The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is a values-based outdoor adventure and education provider for teens and adults interested in personal growth and professional development.

NCOAE is seeking exceptional individuals to join their growing team of outdoor adventure-based field instructors and program administrators!

With courses taking place in North Carolina, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Ecuador and beyond, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is a values-based outdoor and adventure education provider for people looking to challenge themselves physically and academically — by combining rigorous academics with personal growth and professional development.

NCOAE develops and facilitates professionally guided outdoor experiences that foster an engaged educational community through NCOAE's hands-on, experiential core curriculum that focuses on the educational principles of leadership, risk management, environmental ethics and outdoor technical skills. With courses and trainings that vary in length from three days to three months, these unique outdoor adventure programs allow students to fully engage in a variety of outdoor and wilderness activities, including kayaking, canoeing, backpacking, rock climbing, whitewater paddling, backcountry camping, map & compass navigation, and much more!

Participating in an NCOAE course has been one of the greatest experiences of my life! It helped me to grow emotionally and taught me skills that I am able to transfer into my everyday life. I am truly grateful and lucky to have been a part of this program. The wilderness adventures I experienced, including backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing, rafting, kayaking and surfing, were ones I’ll never forget. NCOAE Instructors were teachers, friends and role models and along with the other students on my course, I felt I've made a family for life. Thanks NCOAE! —Aaron M.

What You'll Be Doing — Explore Your Options!

As a values-based organization, everyone on the team—from the executive staff to field instructors—are committed to living (and teaching) NCOAE's core values: Challenge by Choice, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Proactiveness and Resiliency.

Field Instructors take on a variety of roles with NCOAE students — serving as a trip leader, program facilitator, outdoor educator, and role model!

NCOAE recognizes that dedicated instructors and administrative staff are key to student success. If you have a deep passion for outdoor education, take immense pride in your work, embrace change, enjoy positively impact the lives of others, and believe that mountains, rivers, and waves provide opportunities for growth and learning, NCOAE invites you to explore their current job openings.

NOCAE values people who bring diverse life experiences with them and those who seek adventure in their personal lives.

Do you have what it takes?
NCOAE is looking for staff who are committed to the educational, emotional, and physical development of students while leading multi-day outdoor education courses. NCOAE values people with diverse life experiences who seek adventure in their personal lives. All courses are physically and mentally demanding, and staff must have considerable proficiency in teaching and communicating with participants of diverse backgrounds and needs.

Field Instructors manage the safety of the students and co-instructors while facilitating multi-day adventure education programming in the field.

Field Instructors
Field Instructors manage the safety of students during multi-day courses while leading NCOAE’s hands-on, experiential core curriculum that focuses on the educational principles of leadership, risk management, environmental ethics and outdoor skills including kayaking, canoeing, whitewater paddling, backpacking, rock climbing, backcountry camping, map & compass navigation, and more. Through these lessons, Instructors help students improve their self-confidence and interpersonal relationships. Experiential education is merged with good, old-fashioned fun to offer an unrivaled path to insight, joy and drive.

Instructors also manage risks and assure effective courses, while serving as an educator and a role model. Instructors must be able to teach NCOAE’s curriculum, complete course documentation, and participate in pre/post-trip meetings. Additional duties include facilitating a meaningful group process and setting an emotionally and physically safe, fun, and engaging tone for students to follow.

Minimum Instructor Requirements:
• Prior experience leading outdoor education or related programs
• Current WFA certification (WFR preferred) or willingness to obtain
• Competency in risk management skills
• Satisfactory completion of a NCOAE Instructor Course

Preferred Requirements:
• 3+ years of experience leading domestic and international outdoor education programs
• Current WFR or WEMT certification
• Leave No Trace Trainer/Master Educator, AMGA SPI, and/or ACA Paddling certifications
• Any college level degree in adventure education, outdoor education, recreation, wilderness leadership or related field

Priority will be given to those who possess the experience, skills, certifications and requirements to serve as the whitewater rafting instructor and/or rock climbing instructor.

Raft Guides
Seeking experienced AND first year Whitewater Rafting Guides for the 2025 rafting season on the Deschutes River in Oregon!

NCOAE focuses on providing the highest level of safety, professionalism, and customer satisfaction. Energetic, positive, and ambitious individuals with previous commercial rafting experience are given preference for hiring. All first-year Guides must complete training runs on each section of the Deschutes River to demonstrate skills proficiency before taking clients down the river.

Raft Guide Requirements:
• Current WFA certification (WFR preferred)
• Current Swiftwater Rescue certification
• Prior experience leading rafting or paddling trips on class III-IV rivers
• Competency in risk management skills

Looking for a NCOAE Internship?
Intern responsibilities include program logistics, administrative support, food and gear organization, and special projects. Send an email to Human Resources for more information!

Location

During time off, explore local beaches, nearby of trails, and kayak local rivers!

Live the North Carolina Beach Lifestyle!
Just a short three-minute drive from the scenic beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, NCOAE's North Carolina headquarters sits on 17 wooded acres adjacent to the Cape Fear River and is home to deer, black bear, live oaks, cypress, and magnolias. The facility consists of a 2,000 square foot classroom with offices, a 1,200 square foot gear warehouse, staff and participant housing, a staff pantry, a WiFi-enabled campus, outdoor showers, and laundry facilities. During time off, explore local beaches, surf the waves, hike nearby trails, and paddle local rivers!

Compensation & Perks

An additional perk is the potential for staff to travel and work at unique course sites throughout the United States and the world.

Compensation and wages are competitive and based on factors including experience, education, certifications, and commitment. Starting pay ranges from $80-$145/day (DOE) with opportunities for advancement. Perks include staff housing, food pantry, travel reimbursements, industry discounts, and other stipends are also available. Enjoy traveling and working in unique, pristine areas throughout the United States and the world. NCOAE's outdoor adventure courses take place in North Carolina, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Ecuador, and beyond.

Time Commitment

Satisfactory completion of a NCOAE Instructor Course (at no cost to you) is mandatory prior to beginning seasonal work.

Satisfactory completion of a 14-day NCOAE Instructor Course (at no cost to you) is mandatory prior to beginning seasonal work. Seasonal positions are available from April to October, with occasional opportunities for winter employment. Priority is given to candidates who can commit to a full season.

Your First Move & Connections

Applications from exceptional outdoor and wilderness-based educators, guides, field staff and program administrators are accepted on a rolling basis.

If you have a background in outdoor education, guiding, and/or adventure-based programming, a deep passion for education and the outdoors, take pride in your work, embrace change, and enjoy positively impacting the lives of others, email you cover letter and resume to NCOAE Human Resources. Applications accepting on rolling basis.

NCOAE 2025 HIRING!
NCOAE is seeking Wilderness Field Guides to join the team for the winter season (January-February 2025). Applications from exceptional outdoor and wilderness-based educators, guides, and field staff are also being accepted for the 2025 season (April to October). Completion of NCOAE's 14-day Instructor Course (at no cost to you) is required prior to beginning seasonal employment. Apply now for the next course in North Carolina from April 30th-May 13th, 2025.

Human Resources
The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education
9809 River Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 399-8090
hr@ncoae.org
NCOAE.org

NCOAE is proud to be an AEE (Association for Experiential Education) accredited organization.

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