Outdoor Education Instructor, School Year

Big Bear City CA

Join a fantastic community of young and energetic educators at a residential outdoor education center as we work to open the eyes of city-based kids to the wonders and beauty of nature. Contracts from September 14, 2026 – May 28, 2027

• Work in the mountains of Southern California teaching elementary students!
• Two shifts are available, with instructors moving regularly back and forth between them.
• Field Instructors take students on hikes during the day and teach about ecology and teamwork.
• Cabin Instructors supervise students overnight and sleep in cabins in the forest.
• The schedule is a traditional school year, school week, with weekends and school holidays off.
• Continuing education to help you become a better teacher.

PAY

Adding everything together, the value of the first-year instructor wage package is calculated at $182 per workday. This includes daily wage, housing, food, and health insurance. Additional stipend for training, pro deals, travel reimbursement, and clear paths to Level Up and earn more money. See here for the breakdown of pay and benefits.

Interviewing now for September 2026 start!

OUR PROGRAM IS UNIQUE IN CALIFORNIA! We are a small, upstart company that managed to jump into the (relatively…) big league of outdoor education. We believe we can make a difference, make a living, and be happy all at the same time. We walk the fine line of telling you what to do and encouraging you to take ownership in the program.

OUR CORNER OF THE COUNTRY IS PRETTY DARN COOL! We are based in Big Bear, the coolest mountain town in Southern California; no other outdoor ed center is based here. From mountains to deserts to beaches, with a little small-town atmosphere close by and a lot of big-city amenities within a couple of hours…pretty nice…

OUR WEBSITE TELLS IT ALL! Need more details? Want so many details you’ll be overwhelmed? Head over to hightrails.com and you’ll see why we believe we’re the most progressive place in the country.