places we love. Our 45 staff, divided between our program centers and our nonprofit publishing division, Mountaineers Books, and 2,500+ volunteers work together to achieve our mission to enrich lives by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
The Adventure Camp Field Instructor provides positive, valuable, and safe experiences for Mountaineers campers on overnight trips. They are directly responsible for the daily supervision of the group and teaching a variety of outdoor skills and curriculum. They will prepare for each camp, including meal planning and gear organization, and cleaning up after each camp. The Adventure Camp Field Instructor should excel at spreading stoke and inspiring confidence in outdoor settings through personal connection and group facilitation. Mountaineers Adventure Camps include camping and learning outdoor skills at Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park, camping and rock climbing in Leavenworth, and backpacking in various locations in Washington’s Cascade range. Adventure Camp trips are open to campers ages 10-14 and Teen Adventure Camp trips are open to campers ages 14-17.
Foster a positive sense of community within the group and seek ways to include all campers.
Enthusiastically teach outdoor activities and curriculum.
Assist in the preparation and planning of each camp.
Along with other Field Instructors, provide outdoor instruction, such as climbing, backpacking, hiking, camping, leave no trace principles, trail etiquette, navigation, and outdoor cooking.
Assist in setting outdoor climbing routes and safely managing climbing sites.
Ensure The Mountaineers youth policies and procedures are followed and adhered to at all times.
Have a high school diploma.
Ability to drive a 15-passenger van and maintain a clean driving record
Summer camp experience, or comparable experience working with 10-17 year olds on overnight programs.
Experience teaching outdoor recreation skills such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, first aid, navigation, outdoor cooking, naturalist skills, teambuilding, or photography.
Personal outdoor experience (i.e. backpacking, rock climbing, and hiking).
Cultivating an inclusive staff is central to The Mountaineers focus on advancing equity. Our core values are Adventure, Advocacy, Community, Education, and Volunteerism, and we believe a diverse and inclusive environment inspires unity, respect, and passion for our work and one another. The Mountaineers is an equal-opportunity employer, and candidates from all backgrounds are considered, and as an organization that values equity and inclusion, we highly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, and veterans to apply.
All Adventure Camp Programs start and end at the Seattle Program Center and take place in the field across Western Washington. This position is 100% in-person throughout the summer to support programs.
As a requirement of instructing youth programs you will be required to bend, squat, run, or climb.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position is for a full-time, seasonal, exempt employee. Hours vary throughout the week, including daytime and evenings when in the field. Programs do not run on the weekend. The cover letter should address 1) what experience, skills, and personal characteristics qualify you for this position and 2) why the mission and work of The Mountaineers appeals to you.

We are unable to sponsor H1-B Visas at this time.