Green River Preserve is hiring experienced youth leaders and environmental educators for our summer season. Located on a 3,400-acre wildlife preserve in Western North Carolina, GRP is a coed summer camp connecting children to nature. We are hiring both summer camp naturalists, "Mentors" and high school adventure leaders -- "Expedition Leaders”.

Three Month Contracts are available for our summer season, May 31st through August 7, 2026. Six Month Contracts are available for our full season, April 17 through October 15, 2026. 

Mentors / Naturalists

Mentors at GRP are professional teachers and naturalists from a wide range of fields whether by interest, experience, or formal training. As a Mentor, you will lead up to 14 campers each morning on hikes throughout the Preserve, exploring waterfalls, caves, and wild edible plants, and teaching the art of discovery in the natural world. This role is ideal for someone who loves being outside, wants to share their passions, and thrives in a physically and mentally challenging but deeply rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities
Lead Outdoor Adventures Guide campers on daily hikes, share your knowledge and enthusiasm, and inspire young environmental stewards. Teach campers about the natural world, survival skills, and your personal passions.

Cabin Leadership and Counselor Support camper cabins each session, providing guidance, mentoring, and behavior management. Coach counselors in teaching, camper engagement, and problem solving.

Teach Camp Activities Depending on interests and skills, teach a variety of classic camp activities including archery, primitive skills, music, theater, nature based learning and more!

Campout Preparation and Leadership Support and help lead a two night backpacking trip during each session with campers and counselors, ensuring safety, preparedness, and a transformative outdoor experience.

Environmental and Personal Growth Participate in a community of professional environmental educators, advancing your own knowledge of nature, youth development, and career pathways.

Expedition Leaders

Expedition Leaders at GRP are experienced outdoor educators and naturalists who guide small groups of campers on multi-day backpacking expeditions off campus. You will lead up to 14 campers with two other leaders, forming a close-knit team responsible for safety, skill-building, and inspiration on rocks, rapids, paddling and packing through public lands. This role is perfect for those who thrive in the outdoors, love teaching, and enjoy mentoring both campers and staff in a challenging yet deeply rewarding environment. Current certifications are highly recommended.

Key Responsibilities
Lead Outdoor Expeditions Facilitate quality experiences for campers on multi-day backpacking trips as well as paddling a canoe on a river. Teach outdoor skills, environmental awareness, and personal growth through hands-on experiences. Inspire campers to discover their capabilities and develop a love for nature.

Team Leadership and Support Work closely with fellow leaders to create a supportive and cohesive team. Be a positive example to campers and counselors, providing guidance, problem solving, and encouragement throughout the adventures.

Camp Preparation and Safety Prepare campers and staff for expeditions, including gear checks, route planning, and risk management. Ensure safety, preparedness, and a transformative outdoor experience for every participant.

Teach and Inspire Share your knowledge and passion for the outdoors. Lead activities that teach survival skills, natural science, and self-confidence while fostering curiosity and exploration.

For more information, please visit our website at www.greenriverpreserve.org.

Why Join GRP

This is more than a summer job. Whether you are a Mentor or an Expedition Leader, you will spend lots of time outdoors, share your passions, and make a lasting impact on young people. You will lead campers through adventure and discovery, inspire curiosity about the natural world, and help them grow into confident, environmentally-conscious individuals. You will also inspire counselors, collaborate with a close-knit team, and deepen your own professional and personal skills. At GRP, you become part of an elite community of outdoor educators shaping the next generation of environmental stewards while enjoying a challenging, rewarding, and deeply fulfilling experience.

Requirements

• Mentor applicants must be 24 years of age or older. Candidates with formal classroom or outdoor education experience may be considered even if they are younger.
• Expedition Leader Applicants must be 21 years of age or older.
• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certified or willing to become certified.
• Must have passion, expertise, and experience in teaching children in an outdoor environment.
• A background in natural resources or environmental science/education is preferred but not necessary.
• Mentors must commit to our full season, which runs from May 27 to August 7, 2026. Please only apply if you can make that commitment.
• Expedition Leaders season is May 31st - August 7th, 2026.
• CDL is a plus!

To apply, please use the following link to our online application: https://greenriver.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/staff/App/

To learn about our philosophy, and see other available positions, please visit our website. www.greenriverpreserve.org/work