Outdoor Educator/Assistant Guide

Spend your summer working and playing in Yosemite and other West Coast parks! Our tight-knit staff includes some of the most passionate outdoor educators and guides in the industry. Our staff is a collection of fun-loving, hard-working professionals. A passion for sharing the outdoors with others is what brings people to work at this top-rated Yosemite and Olympic guide service and youth program. Yosemite and Olympic National Parks, our two flagship locations, are some of our awesome workplaces and where our staff goes for fun on their days off. The nearby recreation opportunities are endless and our community living spaces foster friendships and partnerships for outdoor objectives The season begins with our in-house staff training and backpacking trip, where you will build relationships with your coworkers and learn about our program, the park you work in, and any related skills. After weekly Summer Camp trips return on Fridays, we have a staff bar-b-que, which is provided by the company. We also have several activities and events planned for the summer, including a Halloween party, and mountainous staff adventure!

Job Overview

Our Outdoor Educators facilitate youth backpacking summer camp programs and adventure- based outdoor education programs. They work hard to ensure our programs are meaningful, supportive, educational, and fun, while providing superior service levels that exceed expectations. Our Outdoor Educators can be expected to work from late May through late August (with potential work available into October) and can expect an average of 18 to 21 field days of work per month.

If interested, first-year Outdoor Educators might also have opportunities to assist with our Guide Service programs (adult and family day hikes and backpacking trips). They will receive training before working in the field. Staff trained in our Guide Service programs can work an extended season from May to October as both Outdoor Educators and Guides on any of our programs. Our year-round demand is growing, and additional work opportunities may also be available based on demand, including holiday break programs in Joshua Tree National Park.

Special Benefits

• Professional Outdoor Educator & Guide training
• Ongoing Supervision and Support
• Optional subsidized community camping with basic amenities
• Uniforms and use of required gear as needed
• Pro-purchase deals on gear/clothing.
• Meals/lodging while on trips.
• Weekly BBQs during the prime season (June to August)
• $1.25/work week (about $5/month) additional pay towards a functional cell phone with service in our operating areas. Only for weeks with work performed.
• One of the best communities of colleagues within the industry to share this most incredible experience with.

Minimum Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have (or obtain before the start date) a current Wilderness First Responder certification (or higher) and CPR. Wilderness First Responder courses must be at least 70 hours in length. 
• Minimum of 21 years old; exceptions may exist for those turning 21 during their employment.
• Must have (or obtain before the start date) a current Food Handler Certificate (CA/WA).
• Ability to pass a background check via the Department of Justice LiveScan.
• Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record. A reliable method of transportation is preferred. 
• Able to attend Mandatory Staff Training at the beginning of the season, in 2025 this will be:
  • For Yosemite: Anticipated to be May 30th to June 5th  (dates vary slightly every year but generally occur around the end of May each year).
  • For Olympic: Anticipated to be June 14th to 21st (dates vary slightly every year but generally occur around the middle of June each year).
• Open availability during our prime period of June to mid-August.
• Ability to solve problems quickly and discreetly, making judgment calls in the field.
• Ability to work flexible hours, weekends, evenings, and holidays.

LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Ability to respond accurately and honestly to common inquiries or complaints from clients, suppliers, partners, and co-workers.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to client, supplier, partner, supervisor, and co-worker questions.
• Ability to efficiently and effectively communicate via phone, text, email, and satellite communication devices with our Administrative Team, and follow the Chain of Command. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, work with fingers, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to perform moderate work exerting up to 50-75 pounds of force occasionally and/or a similar amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Ability to work outdoors for multiple days in heat and cold weather conditions, walk up hills, lead hikes, actively teach, and hike many strenuous miles daily with a loaded backpack.
• Strong visual acuity is required when performing activities such as inspecting and repairing gear and equipment, using electronic devices, reading text, and performing maintenance on company property.

DISTINCT DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

This list may not include all assigned duties. New staff are not expected to know all of this before training and ALL staff members are trained in the following areas before working in the field.

• Develop an extensive knowledge of Lasting Adventures’ Policies and Procedures.
• Facilitate Youth Summer Camp programs.
• Facilitate Outdoor Education programs.
• Assist in leading Guide Service programs and day trips as assigned.
• Supervise safety and implementation of risk management plan.
• Supervise the physical and mental health and well-being of trip participants.
• Implement curriculum and teach various educational topics according to program objectives.
• Careful and proper use and storage of Lasting Adventures equipment.
• Prepare adequate food and equipment for each trip.
• Prepare and cook high-quality meals using a variety of ingredients. Meals are expected to meet quality standards in taste and presentation and cater to different client food preferences, allergies, and dietary restrictions.
• Unpack, de-prep, and clean up thoroughly after programs have returned from the field.
• Promote Lasting Adventures and our mission to clients, suppliers, partners, service area representatives, other staff, and members of the general public.
• Communicate with parents/clients as required both pre and post-trip.
• Be a good representative of Lasting Adventures to the National Park Service and other overseeing organizations. Thoroughly follow the rules and regulations of governing agencies.
• Provide clear and effective Leave No Trace and outdoor stewardship education.
• Utilize medical skills as needed and according to training and standards.
• Utilize company vehicles for transportation of staff, participants, gear/food, and other uses as needed.
• Perform safety checks on company vehicles before and after each use.
• Other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• 1 or more years of Customer Service experience.
• 1 or more years of experience working with Youth.
• Experience in a leadership position.
• Experience in the outdoors and backpacking specifically, including knowledge of equipment and backcountry cooking.
• A college degree or certificate in Outdoor or Environmental Education, Recreation, Environmental Studies, Youth Development, or a related field is helpful.