join the outside perspectives team
Create Access to Immersive Experiences for All Youth
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
You join a community of like-minded people when you work for Outside Perspectives. They have dedicated their lives to sharing the power of the outdoors with others. You become part of a community that believes all youth should have access to immersive outdoor experiences. The positive impact it can have is extremely important in a young person’s life.
Instructors
guiding transformative wilderness experiences
The role of an instructor can include many skill sets around both supporting teenagers and wilderness guide work. Our instructors sometimes act as teachers, counselors, and navigators. They also serve as wilderness experts and environmental educators. Additionally, they take on roles in emergency services and as backwoods cooks. Instructors facilitate discussions, instruct canoeing, and mediate conflicts. Plus, they fill many more roles. Because of this, we don’t expect instructors to be excellent at all the aspects of the job. However, we do expect interest in growth and learning.
Lead Instructor
A successful candidate will…
- Have expertise in leading multi-day backpacking trips and can operate the majority of our equipment independently.
- Have personal or professional experience with canoeing/paddling
- Understand risk assessment and be open to adjustments to safety policies.
- Hold a current wilderness medicine certification of WFA or higher and know how to access additional resources when necessary.
- Be extremely comfortable supporting participants through all of the challenges on expeditions, including social concerns, safety concerns, physical limitations, and other needs.
- Be comfortable making independent decisions that align with our policies and procedures or if unable to communicate with management.
- Be skilled in guiding group briefings and debriefings to target takeaway skills/lessons.
- Pass a criminal background check
Preference will be given to candidates who:
- Understand the emotional, social, and developmental nature of wilderness expeditions.
- Enjoy supporting participants with emotional processing and know the value of helping someone who is having an emotionally difficult time.
- Are comfortable talking about a wide variety of topics important to our participants, including issues of race, inequality, economics, education, religion, sex, gender, mental health, etc.
- Hold a current driver’s license
BENEFITS: Pro-deals on gear, flexible schedule, reimbursement for certifications relevant to the position.
PAY: is $210.00 per day
Assistant Instructor
A successful candidate will…
- Be highly skilled in at least one area: backpacking and other outdoor skills, emotional processing, and managing group dynamics.
- Be comfortable supporting Lead staff in all areas described in the Lead Instructor position.
- Be comfortable receiving support from other staff members in areas of needed growth.
- Pass a criminal background check
Preference will be given to candidates who:
- Are working toward moving up into a Lead Instructor position
- Hold a current WFA/WFR certification
BENEFITS: Pro-deals on gear, flexible schedule, reimbursement for certifications relevant to the position.
PAY: is $175.00 per day
Core Instructor
A successful candidate will…
- At least 2 years of experience in outdoor education, youth development, or a related field
- Strong facilitation and group management skills, especially with middle and high school youth
- Experience with backpacking, canoeing, or wilderness trips preferred
- Culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach to youth work
- Ability to work independently and in a team in dynamic, outdoor environments
- First Aid/CPR (Wilderness First Aid or higher preferred or willingness to obtain)
- A valid driver’s license
Preference will be given to candidates who:
- Applicants with lived experience that reflects the communities we serve
- Flexibility, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit
- A genuine commitment to youth empowerment and equity in the outdoors
Facilitators / Specialists
running team-building & challenge courses
We are always looking for Facilitators to join us for One-Day Programs! These might be Team-Building Days on-site or at a Challenge Course with schools or other youth development organizations. We also require a Climbing Specialist on all of our Rock Climbing Day Programs.
Facilitator
A successful candidate will…
- Be comfortable leading team-building activities with small and large groups.
- Have the ability to manage group safety.
- Be skilled at managing group dynamics involving youth, family members, and clients.
- Understand how to guide group briefings and debriefings to target takeaway skills/lessons.
- Be comfortable with setting up and breaking down activities.
- Pass a criminal background check.
BENEFITS: Pro-deals on gear, flexible schedule
PAY: is $150.00 per day
Climbing Specialist
A successful candidate will…
- Hold a current professional climbing guide certification from the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) or Professional Climbing Instructors Association (PCIA), current WFR/WFA, and CPR
- Be responsible for the safe set-up of climbing sites, supervision of participants and staff during climbing activities, and overall site safety management.
- Stay current on best practices in the guiding industry and offer feedback on OP protocol.
REQUIREMENTS: Pass a criminal background check
BENEFITS: Pro-deals on gear, flexible schedule, reimbursement for certifications relevant to the position.
PAY: is $200.00 per day
Logisticians
bring immersive wilderness experiences to life
Logistics staff fulfill a wide range of responsibilities, all of which support the trips and expeditions. The role can be the most flexible role we have. It can also be somewhat tailored based on the needs of OP. Additionally, it accommodates the interests of the logistician. Logistics staff can be a small or large part of a trip. While any expedition requires lots of logistics support, this is usually carried out by multiple people.
Hourly Logistics
This role is task-oriented and often based in our office and gear rooms. Most of this job is in a relaxed atmosphere and often involves working with 1-3 other people. The tasks of an hourly logistician are largely known ahead of time and often consist of:
- Following a list or the direction of a director to complete tasks.
- Preparing gear and equipment 1-2 days ahead of the trip.
- Purchasing and organizing food ahead of the trip.
- Conducting inventory.
- Pulling equipment from storage.
- Packing gear.
- Cleaning gear
- Gear repair
- Using the clothes washers.
- Using the dishwasher.
- Hanging up gear to dry.
BENEFITS: Pro-deals on gear, flexible schedule
PAY: is $15.69 per hour (as of 1/1/2024)
Expedition Logistics
An Expedition Logistician oversees the support systems for 1-2 teams on an overnight or multi-day expedition. The Logistician will provide pre-planned support and be on-call as additional needs arise. The on-call status is flexible and will be shared by several staff throughout the expedition.
For many trips, the Logistician acts as a third staff team member, who works with the team 1-2 times a day, especially involving gear or transportation. The Expedition Logistician works with the expedition instructors and reports to the on-duty director. They often operate much more independently than in an hourly logistics role and will be making decisions in the field.
While this role has some tasks to complete, it is more focused on responding to the general needs of groups and the resources of the team.
For a typical expedition, Logistics staff will:
- Prep gear, equipment, and food for expeditions
- Help participants pack for their trip (Gear Issue)
- Provide logistics support as needed by instructors
- Transport participants, gear, and trailers
- Meet with the team on several occasions to supply gear or boats, drive the team in the van, and collect gear on the final day
- Inventory, clean, and organize gear after the trip, including gear de-issue
On a typical expedition, a logistics staff may:
- Be on-call to respond to needs overnight or during an otherwise simpler day.
- Step in to replace or support an instructor
- Assist a participant in leaving a trip early
- Join a team as an additional instructor due to higher-than-expected needs
- Teach a specific lesson to a team, such as: how to fit a pack, basic canoes strokes, or how to go to the bathroom in the woods
REQUIREMENTS: Must have a clean driving record, hold a current driver’s license, and pass a criminal background check
BENEFITS: Pro-deals on gear, flexible schedule, reimbursement for certifications relevant to the position.
PAY: $150.00 per day. Pay rate changes to instructor pay if Logistics staff steps in as an instructor.
Core Logistician
The Logistics Coordinator (“Logi”) is an essential part-time, seasonal team member. They ensure that all operational aspects of Outside Perspectives’ programs run smoothly. This involves preparing gear, food, and supplies. It also includes managing and transporting them for all program types, such as expeditions, one-day adventures, and special events. The Logistics Coordinator works closely with the Executive Director. The Executive Director takes on the role of Program Director during the fall and spring seasons.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and execute packing and prepping of gear and food for all program days (including weekend expeditions)
- Maintain organized storage of gear, food, and supplies
- Manage shopping, food prep, and packaging as needed based on program menu plans
- Support instructors with set-up and break-down needs before and after programs
- Transport gear and food to and from program sites when required
- Conduct light vehicle and trailer maintenance checks and cleaning
- Track gear and food inventory and communicate purchasing needs
- Participate in debriefs with the Executive Director and instructors to identify improvements and respond to program needs
- Participate in pre-program logistics planning and scheduling with ED and Core Instructors
- Serve as on-call support during select overnight programs to assist crews in the field with urgent needs (e.g., gear issues, student behavior, medical emergency, evacuation)
volunteer Opportunities
support outside Perspectives’ mission
Volunteer support can come in all forms! Outside Perspectives relies on our talented and knowledgeable Board of Directors to drive our mission forward. Others have volunteered their time at events. They have also spent time in the gear room and in the office. Some have even volunteered as belayers on rock climbing programs!
Board Member
Want to make an impact, grow your professional network, and build your leadership abilities? The Outside Perspectives Board of Directors seeks applications for a three-year elected board position where this can all be possible! The Board is seeking individuals with a passion for making a difference in the lives of youth. They should also believe in the transformational power of the outdoors. Candidates will be committed to build, promote, and sustain the Outside Perspectives organization.
Partnership Coordinator
Our Partnership Coordinators play a vital role in helping Outside Perspectives deliver high-quality youth programs across Connecticut. Each Coordinator is paired with one of our partner schools or youth organizations. They provide year-round support through light planning, fundraising assistance, communications, and seasonal check-ins. Volunteers may join select workshops to meet participants. They capture photos and videos. Volunteers also interview youth. They help tell the story of our impact. This role is flexible and relationship-centered. It is perfect for adults who want to stay closely connected to our mission. They can grow new skills and join a fun, supportive community of change makers. Most responsibilities can be completed from home on your own schedule, averaging about 2 hours per week. Read more…
Volunteer Belayers
Looking for experienced climbers wanting to introduce youth to outdoor climbing and give back to the outdoor community.
Background check required (free of charge).
Other!
If you feel passionate about the OP Mission, please contact us. You may have unique contributions in mind. You can reach out to Nicky Wood at nicky@outsideperspectives.org. We are always looking for creative ways to involve our Outsiders and could always use the help!
