Employment

Appalachian Expeditions acknowledges that systematic oppression has made it challenging for many people to access the outdoors. As members of the outdoor industry, we want to create a more inclusive environment and make it easier for all people to get outside. We believe that the natural world is inherent in our identities and essential to who we are as humans, no matter where we come from or what we look like. For these reasons, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and non-binary folks are encouraged to apply. 

We want to work with you to co-create an apprenticeship that takes you to the places you want to reach in the outdoor education industry, while gaining valuable experience leading in the outdoors. Additionally, this position offers administrative “behind the scenes” access to a small nonprofit organization for folks who may have outdoor educator experience and are looking to expand their influence by starting or building other outdoor programs. We look forward to working with you, as an individual, to support your goals and meet our organizational needs. 

Job Description:

Throughout the course of this contract (May 30-August 30), the apprentice will serve three distinct roles, outlined below.

The apprenticeship will begin with a seven-day training trip. On this trip we will backpack and canoe throughout the Cheat River watershed while teaching our foundational curriculum involving leadership, technical skills, and environmental understanding. This training trip runs May 30-June 5, 2026 and sets the stage for teaching these skills to our participants. Throughout this trip, the apprentice’s role will be to absorb the curriculum, systems, and ideologies that are the focus of APEX.

After the training trip, we will begin our programming season. Here, the apprentice will work as part of an experienced instructor team. They will teach wilderness skills, leadership lessons, and other classes that were introduced on the training trip. Additionally, they will be involved in planning logistics, making risk management decisions in the field, and participating as a member and leader of the group in games, activities, and lessons. 

Lastly, the apprentice will develop their own leadership and teaching styles through supportive lesson prep, observation, and feedback. The goal is to help the apprentice grow into a leader within the outdoor industry. This outcome of the apprenticeship is dependent on the individual needs and desires of the apprentice. Within this context, the apprentice will be an integral part of the inner circle of a small leadership team at APEX. We are here to support apprentices’ visions and goals beyond their experience with Appalachian Expeditions. 

An important distinction between the roles of instructors and apprentices is the degree of support administrators provide. In the field, instructors and apprentices will have the same roles, responsibilities, and voice. As an apprentice, APEX will provide additional support to meet the co-created goals of the apprenticeship. Additionally, instructor positions are usually for specific programs, while the apprenticeship is a full-time seasonal position working with a variety of age groups, activities, and programs. 

Job Qualifications:

• Age 21 and up
• Affinity for the outdoors. You must enjoy being outside for extended periods. Our longest program is two weeks in length, during that time apprentices will be backpacking and/or camping on the river and will have limited access to frontcountry amenities (i.e. flushing toilets).
• A desire to teach. This is an outdoor education apprenticeship. We are looking for someone who is excited to teach through experiential education.
• A desire to work with children of all ages. Age ranges for our programs range from 5 to 17 years old. Apprentices will be placed in programs based on need and best fit.
• Wilderness First Aid Certification. This is our minimum first aid requirement, but we encourage you to pursue a Wilderness First Responder certification. If you do not have a WFA certification we will cover the cost of your course. Please see notes below about professional development.
• Apprenticeship Dates: May 30 through August 30. Throughout the summer, apprentices can expect to lead at least two backcountry programs and two day camps. They will also help support other programs with logistics, rations planning and prep, and equipment maintenance.

Job Benefits:

• Competencies in wilderness skills, wilderness medicine, and teaching skills. This apprenticeship will prepare you for jobs in outdoor and experiential education and outdoor recreation. It will also prepare you to adventure in new and remote places.
• Opportunity to develop a better understanding of the inner workings of a nonprofit outdoor education program, with support and direction to meet individualized goals of the apprentice. 
• Professional development stipend. Appalachian Expeditions will provide up to $250 (or the cost of a WFA) in professional development funds. These funds should be used on wilderness medicine certifications first, but if the apprentice has wilderness medicine certifications, they can be used for other professional development opportunities.
• Stipend: This apprenticeship pays $4,000. In addition to the stipend, all meals will be covered while on course (we will work with you on dietary restrictions and preferences), and instructor housing will be provided throughout the apprenticeship.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for a reference to alex@appalachianexpeds.org. In the cover letter, please include your background, things you will bring to the programs, and your desired outcomes of this apprenticeship.

For more information, call or email Alex Snyder: 717-873-7509 or alex@appalachianexpeds.org

Application Deadline: January 31, 2026