Experience Learning
Updates: Hiring for 2026!
Hiring:
Outdoor Field Instructor
Location: Spruce Knob Mountain Center – Circleville, WV
Dates: June 1 – October 31, 2026
Housing: Shared housing provided
Want a season that actually feels like an adventure? Trade the 9–5 for mountain views, campfires, and meaningful work with awesome people. Experience Learning is hiring Outdoor Field Instructors to spend the summer and fall living and working in the high mountains near Spruce Knob, leading outdoor experiences for youth ages 7–18. This is a hands-on role where you’ll build real leadership experience, grow your outdoor skills, and make an impact—all while living in a tight-knit community and spending most of your time outside.
A Season That Evolves With You
This job follows a two-season flow that keeps things exciting and full of variety:
Summer Camp Season (June–August) — Lead 6-day expedition-style trips with Mountain Stewards Summer Camp. Think backpacking through mountain terrain, canoeing, campfire cooking, dorm life, and mentoring campers as they build confidence and independence. Long days, big laughs, and unforgettable moments guaranteed.
Field Program Season (September–October) — Shift into leading school and group programs. Guide 1–8 day residential and backcountry courses that combine outdoor skills, natural science, and leadership development across West Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic. New groups, new challenges, and fresh experiences each week.
What You’ll Do
Lead backpacking, canoeing, and residential outdoor programs
Teach outdoor skills, teamwork, leadership, and environmental awareness
Create safe, inclusive learning environments and manage risk in the field
Cook meals, prep gear, and help keep programs running smoothly
Live and work in a fun, supportive staff community in a remote setting
What You Bring
Age 21+ with a degree or equivalent life experience
Wilderness First Aid + CPR/AED (or ability to obtain)
Experience working with youth and strong communication skills
Ability to hike up to 10 miles daily and carry 35–55 lbs
Positive energy, adaptability, and love for the outdoors
Bonus: WFR certification or prior outdoor education/expedition experience.
Pay & Perks
$65–$105/day (typical starting range $80–$95/day)
Shared housing provided
Health leave (1 day/month worked)
Outdoor industry pro deals + professional development
Why You’ll Love This Job
Build real-world skills, gain leadership experience, and spend a season doing something meaningful—while living in the mountains with a community of adventurous, like-minded people. If you want growth, purpose, and a story worth telling at the end of the season, this is it.
Additional Information About Experience Learning
Do you believe in the power of wild places? Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, Experience Learning is a 400-acre high preserve located just below the base of the highest mountain in West Virginia – Spruce Knob. Here is where your adventure begins!
Experience Learning is looking for outdoor professionals who have a passion for the outdoors, and who want to share their experiences and time with students in grades 5th-12th grade. Courses can include 1-2 day dorm based courses, 3-6 day residential summer camps, 1-2 day off-site courses in local communities (visiting WV public schools), 4-8 day field courses (Private schools from the Mid-Atlantic region) both in the nearby national forest, as well as variety of off-site courses in wild spaces throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.