Outdoor Field Instructors & Course Directors
Nestled in the heart of Appalachia lies Experience Learning, a 400-acre high preserve located just below the base of the highest mountain in West Virginia — Spruce Knob. With minimal trail systems and a million acres of the Monongahela National Forest, Instructors will lead participants on adventures they never knew possible. You and your group will navigate rivers, climb up rock faces, cave down under, and backpack through beautiful untouched wilderness preserves. Programs serve students in the 5th–12th grades, and include both residential and wilderness field courses based out of the Spruce Knob Mountain Center campus.
Do you believe in the power of wild places? Lead high-quality, adventure-based, outdoor education programs in backcountry environments throughout the mid-Atlantic region! Facilitating beyond the classroom wilderness learning programs, Outdoor Field Instructors help students gain the confidence, experience, and appreciation for our natural world through lessons and activities that include hiking, backpacking, camp craft, orienteering, caving, environmental education, rock climbing, canoeing, and survival skills. In addition, Instructors tailor courses to meet the thematic goals for each school served, leading students in discussions and initiatives around leadership, communication, environmental stewardship, teamwork, and creative problem solving.
2025 Outdoor Field Instructor Work Options
 Resident Instructor: March 24th–October 31st
Spring Season: March 24th–May 31st
Spring/Summer: March 24th–August 26th (flexible end date)
Summer/Fall: June 1st–October 31st
Mountain Bike Summer Camp Instructor: June 1st–August 1st
Fall Season: August 18th–October 31st
Pay ranges from $65-$115/day DOE, shared housing, meals during programming, access to pro deals, 1 day of paid health leave/month, and opportunities for professional development. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent life experience with current WFA/CPR certification (an onsite WFA/CPR class is offered during the spring and fall). If you are a Jack or Jill-of-all-trades with a curiosity of our natural world, passionate about teaching and leading young people, and have a strong work ethic and keen judgment, fill out the online application or contact Katrina Weyland for more information.
What Is Experience Learning? Get a taste of the beyond-the-classroom learning experience.
Katrina Weyland
Course Director & HR Manager
Experience Learning
Spruce Knob Mountain Center
18 Woodlands Way
Circleville, WV 26804
(304) 606-3233
kweyland@experience-learning.org
Experience-Learning.org
  
Seasonal & Summer Camp Instructors/Facilitators
Calleva is located 20 minutes outside of DC and a perfect launching point for wild and wonderful West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. The three main campuses include Riley’s Lock (C&O Canal National Park—great for water-based programs like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing); the Calleva Farm (located in Dickerson, Maryland—the hub for agricultural education and horseback riding programs), and the new 250+ acre Madeira site in Virginia (the riverfront property has rock climbing on site, a full ropes course, and access to some of the best whitewater on the Potomac River). Calleva staff will get the best of both worlds—city life and working in the country.
 Introducing kids and adults to gorgeous wilderness areas in the DC area, Calleva provides outdoor adventure, sustainable farming and nature immersion programs for groups in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Calleva's unique blend of fun, learning and challenge helps people take risks, develop confidence, learn new skills, and excel in a team environment. Instructors/Facilitators will lead land and water-based outdoor adventure programs that include canoeing, kayaking, rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, surfing, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, environmental education, farming, horseback riding, and general camping. In addition to financial compensation ranging from $600–$1,000/week, benefits include meals for all overnight trips, 5-10 days of paid training and summer preparation, pro deal purchases, use of program equipment for personal adventures and compensation for advanced training or certifications in specific areas. Calleva values people with diverse life experiences who seek adventure in their personal lives. Positions are available from April to November with varied start/end dates. Learn more at Calleva.org.
Lucy Martin
Adventure Camp Director
Calleva
13015 Riley's Lock Rd.
Poolesville, MD 20837
(301) 216-1248
lucy@calleva.org
Calleva.org
Backdoorjobs.com/Calleva.html
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