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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Why work with us?

The team at Maine Outdoor Kids shares a deep love for the outdoors and are avid hikers, runners, skiers, mountain bikers, paddlers, and skiers. We are always seeking energetic individuals to join our team to support our growing programs. These are folks who have experience working with youth and outdoor recreation or are eager to develop their skills and leadership experience. 

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If you're passionate about working outdoors in a variety of terrains and conditions, then this is the crew for you. We spend our days in the sun, clouds, wind, and rain finding innovative and fun ways to enjoy the elements. 

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Our team understands the influence the outdoors can have on our evolvement as human beings. Many of us have pushed our comfort zones on adventures of our own. These experiences help us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, and so having a growth-mindset is an important quality of any member of the Maine Outdoor Kids team. 

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Please note that we often have per-diem opportunities that extend beyond the hire period. 

Our philosophy

The mission at Maine Outdoor Kids is to promote youth development through outdoor adventure programming and education. Our hope is that these experiences encourage healthy emotional and social development for both youth and staff. We offer year-round after-school programming that prioritizes unstructured outdoor play and exploration, environmental education, and wilderness skills, as well as mountain biking clinics and holiday camps. Maine Outdoor Kids has no physical location — all of our programs and clinics utilize local public lands, parks or trail systems. We feel that this approach allows both staff and families involved to learn about and appreciate outdoor recreation opportunities right here in Southern Maine. 

 

Maine Outdoor Kids, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity of thought, culture and background and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, size and shape, economic status, national origin, familial situation, political belief, or mental or physical disability. This applies to every aspect of employment at Maine Outdoor Kids, including recruitment, hiring, training, advancement, and termination.

Currently Hiring: Summer Instructor

Portland, ME Based
Taking applications through February 28th
 

Training Dates: June 16-18, 2025

Start Date: June 23, 2025

End Date: August 21, 2025 (with opportunity to continue PT through the school year)

Hours: 25-30 per week

Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 8:45-4PM
 

We build in at least one week off for every instructor over the summer. Depending on the hire date, there is some flexibility choosing your schedule. 
 

Qualifications: 

  • At least 18+ years of age

  • Adult/Pediatric First Aid & CPR Certified (or higher: WFA, WFR)

  • At least 2 years of experience working with children in a childcare, coaching/recreation, or educational setting

  • Eagerness to learn and grow with Maine Outdoor Kids

  • Eagerness and experience working outdoors in all weather conditions

  • Ability to do physically demanding work (time on feet, walking short distances, playing games, etc)

  • Ability to demonstrate responsible leadership of groups of kids

  • Ability to communicate promptly and professionally with participants’s parents & all staff

  • Ability to effectively communicate and instruct outdoor skills to kids

  • Ability to promote social-emotional development and strong relationships with participants through play and connection

  • Knowledge of outdoor games, crafts or environmental skills

  • Ability to innovate, problem solve and adapt programming as needed by participants

  • Familiarity with the principles of outdoor education and unstructured outdoor play

  • Familiarity with Greater-Portland outdoor spaces and willingness to become an expert on certain ones

  • Can bring fun and upbeat energy to work! 

 

Bonus Qualifications: 

  • Intermediate to advanced level mountain biker with desire to work as a mountain bike instructor 

  • ​Experience instructing any sport, skill or activity to kids

  • Education related to Early Childhood Development, Outdoor Education or another related field

 

Responsibilities: 

  • Learn the Maine Outdoor Kids philosophy and make every effort to exemplify that across all programs and with all participants

  • Mentor small groups of participants during summer programs ages 5-10

  • Work alongside leadership staff to create a safe space for outdoor learning, play, creativity and physical movement

  • Build meaningful and supportive relationships with all participants and staff

  • Facilitate outdoor activities that align with the Maine Outdoor Kids philosophy

  • Work one-on-one with participants to encourage social-emotional development

  • Teach outdoor skills based on weather, seasons and environmental opportunities 

  • (If applicable) Support our Mountain Bike Instructor during bike programs

  • (If applicable) Guide small groups of kids on trails alongside our Mountain Bike Instructor during bike programs

  • (If applicable) Familiarity with local mountain bike trails


Benefits:

  • Competitive pay starting at $18/hr

  • Free adult programming for YOU with Lupine Collective or Mountain Bike Instruction

  • 50% discount for immediate family (partners, children) 

  • 25% discount for friends and family 

  • Maine Outdoor Kids apparel, as needed

  • A joyful and rewarding work environment

  • Enjoy a 4-day work week 

  • Work outside 100% of the time

  • Mentorship and growth opportunities within Maine Outdoor Kids

Come Work With Us

Thank you for applying. We will be in touch!

Application
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