Now hiring for Fall 2024: August 21 - December 17, 2024!

Come help us share our 1,140 acres of forests, streams, waterfalls, and canyons in northwest Alabama with groups of students from all over the Southeast. Work with the students to foster a sense of community as well as an appreciation, understanding, and responsibility for our environment.  Students of the McDowell Environmental Center come from a variety of backgrounds and visit our Center for two- or three-day programs. These students are mostly 4rd-8th grade students, but can range from 3rd-12th grade. 

Teach engaging, hands-on classes in the great outdoors, i.e., aquatic ecology, forest ecology, map & compass skills, earth science, Indigenous history, canoeing, team building, and high ropes. Adapt the established lesson plans to match your teaching style and strengths. Assist with program and curriculum development. Lead evening programs such as campfire, night hikes, astronomy, and live animal programs with our birds of prey.

Work with a team of passionate and friendly individuals from all across the country. Work week is Monday-Friday with all weekends off. Building a strong and cohesive team is a cornerstone of our program. Two weeks of paid staff training is provided, as well as a variety of professional development opportunities throughout the season. 

We hire around 15 Seasonal Instructors each Fall and each Spring school semester. We welcome applications year-round for the upcoming season.

General Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a demonstrated respect and affinity for children and a desire to help them learn and grow in an outdoor environment
• Have the following characteristics: enthusiasm, maturity, initiative, sense of humor, flexibility and team spirit
• Be familiar with the outdoors and environmental issues
• Possess or obtain certifications in CPR and First Aid before starting work
• Be 21 years or older by the first day of work
• All employees will undergo a background check once hired

Employment Details:

• All instructors have fully furnished private bedrooms, shared bathroom, access to community kitchen, living room, no cost laundry, and large porches with rocking chairs
• All meals provided for free when groups are on-site (95% of the time) and additional food staples provided 
• $350 per week paid twice a month (bi-weekly) 
• 50% discount on Alabama Folk School Craft and Music Classes
• Access to multiple industry pro deals on clothing and outdoor gear
• Full use of camp facilities when not in use by groups (climbing wall, pools, canoes, hiking trails)