Assistant Instructor

Overview:

Our field staff are the heart and soul of every course! As an assistant instructor, you will co-lead a group of 10-12 teens or adults on outdoor adventures designed to empower our students and spark lifelong growth. Our instructors are consistent and positive leaders that relish the chance to teach others new skills. They are responsible for the safety of others and take that responsibility seriously-and they also know how to have serious fun! Field staff return year after year to work with NCOBS because of the lives they've touched, the friendships they've built, and the continuous inspiration and professional development that our community provides. As an organization that prides itself on serving our students to the highest degree, we seek experienced educators, instructors, guides, and those who have a love for outdoor recreation!

Department: Program

Reports To: Lead Instructors/Instructors, Course Directors, Staffing Manager

FLSA Status: Seasonal, Exempt

Location : Table Rock (Jonas Ridge, NC) and/or Cedar Rock (Brevard, NC)

Supervision : N/A

Anticipated Start Date: March 2026 or May 2026

Last Updated : September 2025

Organizational Summary:

Since 1967, North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) has delivered wilderness adventures that teach more than outdoor skills. Our wilderness courses, from the mountains of North Carolina to the shores of south Florida to the peaks of South America, deliver on our mission "to change lives through challenge and discovery."

Essential Functions:

• Assists the Instructor in the delivery of Outward Bound mission, educational framework and required course components. 

• Participates in course planning, including the development of educational and technical curricula, route planning, food and equipment organization/packing, and more. 

• Adheres to all local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures outlined in the NCOBS Policy Manual and LOPP's. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides clear, effective and timely communication with the Instructor , supervisor , and other staff.

• Manages student groups and all emergencies in Instructor's absence.

• Demonstrates effect i v e u s e o f communication protocols and technology during emergenc y situations .

• Participates in required staff training. New Staff average 35 days of training in their first year.

• Consistently strives to give and receive timely feedback with co-workers and supervisors.

• Commits to own professional growth as well as improving technical and interpersonal skills.

Working Conditions :

• Base camps are 40 minutes – 1 hour from the nearest town and embody a community living environment.

• Staff cabins are rustic but comfortable; laundry, showers, internet, a group kitchen, and recreational spaces are all available at the base camps.

• Daily meals are provided when working. Lunch and dinner are made each day by the Kitchen Manager. While all food is provided, staff are expected to make their own breakfast.

Qualifications :

• 21 years of age or older. 

• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications.

• Must be willing to commit to multiple years of work. To blossom as an Instructor requires a commitment of two or more years.

• Have a level of competence in backpacking skills and experience that enables the individual to focus on the students' performance and not their own. Suggested 20+ days, some of which should be extended expeditionary travel.

• Must pass a background screening and be cleared to work with youth.

• Must be sufficiently fit to participate in all site and course activities and maintain ample energy, strength, and focus to aid students and instructors. This includes: 

• Extended time on your feet – sometimes for up to 16+ hours a day, or possibly more in the case of an emergency.

• Ability to carry a 40 – 65-pound backpack on and off-trail for up to 12+ hours in a day.

• Ability to complete fitness events that are 7 mountain miles. (Finishing in 75 minutes is a recommended benchmark.)

• Bachelor's degree and/or 2-3 years' experience in the outdoor education/experiential learning field or any similar combination of education and experience.

• Outward Bound or other wilderness expeditionary experience. (OB, NOLS, College Outing/Orientation trip or equivalent) 

• Excellent leadership, organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Flexible, adaptable, and open to change.

• Strong personal motivation, initiative, follow-through, and commitment.

Compensation and Benefits :

• Pay is per diem and based upon the NCOBS field staff pay scale (110-$165/ day).

• Rustic but comfortable housing is provided; laundry, showers, and internet are available on base.

• Access to seasonal staff benefits (professional development opportunities and funds, pro-deal purchase programs, etc.).

• Meals: staff receive field food while on course and are fed out of the common kitchen while on base. There is a cook who will prepare lunch and dinner daily. Breakfast foods are provided.

• Benefits are available to staff working a minimum numbers of days .

North Carolina Outward Bound School prohibits discrimination against, and harassment of, any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, age, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, qualified individuals with a disability on the basis of the disability, or any other category which may be protected under applicable local, state or federal law. NCOBS promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics nor on differences based on gender identity or expression.