3 Outdoor Education jobs in the United States

Position Details
Position Information
Department Physical ActivityCourses (HHS)
Position Title Instructor (PAC)
Job Title Instructor (PAC) Pool - 2025/2026: Outdoor Recreation & Education
Appointment Type Academic Faculty
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Dependent: Hours Worked/Duration
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
The Outdoor Recreation & Education Activity Area in the Physical Activities Course ( PAC ) program, a part of the School of Exercise, Sport, and Health Sciences, in the College of Health at Oregon State University invites applications for one or more fixed term, non-tenure track full/part-time Instructor ( PAC ) positions to teach courses on a term-by-term basis for the academic year.
The PAC Program partners with the Adventure Leadership Institute to provide Outdoor Recreation and Education courses. For additional information about the ALI , please visit submitted to this recruitment pool are reviewed on an as needed basis. Qualified candidates will be contacted when positions become available throughout the academic year. Some of these appointments may be reviewed for renewal or transition to an instructional position on an annual basis at the discretion of the program Director. Scheduling for each term is determined in February for Spring term, November for Winter term, and beginning in May for Fall term.
The primary mission of the PAC Program is to provide all Oregon State University students with the knowledge and experience to make sound decisions regarding present and future physically active lifestyles. The intent of the PAC Program is to provide quality instruction in safe, adequately equipped facilities and to create a positive, enjoyable learning environment. In alignment with providing the most appropriate facilities and professional standards, the PAC program partners with the Adventure Leadership Institute and requires similar professional standards.
The PAC Instructor position will serve as an integral member of the PAC Program and ALI teams, where each instructor plays a specific role to the larger organization. Recognizing individual interests and abilities, the program provides courses covering a wide variety of physical activities. We make an effort to address contemporary trends and student interests. Courses offered through the PAC Program may include but are not limited to classes in the Activity Areas of: Aquatics, Artistic & Social dance, Aerobics & Fitness Development, Martial arts, Mind/body, Outdoor Recreation, Resistance training, Sports, Yoga and Games.
For additional information about the PAC program, please visit .
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS :
-Top 1.4% university in the world
-More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
-1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
-2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
-7cultural resource centers ( that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
-100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
-35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
-217k+ alumni worldwide
-For more interesting facts about OSU visit: State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers acomprehensive benefits package ( with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
-Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
-Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
-Retirement savings paid by the university.
-A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
-Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
-Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
-Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator ( to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .
Key Responsibilities
96% Teaching: Teach courses in Outdoor and Recreation Programming.
· Plan and organize instruction in ways that maximize student learning. Employ appropriate teaching and learning strategies to communicate subject matter to students. Modify, where appropriate, instructional methods and strategies to meet diverse student needs. Employ available instructional technology, i.e., the internet, telecourses, interactive technology, when appropriate. Contribute to the selection and development of instructional materials in accordance with course objectives. Develop, update, and post course syllabi and grades in a timely manner. Respond to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
· Establish meaningful student learning outcomes for courses/programs. Develop learning assessments that clearly measure student progress toward student learning outcomes. Maintain accurate records of student progress. Demonstrate sensitivity to student needs and circumstances.
2% Personal & Professional Growth
· Demonstrate a thorough and accurate knowledge of their field or discipline. Connect their subject matter with related fields. Stay current in their subject matter through professional development, involvement in professional organizations, and attending professional meetings, conferences, certifications, or workshops. Learn and use appropriate technologies to enhance teaching and the educational experience when appropriate.
· Maintain familiarity with college and program goals, mission, and long-range plans. Contribute to planning and development processes through appropriate mechanisms and channels. Perform professional responsibilities in accordance with pertinent goals, missions, and plans of the college, division, and programs.
2% Support
· Be accessible to colleagues and to students for advisement and consultation. Prepare, distribute, and submit syllabi and approved course outlines for all assigned sections in accordance with program and divisional policies. Maintain confidentiality of student information. Substitute for other instructors within field or discipline in case of an absence.
· Participate in meetings and events required by the program administrators. Respond in a timely fashion to information requests from college, division, and program administrators
What You Will Need
All candidates must meet the following qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in any field.
- Current, valid Adult CPR and AED Essentials by the start of classes.
- Current, valid First Aid certification by the start of classes.
- Concussion training by the start of classes
- Evident commitment to educational equity.
· Demonstrated ability to design, teach and assess courses that support inclusive learning principles and promote equitable teaching practices, to the benefit of all learners.
Additional qualifications for the specific disciplines are as follows:
- Current Wilderness First Aid certification or higher
- Extensive participation or involvement in designated outdoor activity and/or current professional certifications in outdoor disciplines
- 1 year experience guiding, leading, or instructing individuals or groups in outdoor recreation activities.
- Experience in leading groups on field outings
Final candidates for this position must complete a sexual misconduct reference check, per University Policy 05-010. An offer of employment will be contingent upon satisfactory results from the sexual misconduct reference check.
What We Would Like You to Have
Preferred qualifications for all candidates:
- Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Outdoor Recreation and Education, or closely related discipline OR Master's degree in any field.
- Current certifications in advanced outdoor disciplines
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- 4 years' experience leading groups in outdoor field settings
- Experience planning all day or overnight field experiences.
- Prior experience in or working for the ALI or similar program.
- Previous successful teaching experience in a higher education setting.
- Previous experience assessing student learning outcomes and curriculum development.
- A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
In the performance of the duties of the position, incumbents will be required to lead physical activity courses and demonstrate activity-specific movements for a minimum duration of 50-110 minutes per scheduled class. Classes meet 1-3 times per week.
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
Link to Position Description
Detail Information
Posting Number P09045UF
Number of Vacancies Varies
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 09/16/2025
Anticipated Appointment End Date 06/15/2026
Posting Date 05/15/2025
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 06/15/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A Curriculum Vitae; and
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
3) Licenses/Certification (optional): Please upload any license or certificates required to the position.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact:
Katelyn Kirk

or
Emily Abrams

Applications will be considered throughout the 2025/2026 academic year as opportunities become available.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with education, experience, and training/certification.
Starting salary range for the position of Instructor ( PAC ) is $32,100- $39,233.
Finalists will be required to provide proof of their degree at the time of offer.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
Final candidates for this position must complete a sexual misconduct reference check, per University Policy 05-010. An offer of employment will be contingent upon satisfactory results from the sexual misconduct reference check.
Supplemental Questions
Read More at: commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Federal Work-Study Job Description  Job Title: Student Environmental Education Assistant  Number of positions: 2 Department: Environmental Education and Research Center (EERC); Land Grant; Cooperative Extension Job Location : Cooperative Extension Building Supervisor/Timekeeper: Louis Ross Supervisor contact: Hours per week: 20 Duties and Responsibilities: This position is responsible for providing support to the Environmental Education and Research Center its staff, students, and visitors. Responsibilities include but not limited to: •Assist EERC educators and supporting the implementation of educational programs •Lead outdoor activities and demonstrate and appropriate learning in a natural environment. •Assist with maintaining the EERC. •Other duties as assigned  Qualification and requirements: Candidates must enjoy working outdoors and willing to be exposed to unusual elements (extreme temperate, dirt, dust, unpleasant orders). Must be able to lift to 50lbs. Student must promote and respect diversity of ethnic, culture, backgrounds, physical and mental disabilities