Seasonal Outdoor Educator

Transform Lives in the Great Outdoors! As a Seasonal Outdoor Educator at Upham Woods, you aren’t just staff—you’re the heartbeat of the summer experience. From leading high-energy recreational activities to teaching hands-on environmental science, you’ll be the guide who helps youth discover their potential.

Responsibilities:

Education :

• Teach environmental education and outdoor recreation programming to school and community groups ranging in size from 20-150 participants. A list of common programs is available here: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/uphamwoods/home-pag...  
• Collaborate with team members to identify and manage risk in the outdoors.  

Customer Service :

• Serve as liaison (main point of contact) for visiting groups including on call status*   
• Facilitate meal service with dining hall staff 

Conservation :

• Support conservation projects by preparing necessary tools, safety equipment, and project materials for use on conservation project days.     
• Complete facility maintenance projects, trail work, and minor cleaning, as needed.   

Housing  

Lodging is available while working at Upham Woods in our staff duplex. Bedroom assignments can be an individual or shared, shared bathroom, and shared common areas (kitchen, living room, laundry facilities).     

*On-call status refers to liaison duties extending overnight, where a provided cell phone is left on in case of emergency contact from the visiting group.   

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to work in a team setting with enthusiasm and creativity, and the ability to work independently
• The desire to teach user groups ranging in size from 20-150 participants.  
• Familiarity with outdoor adventure pursuits and their associated equipment, such as camping, canoeing, archery, etc.  
• A general understanding of the field of environmental education, natural resources, education, and youth development  
• Ability to work flexible hours any day of the week, including evening hours  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework toward a bachelor’s degree in education, natural science, biology, environmental education, or a related field  
• Ability to take responsibility for one of the specialization areas. Specialization areas include, but are not limited to: program animals, challenge course, technology, marketing and social media, and facility improvement

Education:

• H.S. Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Certifications

• Lifeguarding certification or ability to obtain before start of employment, with certification active through August 2026. Required to lead Canoeing, Outpost, Swimming, and Blackhawk Island Hikes
• Professional certifications in any of the activities which we commonly offer, such as licensed teacher, 4-H Archery, Low Ropes element challenge course, canoeing, etc.