Adventure Jobs North America

It's time to blend a little excitement with your career for a summer, season or year-round! An adventurous lifestyle means to grow through passion, challenge and risk taking. It's about learning to look at the world through curious eyes — to wonder what's on the other side of the mountain — and allowing wanderlust to become your guide. You'll work hard and you'll play hard; the intimacy of your adventurous pursuits will allow you to see, hear, taste, and smell more intensely.

Whether you love the water (canoe guides, kayak guides, white-water rafting guides, river guides, fishing guides, boat captains, sailing instructors, cruise ship staff), the land (cycling guides, horseback guides, natural history guides, safari guides, tour leaders, trail staff and zipline guides), the mountains (climbing guides, mountaineering guides, ski guides) or outdoor adventure (outfitting staff, outdoor educators, tour guides, trip leaders, wilderness specialists), you'll find plenty of adventure education jobs here!

More to Explore
• Check out the Adventure Jobs Worldwide or Summer Camp Jobs channel for more awesome adventurous job openings!

For over 25 years, Calleva has built a reputation for excellence and innovation in outdoor education and outdoor adventure programming.

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. Positions are available for 3 seasons (April to mid-November), summer camp (June to August) and the fall (early August to mid-November). In addition to financial compensation ranging from $600–$1,600/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. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and be passionate about sharing their love of the outdoors with children. You must also be able to demonstrate solid outdoor skills, hard skills and proficiency in the activity of your choice, and excellent all-round soft skills. Calleva values people with diverse life experiences who seek adventure in their personal lives. Explore Calleva.org for all the details.

• Ready for an adventure?
Calleva is seeking passionate individuals who are excited about coming to work every day — people who aren't afraid of getting dirty or being in the river all day, and who can roll with the punches and have a good time doing it.

NCOAE is seeking exceptional individuals to join their team of outdoor adventure-based educators!

With courses taking place in North Carolina, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Ecuador and beyond, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is a values-based outdoor and adventure education provider for people looking to challenge themselves physically and academically — by combining rigorous academics with personal growth and professional development.

Field Instructors manage the safety of students during multi-day courses while leading NCOAE’s hands-on, experiential core curriculum that focuses on the educational principles of leadership, risk management, environmental ethics and outdoor skills including backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, whitewater paddling, rock climbing, backcountry camping, map & compass navigation, and more. Through these lessons, Instructors help students improve their self-confidence and interpersonal relationships. Experiential education is merged with good, old-fashioned fun to offer an unrivaled path to insight, joy and drive. Additional duties include facilitating a meaningful group process and setting an emotionally and physically safe, fun, and engaging tone for students to follow. Starting pay ranges from $80-$140/day (DOE) with opportunities for advancement. Perks include staff housing, food pantry, travel reimbursements, and industry discounts. Current WFA/WFR & CPR certification and successful completion of NCOAE’s staff training is required prior to employment. Seasonal positions available from April to October, with occasional opportunities to continue employment into the winter. If you have a passion for outdoor education, take pride in your work, embrace change, and enjoy positively impacting the lives of others, learn more about becoming an NCOAE Instructor!

View a group of NCOAE students exploring Patagonia during an outdoor educator & environmental sustainability course!

Who is NCOAE looking for?
NCOAE is seeking experienced individuals with diverse life experiences who value adventure in their personal lives. All courses are physically and mentally demanding, and staff must have considerable proficiency in teaching and communicating with participants of diverse backgrounds and needs.

Ready to change young people’s lives and be part of one of the best student and staff communities in the industry? Adventure Treks offers multi-week outdoor adventure travel programs that help teens build life skills for future success—all while making life-long friends, exploring the most stunning landscapes, and having incredible amounts of fun along the way.

Being a Field Instructor at Adventure Treks is a unique and incredible opportunity—seeing students immersed in nature, fostering a community, and building their confidence and leadership on the trail! Instructors are deeply familiar with the demands of operating on the sun's clock and sleeping in a tent for weeks at a time with peers and students relying on them. In the highs and lows of a trip, they're always engaged, bringing fun to any situation, staying motivated, and working hard. Instructors are in charge of safety, satisfaction, and success. It's not always easy, but it's so rewarding! Not only do Instructors build fantastic student communities, but Adventure Treks is home to one of the strongest Instructor communities in the industry. With wilderness-based programs offered both in North America (British Columbia, Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, and North Carolina) and abroad (Belize, India, Norway, Peru and Slovenia), Instructors lead activities like backpacking, rock and ice climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, canoeing, and whitewater kayaking & rafting. On each adventure, the four- to six-person instructor team works together to create fun, growth-oriented, and community-minded experiences and coordinate all aspects of the trip like managing group dynamics, teaching outdoor skills, maintaining equipment, and handling medical issues. Compensation starts at $4,200–$4,300 for the entire summer plus all-inclusive employment (accommodations, meals, outfitted activities…), travel reimbursements, opportunities to work year-round, professional development scholarships, and pro-deal access to hundreds of outdoor brands. Check out the minimum requirements, Instructor FAQs and how to apply.

2026 Instructor Openings—Now Hiring! Adventure Treks is now accepting Instructor applications for the 2026 season! Apply today and join the adventure.

Why work with Adventure Treks? Meet the faces of Adventure Treks and take a glimpse into Instructor Orientation.

Whether climbing snowy Mount Shasta or teaching canoeing in British Columbia, Adventure Treks Instructors will lead teenagers in diverse outdoor settings that will be challenging, rewarding, and fun. Best of all, you'll get the opportunity to work with other talented and experienced staff and have the chance to make a positive impact on your student's lives.

Share your love for the outdoors with visitors from all over the world as you work and explore Yellowstone National Park as an Adventure Guide!

Offering destination day hikes, van tours, kayak trips, and backpacking expeditions for visitors from all over the world, Yellowstone Hiking Guides is a small local company with over 20 years of experience in Yellowstone National Park. Guests will see the real Yellowstone, away from the crowded boardwalks and turnouts.

Seeking Day Hiking, Kayak and Van Tour Adventure Guides to lead interpretive for the 2026 season (May through October). Guides typically works three to five days a week (10-12 hours/day), depending on your personal schedule. Compensation includes $15-$18/hour + tips with an end-of-the-year bonus. Perks include pro-deal purchases, on-the-clock commutes through Yellowstone, and weekly time off to explore the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Guides are welcome to secure a camp spot at the RV Resort located near the office where there is a bathhouse and restaurant. Applicants must be at least 25 years of age or older, WFR/WFA certified (can be obtained in May), have a clean driving record and able to drive a 15-passenger van on mountain roads, physically fit and able to hike up to 7 miles in a day, knowledge of Yellowstone, excellent customer service and communication skills, and mountain guiding or tour van experience (preferred). If you're passionate about Yellowstone National Park, outdoor education, and engaging visitors with the environment, learn more at YellowstoneHikingGuides.com.

NOW HIRING—view the Yellowstone Hiking Guides staff experience.

• Hike among herds of bison and pronghorn. Watch wolves and grizzly bears on the clock. View the magnificent Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River along the Grand Canyon. Stroll through the steam of erupting geysers. Drive through Yellowstone enjoying the morning light, sipping coffee, on the way to the trailhead to meet the clients. Drive groups of bucket-listers who are enjoying every twist and turn of the adventure. Every day working inside the park is gratifying on so many different levels!

Now seeking outdoor adventurers, scientists, artists, cooks and others who are excited to share their knowledge and inspire young people to connect with the outdoors!

Since 1926, Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions has been a trailblazer, leading expeditions across the stunning landscapes of New Mexico and the Southwest. Programs fall into three major categories: Summer treks are experiential learning opportunities for ages 8-18 that dive into pristine backpacking and hiking trails, hands-on science, cultural exploration, and place-based education in the American Southwest. School programs will take students on a journey of outdoor adventure, experiential learning, and environmental stewardship. Community programs include treks for adults, Youth Conservation Corps, and Wilderness Medicine certification programs.

Seasonal Field Educators collaborate to create and facilitate a place-based educational curriculum tailored to specific destinations and interests of partners as groups travel around the Southwest and to the 540-acre basecamp, with periods of time camping in frontcountry and backcountry settings. Responsibilities include teaching trekkers outdoor skills such as campsite selection and setup, navigation, and fire building, assisting with meal creation and nutrition, managing the packing and organization of gear, and support nightly campfires, games, team building, and staff meetings. Preference will be given to staff able to work multiple seasons: spring (March 2nd-May 29th), summer (June 1st-August 9th), and/or fall (August 10th-October 30rh), with the possibility of additional work in the winter and beyond. Compensation ranges from $1,850-$2,600/month (DOE), plus bunkhouse style housing in Albuquerque and open-air cabins in Thoreau (both with WiFi access), meals, $250 travel stipend if traveling more than 500 miles, and pro deal purchases. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and WFA certification. Connect with Neal Turnquist for more info, view a detailed job description and apply here.

• Cottonwood Gulch is celebrating its 100th year of bringing young people outdoors! Field Educators will use their unique set of skills and knowledge in outdoor adventure, science, art, culture, and food to inspire trekkers in their personal growth and group development. Staff will also have the opportunity to explore the Southwest, spending nights out under the stars and making meaningful connections with people of all different backgrounds.

Outdoor Leaders create the magic at Wilderness Inquiry — leading life changing outdoor experiences for people of all backgrounds and abilities!

With a home base in St. Paul, Minnesota, Wilderness Inquiry sits right on the bank of the Mississippi River. From this main office and warehouse location, staff are sent to countless locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as throughout the U.S., including popular National Parks such as Yellowstone and Glacier.

Whether you're an expert or beginner in outdoor recreation and education (or not particularly outdoorsy at all!) there is a place for you at Wilderness Inquiry. Like participants, staff come from all backgrounds, skillsets, and interests, with one thing in common: we are all passionate about making the outdoors a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible community for all. With various program models, staff can enjoy working on extended trips across the country or spend their days working locally and returning to their own homes every night. Over the course of a single trip, Leaders will embrace many roles including educator, guide, leader and more. Seasonal positions are offered from May through October, with varied staff trainings. Compensation ranges from $19-$24/hour for day programs and $182-$232/day for overnights/extended tours. Staff housing, meals on extended trips, and professional service stipends are also provided. If you're looking for a place to make friends, participate in cool experiences, get paid to spend time outside, and work with a crew of amazing individuals where you feel like you truly belong and make a difference, learn more about the Wilderness Inquiry community.

Take a virtual tour of the Wilderness Inquiry Apostle Islands Base Camp!

• Inspiring personal growth, enhanced awareness of the environment, and community integration, Wilderness Inquiry adventures encourage people to open themselves to new possibilities and opportunities—and to each other!

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!

Hidden in the wild heart of Appalachia, Experience Learning is a 400-acre highland preserve located just below Spruce Knob — the highest peak in West Virginia — and surrounded by over a million acres of rugged backcountry in the Monongahela National Forest. Based at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center campus, Outdoor Field Instructors spend their days exploring wild landscapes, leading unforgettable adventures, and helping students discover what they’re truly capable of. Instructors guide 5th–12th grade students through immersive residential and backcountry field courses where learning happens on the trail, around the campfire, and deep in the wilderness. From backpacking remote terrain and navigating with map and compass to rock climbing, caving, canoeing, survival skills, and environmental exploration, every day brings new challenges and new discoveries. This role goes beyond outdoor instruction — it’s about building confidence, fostering leadership, strengthening teamwork, and helping students form a real connection with the natural world.

Pay ranges from $65-$115/day DOE, shared housing, meals during programming, access to pro deals, one day of paid health leave/month, and opportunities for organizational advancement. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent life experience with current WFA/CPR certification. 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? View a taste of the beyond-the-classroom learning experience.

• Blending adventure and learning together in a rigorous and challenging environment, Experience Learning programs highlight physical, emotional and intellectual growth through outdoor learning and discovery. Field Instructors will find hard work is balanced with a tight community of adventurous, dedicated and conscientious professionals who work hard to make positive change in our world.

Located just 2½ hours north of New York City in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, Frost Valley YMCA is a camp, retreat destination, and environmental education center offering people of all ages and abilities enriching outdoor experiences, adventure, growth, and fun. Off-site summer teen adventure programs take campers on trips to beautiful and awe-inspiring places in the Northeast as they work together to explore, problem solve, and achieve common goals.

• Adventure Trip Leaders along with a co-leader supervise and care for campers as they engage in service elements and/or backpack, climb, hike, kayak, canoe, whitewater raft and sail throughout natural spaces over a two-week period. Responsibilities include preparing food and gear logistics for each assigned trip, teaching backcountry cooking skills, fire building, campsite selection and maintenance, Leave No Trace seven principles, and fostering an environment where campers can gain confidence, leadership skills, conflict resolution skills, and other interpersonal skills.
• Adventure Trip Logistics Coordinators assist in creating a successful pack-out, return and safety of all off-site overnight trips, mentor trip leaders, directly oversee the food and/or gear room, and keep the Trip Center in outstanding running condition.
• Adventure Village Counselors oversee camper day-to-day needs and provide safe, fun entertainment and wholesome activities. Counselors run programming specifically for kids interested in adventure activities at camp and lead 3-5 day hiking, climbing, and canoeing trips closer to camp.

2026 summer camp runs from mid-June to mid-August. Compensation ranges from $475-$720/week plus room, board, and the opportunity to explore the Northeast. Adventure applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have a clean driving record, minimum WFR certification, and experience working with kids ages 10-17 in an outdoor setting, or a strong desire to gain experience in such an environment. View all current summer job openings and apply online.

View the Frost Valley Y adventure camp experience »

• Are you looking for a fulfilling job where you can make a difference in the world? Whether on an adventure trip to beautiful and awe-inspiring places in New York or on a service learning trip, Frost Valley YMCA's adventure programs are all about character building, challenging yourself, making lasting friendships, and experiencing first hand the difference you can make.

NYC Outward Bound Schools provides students with opportunities to engage in educational experiences outside of their classroom and local community, aimed at helping them prepare for future roles in community, higher education, and professional settings. Now recruiting staff members from diverse backgrounds to assist NYC youth in building knowledge and practical skills for leadership, resilience, and personal development.

All Instructors lead students on outdoor adventure courses including hiking, low ropes courses, belaying support on rock climbing walls, and team-building programs at a remote location in Fishkill, NY and various sites across the five boroughs in NYC. During overnight and single day programs, Instructors plan components of outdoor adventure courses, facilitate adventurous learning experiences, adapt activities based on students’ needs, and ensure a safe and exciting learning environment for all participating youth. Compensation ranges from $159.65-$188.50/day, with perks that include housing, meals during overnight programs, and access to local climbing gyms. Comprehensive training and onboarding is also provided, including instruction in experiential facilitation, course structure, youth development, safety protocols, and best practices to prepare instructors to work effectively with students. While prior experience in outdoor adventure or climbing is beneficial, the key requirement is an enthusiasm for working with NYC youth and expanding their perspectives of the world. Positions open until filled.

• NYC Outward Bound Schools staff members share a deep belief that every individual is capable of great achievement with the right mix of challenge and support. Seeking mission-aligned individuals who embody the core values of community, courage, equity, integrity, and learning in all aspects of their work.

Join a dedicated community of outdoor professionals for an enriching experience in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Situated on 500 picturesque acres, Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing year-round programs focus on developing confidence, leadership, and teamwork.

The Summer Adventure Camp offers 1-3 week backpacking-based trips for ages 9-17. Throughout each adventure, Summer Trip Leaders guide participants through a wide variety of adventure activities: rock climbing, caving, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, high & low ropes team building courses and more! When not on the trail, Group Leaders work with lodge-based clientele staying on the property who range from middle & high schools, colleges & universities, corporate retreats, youth groups, and more. Group Leaders also help work a variety of special events (Music Festival, Roanoke Go Outside Festival, Mountain Biking Weekend, and more) and are often assigned support, maintenance, and hospitality duties as needed. Compensation includes $80-$120/day (dependent on level of experience and certification) onsite housing, staff meals, advanced training in outdoor adventure skills, facilitation, and leadership development, WFA certification, and pro deals. Most staff are in their mid-twenties, but applicants may apply as young as 18 for Assistant Leader positions. Experience in the outdoors and a desire to work with children is a must. Wilderness Adventure seeks individuals committed to enhancing their leadership abilities, learning continuously, and confidently making decisions in challenging situations. If you are interested in creating impactful experiences through adventure, please complete the online application or contact Logan Paone for more info. The hiring process typically takes 1-2 weeks with an initial Zoom interview.

• Get paid to hike, paddle, bike, and climb with awesome kids.
• Work with a tight-knit, high-energy team who supports and pushes each other.
• Gain hands-on experience in outdoor education, youth development, and risk management (hello, resume boost).
• Let the adventures begin. View testimonials from staff and participants.

Kroka Expeditions is a non-profit wilderness expedition school based on a year-round, organic farm in Marlow, New Hampshire. The Kroka staff community is a diverse group of people from all ages and backgrounds who share a commitment to living simply and purposefully, while working together to share skills, knowledge, and values in a transformative way through high-quality outdoor education programs.

Wilderness Leaders envision, design, and execute wilderness expeditions and farm-based programs for highly motivated students ages 9-19. Spring and fall season responsibilities include multi-element programs (including farming, adventure, sustainability, and wild-crafting skills), ocean canoe expeditions, moving-water canoe trips, backpacking adventures, farm-based programs, and more! During the summer months, Leaders facilitate 7-21 day expedition programs within Kroka’s seven adventure schools: rock climbing, caving, whitewater paddling, ocean expeditions, mountain biking, wilderness skills, and rites of passage. Scheduled weeks alternate between expedition & program teaching and base camp support, including farm and kitchen work, driving, and facilities maintenance. 2026 positions run from March 30th to October 31st (with a 10-week summer only work option from June 8th to August 18th). Compensation is based on experience and meets or exceeds that of other guides in the outdoor education industry, plus simple and beautiful Kroka Village housing, meals while you are on campus or traveling for Kroka, extensive training opportunities in adventure sports and wilderness skills, one-week paid vacation in between seasons, pro deal purchases, and being part of a forward thinking and energetic community. If you have a love for teaching and mentoring children and youth, previous wilderness expedition experience in remote environments (or an excitement to learn), adventure sports expertise, a college degree (and/or equivalent life experience), WFR certification, and a commitment to personal fitness, diversity, equity & inclusion, ecologically conscious living, and simplified personal needs, apply online.

• Join Kroka’s international group of guides and educators this year as a seasonal Wilderness Leader. Staff live and work in community and practice what they teach. They are visionaries, risk-takers, and role models. They are committed to mastery of their skills and to awakening consciousness and altruistic will in young people.

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