MWI Seasonal Youth Educator

This is a long-term seasonal 10-month position (January 5th, 2026, to October 30, 2026)
 

Summary Description

Ready to dive into epic outdoor adventures and make a positive impact on the environment? Look no further than the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) - the oldest conservation, education, and recreation organization in the USA!  Our passion for the outdoors knows no bounds, and we want YOU to be a part of it. As an employee, you'll unlock access to exciting programs, policies, and procedures that empower you to make a real difference. Join the AMC team now and embark on the journey of a lifetime! 

Through MWI Educational programming, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) offers an engaging slate of staff-led outdoor experiences for the youth, adults, and families, which promote the appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, and responsible use of natural resources. We provide people of all ages and backgrounds with the skills to enjoy the outdoors and an increased understanding of their connection to the natural world. Maine Woods Initiative | Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)

During the summer months, Youth Educators primarily develop and lead day and overnight camps. Educators are responsible for delivering outdoor skills instruction in hiking, backpacking, and canoeing, and environmental ethics as well as positive youth development activities on trips that are safety-focused and meaningful.  

 What you'll be doing at AMC

• Lead and facilitate single day and multiday programs for youth and families, including backpacking, hiking, paddling, XC, skilling and snowshoeing trips.
• Implement thematic, place-based environmental education, leadership, and community-building lesson plans that meet the needs of diverse participant populations.
• Create and foster an inclusive group culture and learning environment among participants and co-workers.
• Prioritize safety and manage risk of participants in backcountry settings, assessing both environmental and human risk and making decisions that benefit both the group and individual experience.
• Provide wilderness medical care.
• Model responsible behavior in the outdoors and Leave No Trace ethics.
• Work independently or collaboratively on projects including, but not limited to, curriculum development, the creation of teaching tools, and other logistical tasks.
• Work collaboratively across departments at AMC. 
• Perform logistics functions for the program such as issuing, collecting, cleaning, and maintaining gear, preparing teaching supplies, ordering and organizing food, and assisting with gear and supplies inventories.
• Travel to and be familiar with operations of AMC lodges.
• Drive 12-passenger vans carrying participant and towing boat trailer.

What AMC is Looking For   

• Friendly, outgoing, flexible personality with commitment and enthusiasm for teaching youth 
• Demonstrated experience leading student/youth groups in the backcountry 
• Place-based teaching experience 
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and ability to work with youth across a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences 
• Ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with co-leaders who may have varying leadership and communication styles  
• Ability to create an emotionally safe and inclusive learning environment, create a positive group culture, and build healthy rapport with youth 
• Ability to maintain effective self-care during extended trips so as not to compromise the student experience  
• Wilderness First-Aid & CPR certification (WFR preferred) or the ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment 
• Bachelor’s degree with course work in natural sciences, experiential education, or related field, or equivalent work experience 
• Work requires frequent backcountry travel. Requires ability to hike 6 – 8 miles per day on uneven terrain, carrying a backpack and other equipment up to 40 pounds, in all weather conditions 
• Willingness to work long hours in mentally and physically demanding conditions 
• Satisfactory driving record and background check, as verified by state record check 
• 21+ years old and ability to obtain DOT medical clearance to drive vehicles strongly preferred 

What AMC can offer you

Salary Range: $18.00/hour

We are committed to fair compensation practices, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits

• Room & Board: Dorm-style room for $45/week – meals included
• Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 32 hours per week
• Retirement: Voluntary 403(b) Contribution
• Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of paid time depending on length of service

Other Team Member Perks:

• 30% discount on AMC Merchandise
• Free Annual AMC Membership
• 4 Free nights at AMC locations
• Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!

To Apply:  

Please include a resume and a cover letter. No phone calls or agencies, please.

AMC encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you have a passion for the outdoors and believe your skills and experiences align with this role, we welcome your application.

The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility which serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.