Hearty Roots is a fast-scaling youth development nonprofit reimagining the intersection of classroom learning and the camp experience. We foster resilience by cultivating long-term relationships and meaningful connections to the natural world. Serving over 1,000 youth annually, we believe that outdoor adventure and the power of "awe" provide the ultimate setting for social connectedness and emotional growth.

Hearty Roots is seeking an Instructor who thrives on variety and is energized by the unpredictable. This is a role someone who can transition seamlessly from a school-side green space with elementary students to providing support for neurodivergent youth during school vacation camps, or an occasional 24-hour wilderness campout with teenagers. The ideal candidate is a self-starter educator who is proactive and turns a rainy afternoon into a transformative lesson with ease. You are someone who adapts well to a shifting schedule and cares deeply about youth mental health and wellbeing. This Instructor is as comfortable in a classroom hallway as they are on a remote trailhead. You will bounce between short, high-energy school-based blocks and full-day, immersive camp sessions.

During the School Year: Your schedule is a mix of school-based "green space" programs and Hearty Roots campus sessions. You’ll master the art of the quick transition—leading multiple 45-minute blocks per week, with the occasional field trip or community partnership immersive experience on our campus grounds in Bremen. You will play a key role in expanding our curriculum to ensure it resonates with young people from all walks of life and abilities.

During School Vacations: When schools are closed, the woods are open. Your role shifts into full-day camp leadership on our Bremen campus. Here, you’ll trade the "block" schedule for mindful day-camp adventures with young people. You’ll also be ready to pivot to middle and high school programming, which may include overnight experiences that introduce side-country camping and mini-expeditions to teenagers.

Major Duties

1. Direct Instruction & Facilitation  

• School-Based Programming: Co-lead whole class adventures to small group supportive SEL (Social Emotional Learning) experiences, primarily with elementary and middle school students
• Campus-Based Programming: Vacation camps, field trips, occasional overnights for middle and high school aged youth
• Inclusive Mentorship: Differentiate instruction on the fly for youth across all walks of life, learning abilities, and developmental stages
• Behavioral Grit: Confidently manage complex group dynamics and behaviors with a calm, restorative approach
• Dynamic Risk Assessment: Maintain a constant "safety-first" mindset, assessing environmental hazards, medical emergencies, and social-emotional risks in real-time

2. Indirect Coordination 

• Logistical Hustle: Pitch in on gear management and site coordination. We are a scaling nonprofit; we need "all hands on deck" contributors
• Community Outreach: Expect to represent the organization at community events, friendraisers, and mission aligned conferences and workshops
• Stakeholder Bridge: Communicate clearly and professionally with schools, parents, and community partners to support the "whole child."

Requirements & Qualifications

• Required:

• Must be at least 21 years old with a high level of physical and mental stamina for 8+ hour outdoor shifts in all terrain
• Required: 4+ years experience working with youth ages 5-18, teaching, counseling, in outdoor education, youth development or social services.
• Required: Reliable vehicle and a willingness to travel between school locations in Lincoln County
• Must pass a comprehensive background check
• Available for a 40-hour week with occasional early mornings, evenings, or campouts

• Preferred:

• Experience facilitating outdoor programming, with a knack for earth-based instruction such as carving, fishing, kayaking, fire-building, Leave No Trace, camping, outdoor cooking, navigation, etc.
• WFA/WFR or Maine Guide preferred; must be willing to obtain necessary certifications

Salary and Working Hours

• $19-$22/hour
• This position is for the 2026–27 school year through June 2027: 
• Full-time 32-40 hours per week, depending on program assignments and instructor availability
• Programming takes place during and after the school day. Specific schedules and weekly hours will depend on program assignments and instructor availability
• Attending training(s) in September, beginning programming in schools in October
• Occasional evenings and weekends for fundraising events, workshops, and campouts
• This position is fully in-person and does not offer any remote work
• Mileage reimbursement
• Location: 
• Hearty Roots office “home base” in Damariscotta, Maine 
• Schools around Lincoln County

Additional work beyond June 2027, including summer programming, will be available based on program needs and instructor availability.