Outdoor School Lead Instructors

Outdoor schools, Nature connection

Position Title:

Outdoor School Lead Instructor

Organization:  The Pine Project

Location:

Don Valley and Humber Valley areas, Toronto, Ontario

Position Type:  Fixed-term contract (21 September 2026 – 6 June 2027)

Hours per Week:  Multiple positions, 20-35 hours per week, including occasional weekend work. Hours are on a fixed weekly schedule

Compensation:  $23.00-$28.00 /hour, depending on experience

Reports to:

Program Manager

About The Pine Project
The Pine Project is Ontario’s leading nature connection organization. We offer year‑round nature connection programs for people of all ages in Toronto and the surrounding area. Our programs foster confidence, competence, resilience and a deep relationship with nature. By helping children connect to nature, we inspire them to respect, cherish, and care for the Earth. We are empowering the next generation of environmental stewards, problem solvers, and leaders.

We are committed to promoting equity and diversity within our workplace and greater community.

About This Role
Pine instructors deliver creative nature‑based programs in Toronto’s parks and beyond. This position involves working outside with kids aged 4-13 on a regular basis. Instructors embody our core values of nature, belonging, connection, gratitude, stewardship, and simplicity.

Key Position Responsibilities

Plan and lead The Pine Project’s nature connection programming

Mentor assistant staff and volunteers in facilitation and nature connection

Act in the best interest of all participants, volunteers, and staff

Demonstrate leadership through fostering positive, healthy relationships with all camp stakeholders, including staff, participants, caregivers and the public

Attend staff training; familiarize yourself with and abide by all policies and procedures

Commit to developing naturalist knowledge, wilderness skills, and personal connection to nature

Be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Help share Pine’s work and impact by contributing to collective communications efforts (e.g., gathering photos, participant quotes, or insights from programs)

What You Bring

A passion for learning and growth in the outdoors

An enthusiastic, outgoing, and dynamic approach

5+ years’ experience working with or caring for children of various ages

5+ years’ experience in outdoor and environmental education

Experience leading teams and training staff

Experience in lesson planning and program design

Strong communication, time management, and teamwork skills to support delivery of high‑quality programming

Commitment to The Pine Project’s mission statement and core values

Desire to further your own naturalist skills, mentoring techniques, and nature connection

Preparedness to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Up to date Police Vulnerable Sector Check (or willing to obtain before employment)

Up to date Intermediate First Aid (formerly Standard First Aid) and CPR‑C or higher (or willing to obtain before employment)

Valid class G driver’s licence

The following are assets, but not mandatory

Naturalist knowledge

Survival skills, backcountry guiding experience

Teaching certification (OCT)

Wilderness First Aid training

Swimming, lifeguarding, or paddling certifications

The Pine Project understands that the cost of certifications can be a barrier to accessing employment. If you identify as a member of a marginalized or equity‑deserving group, or have faced other systemic barriers to accessing employment, we may be able to subsidize the required certifications.

What We Bring

A staff community of learners pushing each other to grow our knowledge and experience

Daily experiences in the outdoors and in‑depth knowledge of Toronto parks and ravines

Training in topics related to nature, wilderness travel, wilderness skill development, and program planning and design

Training in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

Staff discounts on Pine Project programs

Work with purpose: make a difference for nature and people

Casual and welcoming work environment

Employee and Family Assistance Plan

How To Apply

Complete an application through our online portal at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). or send resume and cover letter to work with "Outdoor School Instructor Position" in the subject line. Please mention you saw this at

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview. No phone calls, please.

The Pine Project is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to promoting equity, inclusion and diversity within our workplace and greater community and recognise the barriers faced by historically disadvantaged groups. If contacted for a job opportunity, please advise us of any accommodation measures required to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received will be addressed in confidence.

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