Outdoor Education Field Positions
Overview
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 California national parks, mountain retreat centers, Central Coast 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 with many of our students experiencing the outdoors for the first time. Be part of a team that is making a difference by getting youth outside!
How to Apply:
Step 1: If you have an interest in a position at Positive Adventures, we would love to hear from you! Please fill out the following application. This will serve as an informal 1st interview.
Step 2: Once you have submitted the application, please send a resume and cover letter introducing yourself to our team and telling us a little bit about your life, passions, and fun adventures to pajobs@positiveadventures.com
“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!”
Work Season Overview:
Spring Season – Feb 28th to June 9th
Summer Seaspn – June 15th to August 1oth
Fall Season – August 15th to November 15th
Paid Staff Training: Completion of 1 prior to your first season is Mandatory
Spring Season: February 20-24, 2023 in Big Bear, CA.
Summer Season: June 14th-17th San Diego, CA
Fall Season: August 10th-14th in Big Bear, CA
Locations for Programs
- Residential camps in Big Bear and Idyllwild, CA
- Residential camps on Catalina Island
- Basecamp in Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Pinnacles National Park
- Coastal Basecamp in Big Sur, CA Central Coast, and Santa Barbara
- Backcountry in Utah, California, and Nevada (WFR Req.)
- Day Trips in the Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA area
- We create new trips in new places ever year!
Position Responsibilities
- Facilitate groups of 13-15 students through 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
- Wilderness First Responder a plus
- 1 year of experience working in the outdoor education field or with youth in other settings
- Excellent communication, leadership, and teamwork skills
- Proven ability to work with others, and maintain positivity in challenging situations
- Availability to attend one of our paid trainings
- Ability to pass a background check/live scan
- Ability to work long days on your feet outside
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 while at work.
Feedback from Past & Present Outdoor Education Facilitators:
“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, 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.”
