Youth Outdoor Instructor - Part Time

Elevate Youth Seeks Part-Time Outdoor Instructor

About Elevate Youth:

Our mission is to empower youth to explore the outdoors alongside mentors, sharing awe and the richness of our natural world. Our vision is to spark a lifelong love for the outdoors through equitable access and routine immersion in nature as a way to foster agency and lead holistic, healthy lifestyles. We do this by working alongside our youth to elevate their voices as the next generation of diverse environmental stewards. Elevate Youth was founded to create social change in the outdoor community by bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion into the outdoors.

Job Description:

We are currently seeking an Outdoor Instructor to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have experience working with middle school age children in an outdoor setting, preferably students from under-resourced neighborhoods. This position is part-time. The Part-Time Instructor will report directly to the Director of Programs and Operations. 

A part-time Instructor will be expected to work on-site at each partner school or organization during the week, generally around 20 hours a week, but no more than 25 hours. Afterschool sessions are 2.5 hours with youth at their schools and nearby parks, and trips can be up to 6 hours. An Instructor is expected to work all afterschool sessions or trips each week, which are Monday through Thursday, with Friday trips once a month. There is also flexibility for one Saturday trip per month. While the Instructor’s focus is on program delivery, other responsibilities may include light admin work, such as attendance tracking. 

This role is currently offered with an immediate start date through May 8th, 2026. There may be an option to extend the role until June 12th, 2026. 

School year programming (September - June) will include leading 3-4 “enrichment sessions” after school (4-6pm) each week for groups of 8-12 children in preparation for our trip weeks. Trip weeks will usually include hiking, rock climbing, and skiing, and historically have also included photography, the aquarium, and skateboarding. Instructors will be responsible for leading trips in collaboration with our partner organizations.

The ideal candidate is someone who is comfortable jumping into group facilitation in outdoor environments, loves working with kids, and is adaptable to changing variables under pressure. Our company culture is one of learning, experiencing, and enjoying what nature has to offer alongside our youth. 

Fieldwork Responsibilities:

• Lead and assist in planning outdoor trips for youth in the Greater Boston Area.
• Collaborate with community partners around the Boston area for youth programming.
• Take attendance and facilitate data evaluation collection from youth.
• Coordinate and conduct outreach with volunteers prior to trips.
• Organize necessary program equipment and supplies, including preparing lunches & snacks and potentially driving a 15-passenger van.
• Serve as a positive adult role for the youth we serve and create a safe space, both physically and emotionally.

Admin Work Responsibilities: 

• Maintain regular communication with Elevate Youth staff & partners. Attend weekly virtual meetings.
• Support admin tasks that directly impact programs, such as outlining trips, organizing and logging gear, communication with third party outfitters, and creating any materials needed to support students. 

Qualifications:

• Proven success working with youth in diverse communities.
• Knowledge of outdoor recreation and wilderness safety is required. However, curiosity about nature and an ability to instill the “awe factor” in the youth you serve through engaging programs is preferred.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with EY staff and partners in the field, and ability to work effectively and independently on admin work.
• Dependable and flexible: ability to work during the after-school schedule and adjust to a fluid working environment. Weekend availability once a month is preferred.
• A continuous learner who is energetic, has a self-starter attitude, and is comfortable problem solving in an environment characterized by its fast pace.
• Ability to provide your own transportation around the Boston area. Program sites currently include Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Cambridge, and Brighton. 
• Ability to work outdoors in potentially inclement weather for extended periods of time.
• CPR certified, or a willingness to obtain a certification within 30 days of hire.
• Must be 21 years of age.

Additional Details

• Hourly rate offered is $20 per hour, at no more than 25 hours per week. 
• We offer accrued sick and vacation days, including federal holidays and built-in time off 
• Outdoor pro-deal opportunities 

Please send cover letter, resume, and two professional references with your available start date, to chaya@elevateyouth.org.

Elevate Youth is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks staff as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.