Now Hiring: Lead Guides for Backpacking & Paddling Trips!

The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has immediate openings for Field Instructors, to guide individually contracted wilderness trips for the 2026 season (July-Oct).

Instructors manage the safety of trip participants while co-facilitating multi-day adventure education courses in the field, including canoeing, backpacking, hiking, camping, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and more! Instructors manage risks and assure effective courses while serving as an educator and role models.

Must be able to teach and facilitate NCOAE’s curriculum to teens and adults, complete documentation accurately and in a timely fashion and participate in pre-trip and post-trip briefs. Additional duties include facilitating a meaningful group experience and setting an emotionally and physically safe, fun and engaging tone for students to follow. NCOAE is proud to be an AEE (Association for Experiential Education) accredited organization.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with wilderness programs, outdoor education, residential summer camps, or related field

• Strong Critical Thinking and Problem Solving skills

• Ability to work independently and in a team

• Current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification (preferred) or willingness to obtain prior to employment

• Competency in risk management skills

• Prior canoe instruction experience a plus

• Successful completion of NCOAE staff training

Preferred:

• 3+ years experience leading domestic and/or international outdoor education programs

• Current WFR or WEMT certification

• Current ACA paddling certification

• Master’s, Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in adventure education, outdoor education, recreation, wilderness leadership or related degree

Employee Perks Include:

• Room/board for seasonal staff

• Industry-leading pay

• Travel reimbursements

• Training

• Uniform shirt

• Industry discounts on professional memberships, clothing, gear, and equipment

• A dedicated administrative team to support your in-field efforts

• Live just a few miles from the beach in between courses!