- Wages/Pay
- $350.00 / week
- Experience Level
- No experience required
- Job Start Date
- Sep 02, 2026
Now hiring for Fall 2026: September 2 - December 11, 2026! *Can be flexible on start date*
Join the McDowell Environmental Center Team!
Ready for an adventure? McDowell Environmental Center, nestled on 1,140 acres next to Bankhead National Forest, is calling all outdoor lovers to come live, work, and learn in nature. With sandstone canyons, miles of trails, streams, and waterfalls, it's the ultimate spot to grow both personally and professionally.
What’s the role?
As an Environmental Education Instructor, you’ll be leading hands-on programs for students of all ages and backgrounds. You’ll get to teach topics like geology, forest ecology, canoeing, high ropes, and more—while making learning fun, interactive, and meaningful. Plus, you’ll have the freedom to design your own lessons and teaching style. Think: creating your own curriculum, playing in the water, hiking through the forest, and even guiding night hikes or campfires.
What do we need?
You’re at least 21, flexible, and ready to get your hands dirty
A natural leader with a passion for the outdoors and teaching kids
A great team player with a sense of humor and initiative
Compensation Information
What’s in it for you?
Work-Life Balance: Monday–Friday with weekends off
Pay & Perks: $350/week to start (with seasonal raises), free meals when groups are on-site, private furnished room in shared housing, WiFi, access to pro-deals, and more
Living at Camp: Live in a laid-back environment with big screened-in porches, rocking chairs, and a shared kitchen to bond with your crew
Training: Two weeks of paid, intensive training to get you set for the season
Don't miss out on this chance to make a real impact and have an unforgettable experience!
How to Apply
Send your cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Meredith Donaldson. We hire 14 instructors per season and accept applications year-round.
Contact Info
- Meredith Donaldson
- mecdirector@campmcdowell.org
- 205-387-1806 etx. 109
- campmcdowell.org
Camp McDowell: McDowell Environmental Center
Share our 1,140 acres of forests, streams, waterfalls, and canyons in northwest Alabama with groups of students from all over the Southeast. Work with the students to foster a sense of community as well as an appreciation, understanding, and responsibility for the environment. The students, mostly grades 4th - 8th, come from a variety of backgrounds and visit our Center for a three day trip.
- Location
- Alabama
- Season
- Year Round
- Staff size
- 20+
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Housing details
- All instructors have fully furnished private bedrooms, shared bathroom with 1 other person, access to community kitchen, living room, laundry machines, and large porches with rocking chairs. Food staples and farm fresh food also provided!
- Pet friendly
- No
- Meals
- Provided
- Cell phone service
- Yes, most carriers
- Internet access
- Good
