Education ​/ Teaching Instructor, Outdoor ​/ Nature

Frequently Asked Questions for Field Positions

Helping individuals and teams discover their strength of character, ability to lead, and desire to serve.

We know you have plenty of questions. Here are answers to a few. For all other questions, please contact our Human Resources team: staffing

What are the general requirements to become an instructor for North Carolina Outward Bound School?

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• Age: 21+
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications
• Willing to commit to at least 2 years with the organization

Leadership: We look for leadership experience at other outdoor organizations, in education, and in public service. Field staff at Outward Bound are passionate about their work with students and are skilled at finding varied ways to offer leadership opportunities and build rapport.

Stamina: Applicants must be sufficiently fit to participate in all course activities and maintain ample energy, strength, and focus to assist students with physical and emotional obstacles. Outward Bound courses challenge instructors with long hikes, 40-50 lb. backpacks, all-day and into the night paddles, sometimes uncooperative students, changing weather, and separation from friends and family.

Time Commitment: To best support our students and instructor professional development, we give strong preference to those who can commit to an entire season (March or May through October) and are excited about growing in this work for multiple seasons.

Outdoor Technical

Skills:

Our course areas are incredibly diverse, and we look for that same diversity in the technical skills of our instructional staff. We seek instructors with experience in at least one, if not multiple, of the following areas: backpacking, backcountry navigation, managing groups in hazardous weather, rock climbing, mountaineering, flatwater canoeing, whitewater canoeing, and sea kayaking. Most importantly, we look for and build upon a subtle, yet important skill: outdoor judgment
-the ability to make a sound, safe decision under challenging circumstances. Logistics coordinators are not required to have the above technical skills, although outdoor experience is valuable.

Professional Experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Teaching
• Counseling

Communication

Skills:

instructors need to have the ability to:

• Listen and articulate ideas
• Organize lessons and teach effectively
• Inspire others to a higher level of motivation
• Offer and receive open feedback
• Work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds

What is the salary range?

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• Instructors – $140/ day
• Lead Instructors & Specialists – $165/ day

What benefits are provided to field staff?

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• Room and board at one of our base camp communities
• Professional Equipment Purchase Program
• Worker’s Compensation
• Professional development opportunities at no or little cost (i.e., AMGA SPI, Swiftwater Rescue, Sea Kayak Camp)
• Wilderness First Responder & CPR Reimbursement – Available to staff after their initial hire into the school
• An amazing community of people to live, work, and play with

Is there a required minimum age to work for North Carolina Outward Bound School?

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All Outward Bound staff, including Interns, must be 21 years of age or older.

What if I do not currently meet the requirement to be considered as an Assistant Instructor?

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Take an Outdoor Educator Course: Many folks looking to transition into a career in experiential education participate in our Outdoor Educator Course. This 50-day course is designed for people who are interested in getting into the field of outdoor education and would like to develop technical, leadership and teaching skills. We offer this course in the spring and fall. Learn more.

Become Support Staff: Consider working for the school as support staff! These staff members coordinate and execute the behind-the-scenes logistical needs to support students and staff in the field. Check out our available Base Camp Positions!

Get More Technical

Skills:

Explore wilderness areas to hone your navigation and outdoor living skills. Spend more time rock climbing and paddling to increase your technical competency. Take a Wilderness First Responder course to gain the medical…