Location: Portland, ME
Start Date: September 1, 2025
Hours: 16–18 hours/week (with optional additional hours)
About the Role:
At Maine Outdoor Kids, we believe nature is our best teacher. As an Outdoor Instructor, you’ll play a key role in helping kids (ages 6–10) grow through hands-on outdoor experiences that foster confidence, curiosity, and resilience.
Our after-school programs provide a powerful bridge between the classroom and home — a time when kids are free to explore, decompress, and connect in meaningful ways. You’ll guide them through seasonal activities, environmental exploration, and unstructured play, all while helping them build essential life skills and strong relationships.
This is meaningful, physical, and present work — and every day brings new opportunities to explore, play, and grow together outside in all weather.
Schedule:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 1:45–5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:45–5:00 PM
Additional hours are available for prep and admin work, as well as during school breaks, conference days, and vacation weeks. We follow the Portland Public Schools calendar for after-school programs.
Qualifications:
We’re looking for someone who is dependable, upbeat, and motivated by a shared mission. Ideal candidates will have:
- Age 18+
- Current certification in Adult/Pediatric First Aid & CPR (WFA or WFR preferred)
- At least 2 years of experience working with children (in education, childcare, recreation, or coaching)
- Enthusiasm for learning and growing with our team
- Resilience and comfort working outdoors in all seasons and weather
- Physical ability to stay active, walk short distances, and play
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Experience or interest in outdoor games, crafts, and environmental education
- Understanding of social-emotional development and child-centered approaches
- Adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving skills
- Familiarity with outdoor education philosophies and unstructured nature play
- Knowledge of Greater Portland’s outdoor spaces (or willingness to learn)
Bonus if you have:
- Experience teaching sports, crafts, or other skills to kids
- Education in Early Childhood Development, Outdoor Education, or a related field
Responsibilities:
- Embody and apply the Maine Outdoor Kids philosophy across all programs
- Mentor and guide small groups of kids in our After-School Programs, creating a supportive and enriching experience during this key transition time
- Safely pick up participants from school and walk to nearby outdoor spaces
- Create a safe, fun, and engaging environment for exploration and play
- Facilitate seasonal and weather-based outdoor activities
- Build meaningful relationships with kids, parents and staff
- Support social-emotional growth through connection and play
- Provide choice and flexibility to meet kids where they are
- Share outdoor skills in ways that are inspiring, inclusive, and age-appropriate
Benefits:
- Pay: Starting at $18/hour
- Perks: Free or discounted Maine Outdoor Kids & Lupine Collective programs, Maine Outdoor Kids gear, as needed, a joyful, purpose-driven work environment, ongoing training, mentorship, and professional growth, the chance to spend every workday outside, learning alongside kids
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 16 – 18 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
Schedule:
- Afternoon shift
- After school
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person