Outdoor Educator

Job Responsibilities: 

• Teach New York City youth environmental and outdoor education concepts through experiential lesson design

• Facilitate low ropes elements and challenge course activities  

• Learn and teach wilderness survival skills including primitive fire making, shelter building, and foraging for wild edibles. 

• Supervise 6-7 youth overnight in canvas, cabin style tents on platforms. 

• Celebrate with skits, drumming, and S’mores at our campfire program 

• Mentor outdoor educator assistants as part of a small co-teaching group working with 10-12 participants. 

Outdoor Educators in the spring/fall school programs will facilitate 3-day school chaperoned field trips at MEC for our partner NYC public schools.  Staff work closely together in a supportive atmosphere and teach small, coed groups of 10-12 youth in a variety of outdoor settings.

Outdoor Educators in our Summer Programs lead Wilderness Expeditions: 

• 6 overnight wilderness expeditions backpacking and/or canoeing for 2-5 days in length. 

• Hike on the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, and throughout Savoy Mountain State Forest.  

• Paddle a series of mountain ponds and rivers in southern New England, including the Deerfield River, Connecticut River, and Battenkill River.

Qualifications:  

Required: 

• An adventurous spirit, willingness to learn, passion for the outdoors, and enjoys connecting with urban youth.   

• BA/BS in related discipline preferred.  Significant professional experience considered.  

• Background clearances and medical physical required.

Preferred: 

• Experience in outdoor education & leadership training in a camp setting. 

• Experience working with urban school groups (field trip program only) 

• Experience with wilderness navigation (summer only) 

• Spanish/English Bilingual a plus. 

• Valid driver’s license.  

Join our diverse team for spring, or summer, or fall or for all 3 seasons! 

School Field Trip Program (Spring 2025): 4-15 to 6-6

Summer 2025 Camp & Expedition Program: 6-9 to 8-25

School Field Trip Program (Fall 2025): 9-3 to 10-31