California Outdoor Education - Climbing, Surfing & Community! Instructor pay at $250.00 per day

To Apply MUST FILL OUT THIS LINK

Step 1: Apply online through our link - https://forms.clickup.com/90131706016/f/2ky49c50-753/9OO1VZNTII5LBW0FEM

We know there are a lot of choices when it comes to working in the Outdoor Education field and we humbly believe that our organization is one of the best. Our staff retention rate is over 80%, with our team members returning each season to continue their growth and development as Outdoor Educators.

We promote from within whenever possible and we strive to create an open, inclusive, and diverse environment where you can be yourself! Our kids need you! Our planet needs you and being part of the Outdoor Education field will change your life!

What sets us apart from other organizations:

• We are leading the way with field instructor compensation with starting instructor pay at $250.00 per day

• Each season you return you earn a bonus

• 2nd season with PA: $250

• 3rd season with PA: $350

• 4 or more seasons: $500

• We offer a $350 certification stipend so that you can grow professionally each season. WFR, Lifeguard, AMGA, and ACCT certifications all qualify

• We cover your transportation to and from the programs and you are compensated any time you drive a company vehicle saving you hundreds of dollars in gas each season

• Discounts on gear and other business partnerships in the San Diego Area

• Opportunities to grow as our organization grows with promotions into full-time Course Director positions and office positions available

Positive Adventures hires Outdoor Education Facilitators to support our Spring, Summer, and Fall Outdoor Education Seasons. Each Program is generally 3-5 days in length and takes place in a variety of world-class settings, including national parks, mountain retreat centers, Joshua Tree camping, Santa Barbara beaches and more. We offer Basecamp and Backcountry programs working with students ranging from 5th to 12th grade. Students come from a large variety of diverse backgrounds. Be part of a team that is making a difference by getting youth outdoors!

Work Season Overview:
Spring Season – March to Mid June
Summer Programs – June to August
Fall Season – August to November

Staff Training (Idyllwild or Big Bear):
8/14/2026 to 8/21/2026 Mandatory

We require a two-season commitment from new program staff. New hires beginning with Fall staff training will work at a minimum during the Fall and Spring seasons in order to be eligible for employment.

Locations for Programs

• Residential or Basecamp in Big Bear, and Idyllwild

• Coastal Programs in Santa Barbara, Catalina, Big Sur, San Diego, Central Coast and Marin Headlands

• Basecamp in Yosemite, Pinnacles and Sequoia, and Joshua Tree National Parks

• Our programs require an exciting amount of travel from location to location. Programs only run Monday-Friday.

Position Responsibilities

• Facilitate groups of 13-15 students through a multi-activity OE curriculum in the residential camp and basecamp settings.

• Ability to facilitate team-building initiatives, group games, ice breakers, and warm-up activities. Training provided. Prior experience is a plus.

• Manage the risk involved with OE programs including group management, activity-specific risks, and emotional and social boundaries.

• Manage belay stations effectively in both the ropes course and top-rope rock climbing site environments. Training provided. Prior experience is a plus.

• Lead groups through activity rotations such as high ropes course, scrambling and hiking, environmental education hikes and lessons, low ropes team building. Night adaptation and astronomy. Training provided. Prior experience is a plus.

Position Qualifications

• Current First Aid/CPR

• Experience working with youth in an outdoor or traditional setting

• Excellent communication, leadership and teamwork skills.

• Ability, energy and empathy to manage student groups in the outdoors

• Cell Phone and Access to Technology

• Availability to attend one of our paid trainings.

• Ability to pass a background check/live scan.

Compensation

Positive Adventures is proud to compensate our staff at a highly competitive rate. We value your expertise, hard work, and dedication to our field. When working as a Field Facilitator on programs, compensation is arranged as follows:

Field Staff:

• Prep-Day(s) defined as the day(s) before the client arrives $125.00/Day

• Field Day(s) defined as full days of facilitation $250.00/Day

• Debrief Day: Typically a partial day client-facing, plus cleanup/debrief hours. $125.00/Day

Example: A three-day youth program from Wednesday-Friday, will include one additional prep day, would be paid as follows:

• Prep Day: Tuesday at $125.00

• Field Days: Wednesday + Thursday at $250.00 each

• Debrief Day: Friday $125.00

• Total Program Pay: $750.00

In addition to the daily rate, staff accommodations and meals are provided. All Positive Adventures Field Staff will be enrolled to receive pro-deals. Staff returning for the following year are eligible for the Returning Staff Bonus and Professional Development Reimbursement Program of up to $375 per season

Feedback from Past & Present Outdoor Education Facilitators:

“Working for Positive Adventures provided an opportunity for me to make meaningful connections and facilitate impactful experiences with students while exploring beautiful locations. I was given a chance to push myself to grow professionally and occupy new leadership roles in a safe and supported setting. I highly recommend PA for any outdoor educators who want to add to their skill set, gain experience, and have loads of fun doing so!”

“Positive Adventures is a fast-paced, fun-filled space, moving from place to place every week – I learned so much in such a short time! It’s rewarding to work with students from different schools, a range of grade levels, in various outdoor venues and activities. From staff to schools, great people to work with all around. I loved being able to work outdoors and share that passion with the kids in an alternate learning experience.”

“Working for PA is interesting, fun, rewarding, and an opportunity for personal growth! And you get to sleep and work in beautiful places! When working for PA you get to learn about and utilize your own strengths and leadership skills. All while experiencing the wild natural environments throughout the US and making a difference in a young person’s life. You get to work on a team of skilled leaders (who will likely become your friends!) and from whom you’ll learn new ideas. You get to work with an organization that cares about your safety and your feedback. And you get to share your knowledge, experience, mentorship, and care for the next generation and our earth.”

Thank you for your interest in Positive Adventures! Success is a choice, choose Positive.

If you have an interest in a position at Positive Adventures, we would love to hear from you!

Job Type: Part-time

Benefits:

• Employee discount

• Flexible schedule

• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Are you at least 21 years old? We cannot explore employment with candidates under 21 due to insurance reasons.

Experience:

• outdoor guiding work: 1 year (Preferred)

• youth education: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (Preferred)

• CPR Certification (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: On the road