Outdoor Program Instructor

The Chewonki Foundation is seeking a passionate Outdoor Programs Instructor with excellent leadership skills to join the Chewonki Team! The Outdoor Programs Instructor position is a 3-season position spanning the beginning of April through the end of October.

• Location: Wiscasset, Maine (On Campus/Hybrid)

• Schedule/Approximate 2025 Dates: April 14, 2025 - October 29, 2025

• Reports to: Director of Outdoor Programs

Chewonki's Mission

"Chewonki inspires transformative growth, teaches appreciation and stewardship of the natural world, and challenges people to build thriving, sustainable communities throughout their lives."

Position Summary:

The Outdoor Program Instructor (OPI) position is a 3-season position spanning the beginning of April through the end of October. During the spring and fall, OPIs lead overnight school programs on base camping trips, saltwater canoe trips, and day programs to facilitate positive learning experiences in nature. Curriculum includes teaching outdoor living skills, team building, farm and food, and ecology and span multiple place-based teaching methods and styles. During overnight programs instructors camp with their students and a school chaperone in small camping groups at shore-side campsites on Chewonki Neck. The team of 12-15 OPIs facilitate approximately 140 groups over the course of the spring and fall Outdoor Classroom seasons. During the summer season, OPIs take on responsibilities within Camp Chewonki, in most cases leading backcountry trips and Leadership Expeditions. Trip Leaders are ultimately responsible for the safety of the participants and execution of all trip details. 

Key Duties: 

• Lead four day base camping and saltwater canoe trips for schools while effectively implement the following:

  • Hold the risk management and group management for the duration of the program.

  • Teach scheduled activities and outdoor living skills.

  • Professionally represent Chewonki while in the field. 

  • Appropriately communicate with the OP admin team as needed.

  • Hold responsibility for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of participants; this

• Develop a positive co-leader dynamic between other Chewonki co-leaders and/or school chaperones.

• Develop and maintain a teaching mastery of the core components of the Outdoor Classroom while maintaining a positive and fun learning environment: 

  • Outdoor living skills.

  • Team building facilitation.

  • Ecology curriculum. 

  • Farm and food systems.

• Support other Outdoor Classroom programs when not in the field by assisting with equipment repair, food stocking, guest teaching lessons, driving, or other tasks as needed. 

• Maintain a high level of professionalism and develop rapport and collaborate in a warm and professional manner with students, chaperones, and co-workers.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years old.

• High school diploma or equivalent required ; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferred.

• Current Wilderness First Responder Certification required.

• Experience in the outdoor or experiential education field, or working with a wide range age of children preferred.

• Natural leadership qualities and exceptional communication skills.

• Ability to seek solutions and stay calm under pressure.

• Ability to live and work in a small community.

• Must pass Criminal Background Check.

• Attend required onboarding and training sessions (in-person/on campus).

• Valid Driver’s License approved by Chewonki’s insurance carrier.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lb at a time.

• Must be able to work in an active, outdoor environment in a variety of weather conditions.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The starting salaries for Outdoor Programs Instructors are differentiated by season below. Pay rate increases based on relevant certifications (Lifeguard, Registered Maine Guide, American Canoe Association Instructor, Swiftwater Rescue, etc). The two salaries are combined and spread evenly over the employment period. 

Salary:  Salary for the Camp Chewonki season starts at a base rate of $4,500.00 for the approximately 9 week season. Salary for the Outdoor Classroom season (fall and spring) starts at $500.00 per week, housing is included throughout employment and meals when served during Chewonki programs.

Room and Board: As part of your employment, most educators live at the Chewonki Snow Squall property in Wiscasset, Maine. This property is the former Snow Squall Inn and is located 7 miles from Chewonki’s main campus. Each educator will have a private room and a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living spaces.  Meals are provided when on-campus programming is happening. 

Paid Time Off: Educators accrued one half (.5 day) Paid Time Off day each pay period.  PTO is taken with supervisor approval in consideration of program schedule. 

Health Insurance: Health insurance is available in accordance with the Affordable Care Act as a Category C employee. 

Salary : $500