Careers

Outward Bound Canada is passionate about building and sustaining representation and diversity within the outdoor industry. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPoC, 2SLGBTQ+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply, even if your experience doesn’t precisely match the job description for this role.Your experience, skills, and passion will set you apart so tell us about your achievements and journey to date, and the things you learned along the way.

Who We Are

Outward Bound Canada (OBC) is a national charity that equips youth with the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive through powerful, life-changing experiences in nature. Our programs combine outdoor adventure with intentional learning to build leadership, social and emotional intelligence, and a deep sense of responsibility to community and the environment.

We are committed to breaking down barriers to access and creating meaningful opportunities for youth who have been historically underrepresented in outdoor and leadership spaces. Equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to our work, and we actively strive to ensure the outdoor sector reflects the full diversity of Canada.

Program Context

The Youth Career Catalyst (YCC) program combines outdoor education with career and skills development for youth facing barriers to employment. Participants gain employability skills, industry certifications, and access to meaningful and supported work experiences, preparing them for sustainable employment.

The Role

The Course Director plays a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of safe, high-quality, and impactful grant programs. This role provides leadership across the full lifecycle of a course, from planning, through delivery, to wrap-up and evaluation, while supporting facilitators, coordinating logistics, and upholding OBC’s safety and educational standards.

Acting as the key link between Program Management and field staff, this position blends operational coordination, instructional leadership, and real-time problem solving in dynamic environments. The role is well suited to someone who thrives in complexity, demonstrates strong judgment, and is committed to mentorship, safety, and meaningful participant experiences.

What We Offer

• Location: Minden Ontario & hybrid, work from home and onsite during program delivery
• Accommodation: Accommodations available during for contract duration
• Salary: Per diem rate in accordance with OBC’s current instructor pay scale.
• Benefits: Health Care Spending Account Fund & Employee Assistance Plan
• Term: 3 month contract term May or June start with the possibility of extension for the full summer and fall term
• Supervisor: Grant Program Manager
• Anticipated Start Date: May 15, 2026
• Application Deadline: April 20, 2026

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Delivery

• Oversee the full lifecycle of assigned courses, including planning, implementation, and wrap-up.
• Ensure programs are safe, meaningful, challenging, and aligned with OBC’s educational philosophy.
• Provide leadership during course delivery, including stepping into the Facilitator role as needed.
• Deliver and support YCC classroom instruction and supervision.
• Provide opening and closing course talks and maintain a visible leadership presence throughout programs.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Mentor and support instructional staff and support team members.
• Serve as the primary link between Program Management and Facilitators, ensuring clear communication and alignment.
• Lead and support staff training, including technical, educational, and risk management components.
• Support Facilitators in setting objectives, evaluating performance, and building capacity through ongoing feedback and coaching.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment grounded in trust, professionalism, and shared accountability.

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain oversight of all health and safety practices across programs.
• Ensure adherence to National Safety Policies and Standards, and support the development of Local Operating Procedures and new program plans.
• Provide leadership in emergency situations, including managing emergency calls, coordinating evacuations, and supporting field teams.
• Mentor staff in risk management decision-making, including evolving risks such as environmental conditions and infectious disease mitigation.
• Conduct student medical screening and ensure appropriate follow-up.

Operations & Logistics

• Coordinate course logistics in collaboration with the Grant Program Manager and logistics staff, including scheduling, transportation, food planning, and equipment.
• Support busy operational periods by assisting with site coordination, driving, packing, and general logistics as needed.
• Issue and maintain program equipment and ensure readiness prior to course start.
• Coordinate the flow of critical course information to instructional staff.
• Conduct reconnaissance for new course areas and support program development.

Program Oversight & Administration

• Ensure thorough completion of all course planning and readiness tasks prior to participant arrival.
• Oversee completion of all course documentation and end-of-course reporting.
• Maintain strong working relationships with program sites, external partners, and subcontractors.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and provide recommendations for improvement.

Educational Leadership

• Model OBC values through leadership, communication, and decision-making.
• Support meaningful and respectful integration of Indigenous perspectives and place-based learning.
• Ensure acknowledgement of traditional territories and support staff in delivering culturally respectful programming.
• Contribute to creating empowering, participant-centered experiences that support growth and development.

Adaptive Leadership

• Respond to changing conditions (e.g., weather, wildfires, health considerations, staffing shifts) with flexibility and sound judgment.
• Navigate non-routine, high-pressure situations with calm, solution-focused leadership.
• Contribute to overall program resilience and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• 4 years of experience as a field instructor with Outward Bound or similar wilderness/experiential education programs.
• Demonstrated experience supervising or mentoring staff in outdoor or educational settings.
• Strong knowledge of and alignment with Outward Bound philosophy and pedagogy.
• Proven ability to manage complex logistics and adapt in dynamic environments.
• Experience working with youth, including those in challenging or high-support contexts.
• Competency in risk management practices and decision-making in the field.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; collaborative and team-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in ambiguous situations.

Additional Assets

• Management experience in wilderness or experiential programming
• Relevant certifications (e.g., ACMG, Paddle Canada, etc.)
• Experience developing systems or improving operational processes
• French language proficiency

Outward Bound Canada is passionate about building and sustaining representation and diversity within the outdoor industry. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPoC, 2SLGBTQ+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply, even if your experience doesn’t precisely match the job description for this role.Your experience, skills, and passion will set you apart so tell us about your achievements and journey to date, and the things you learned along the way. 

Who We Are

 Outward Bound Canada (OBC) is a charity that equips youth for the future through transformative adventures in nature. These experiences develop resilience, social and emotional intelligence, and environmental leadership, preparing youth with skills to contribute to a better, more compassionate, and resilient society. 

We are deeply committed to addressing barriers to access and creating opportunities for marginalized populations. We believe in fostering diversity and inclusion so that the outdoor sector reflects the rich diversity of Canada. 

The Role

 The Program Manager – Ontario North provides leadership and oversight for Ontario Wilderness programs, ensuring each experience is safe, mission-aligned, and deeply impactful for participants. This role blends field leadership, program management, and staff development, supporting instructors to grow professionally while delivering high-quality, consistent programming. 

Working in close collaboration with the wilderness and field teams, the Program Manager ensures operational excellence, strong communication, and seamless logistical coordination across courses. At its core, the role fosters a culture of mentorship, reflection, and accountability — strengthening instructor capacity, enhancing participant outcomes, and reinforcing a cohesive, high-performing regional team. 

What We Offer

•  Location: Ontario North Regional Base 
• Salary: 60,000 – 65,000 
• Benefits: Health Care Spending Account Fund & Employee Assistance Plan 
• Term: May 2026 – October 2026. This is a full-time, term position (37.5 hours per week). Work schedules are flexible and aligned with program delivery needs. Evening and weekend work will be required as part of supporting programs and teams in the field. 
• Supervisor: Director of Wilderness Operations 
• Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 

Duties & Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Quality

•  Provide leadership and support to ensure programs are delivered in line with OBC’s curriculum and educational approach, staying true to our mission, vision, and commitment to safety. 
• Collaborate with the Director of Wilderness Operations, Curriculum Senior Manager, and the Wilderness team to refine program design, implement curriculum, evaluate outcomes, and ensure training and instructor development are aligned with program goals. 
• Ensure programs reflect best practices in experiential education and inclusion. . 
• Coordinates the execution of the program plans to enhance and develop programming; developing initiatives, course mix, operations and logistics, and other projects assigned. 
• Manages and supervises instructional employees, ensuring high-quality program delivery, educational outcomes are met, program and instructor evaluations are complete. 

Instructor Development & Mentorship

• Mentor and coach instructors in leadership, facilitation, technical skills, and group management. 
• Support professional growth and development of all instructional staff through feedback, training, and field-based coaching. 
• Collaborate with the Curriculum Senior Manager to align training and mentorship with OBC’s curriculum and program standards. 
•  Foster a culture of collaboration, reflection, and continuous learning across the instructional team. 

Risk Management & Field Support

•  Act as Regional Safety Officer (RSO), ensuring programs comply with OBC risk management protocols. 
• Brief instructors and students on safety and participation expectations. 
• Provide field support, stepping in as needed to coach instructors or maintain program quality. 
•  Collaborate with the Program Operations & Administration team to ensure incident reporting, emergency planning, and risk management systems are properly implemented and adhered to. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Collaboration & Communication

•  Work closely with Program Operations & Administration to ensure smooth logistics, scheduling, and data management. 
• Collaborate with HR, Development, and Marketing teams to support outreach, recruitment, and program evaluation. 
• Represent Ontario North in national program planning, training, and evaluation initiatives. 
• Build strong, supportive relationships across field and regional teams. 
• Champion inclusion, equity, and belonging in program design, instructor development, and workplace culture. 
• Lead by example, modeling OBC’s values and standards in all interactions. 

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

•  5+ years of experience in outdoor education, experiential programming, or wilderness leadership. 
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, and support staff or instructors. 
• Strong understanding of risk management in wilderness and adventure-based education contexts. 
• Exceptional organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to oversee multiple programs, coordinate diverse teams, and navigate complex timelines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and coaching skills to engage effectively with staff, instructors, families, and external partners. 
• Ability to lead collaboratively, adaptively, and empathetically. 
• Valid F-class driver’s license and ability to travel to remote locations as needed. 
• Position requires a police background check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check. 
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification or equivalent, enabling support for field operations and participation in training or on-program activities. 

Assets

•  Experience in trauma-informed care and mental health first aid. 
• French language proficiency. 
• Experience in program development and evaluation. 
• Relevant technical certifications (e.g., Swiftwater Rescue, Bronze Cross). 

Outward Bound Canada is passionate about building and sustaining representation and diversity within the outdoor industry. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPoC, 2SLGBTQ+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply, even if your experience doesn’t precisely match the job description for this role.Your experience, skills, and passion will set you apart so tell us about your achievements and journey to date, and the things you learned along the way.

Who We Are

Outward Bound Canada (OBC) is a charity that equips youth for the future through transformative adventures in nature. These experiences develop resilience, social and emotional intelligence, and environmental leadership, preparing youth with skills to contribute to a better, more compassionate, and resilient society.

We are deeply committed to addressing barriers to access and creating opportunities for marginalized populations. We believe in fostering diversity and inclusion so that the outdoor sector reflects the rich diversity of Canada.

The Role

The Seasonal Instructor plays a central role in delivering Outward Bound Canada’s Toronto Urban Wild programming, an urban outdoor education program that complements OBC’s wilderness expeditions. Programs take place in and around the Greater Toronto Area and integrate canoeing, backpacking, urban navigation, and experiential education to create continuous journeys through natural spaces within the city.

The Instructor is responsible for guiding students safely through their course experience while maximizing learning, growth, and group development. This role combines technical instruction, facilitation of group dynamics, and strong risk management in dynamic outdoor and urban environments. Instructors serve as teachers, role models, leaders, and mentors, bringing their individual style, creativity, and experience to each course.

What We Offer

• Location: Brickworks, Toronto.
• Salary: Full-time Seasonal Instructor: $45,000–$50,000 annually (prorated to contract duration)
• Per Diem Instructor: $160–$220 per day ($20 – $27 hourly), dependent on experience and certifications
• Benefits: Health Care Spending Account and Employee Assistance Plan
• Term: June – August, with possibility of extension
• Supervisor: Urban Wild Principal and Program Manager
• Application Deadline: Until position is filled; applications reviewed on a rolling basis
• Anticipated Start Date: June

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of students throughout the duration of each course.
• Lead and facilitate outdoor education programming in alignment with Outward Bound Canada’s mission, values, and National Safety Policy.
• Manage risk effectively through sound judgment, proactive decision-making, and adherence to established protocols.
• Teach technical skills including canoeing, backpacking, campcraft, navigation, and urban travel, using appropriate instructional methods for diverse learners.
• Facilitate group processes, including peer interactions, conflict resolution, reflection, and leadership development.
• Monitor, assess, and support student growth, engagement, and learning outcomes.
• Maintain clear, professional communication with students, co-instructors, and program staff.
• Complete required program documentation, reports, and administrative tasks in a timely manner.
• Support base and operational needs when not in the field, including equipment care, inventory, maintenance, and special projects.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Strong technical competence in canoeing, backpacking, wilderness travel, and associated risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of outdoor experience.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and group management skills.
• Commitment to student-centered learning, experiential education, and personal growth.
• Deep understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-oppressive practice, with a demonstrated commitment to dismantling systemic barriers.
• High level of cross-cultural competence and emotional intelligence.
• Eligible to work in Canada.
• Clear Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check by start date.
• Ability to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, and for extended periods in the field.

Outward Bound Canada is passionate about building and sustaining representation and diversity within the outdoor industry. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPoC, 2SLGBTQ+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply, even if your experience doesn’t precisely match the job description for this role.Your experience, skills, and passion will set you apart so tell us about your achievements and journey to date, and the things you learned along the way.

Who We Are

Outward Bound Canada (OBC) is a charity that equips youth for the future through transformative adventures in nature. These experiences develop resilience, social and emotional intelligence, and environmental leadership, preparing youth with skills to contribute to a better, more compassionate, and resilient society.

We are deeply committed to addressing barriers to access and creating opportunities for marginalized populations. We believe in fostering diversity and inclusion so that the outdoor sector reflects the rich diversity of Canada.

The Role

The Seasonal Urban Wild Instructor (Evenings & Weekends) supports the delivery of Outward Bound Canada’s Toronto Urban Wild programming, an urban outdoor education program that complements OBC’s wilderness expeditions.

Programs take place in and around the Greater Toronto Area and are primarily scheduled during evenings and on weekends, making this role ideal for instructors seeking flexible, ongoing seasonal work. Programming integrates canoeing, backpacking, urban navigation, and experiential education to create meaningful journeys through natural spaces within the city.

Instructors are responsible for guiding students safely through their course experience while maximizing learning, growth, and group development. This role blends technical instruction, facilitation of group dynamics, and strong risk management in dynamic urban and outdoor environments. Instructors serve as teachers, mentors, leaders, and role models, bringing their individual style, creativity, and experience to each course.

What We Offer

• Location: Brickworks, Toronto.
• Salary: Per Diem or Hourly Instructor: $160–$220 per day ($20 – $27 hourly), dependent on experience and certifications
• Benefits: Health Care Spending Account and Employee Assistance Plan
• Term: Ongoing seasonal work; start anytime, based on program needs and instructor availability
• Schedule: Evenings and weekends
• Supervisor: Urban Wild Principal and Program Manager
• Application Deadline: Until position is filled; applications reviewed on a rolling basis

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of students throughout the duration of each course.
• Lead and facilitate outdoor education programming in alignment with Outward Bound Canada’s mission, values, and National Safety Policy.
• Manage risk effectively through sound judgment, proactive decision-making, and adherence to established protocols.
• Teach technical skills including canoeing, backpacking, campcraft, navigation, and urban travel, using appropriate instructional methods for diverse learners.
• Facilitate group processes, including peer interactions, conflict resolution, reflection, and leadership development.
• Monitor, assess, and support student growth, engagement, and learning outcomes.
• Maintain clear, professional communication with students, co-instructors, and program staff.
• Complete required program documentation, reports, and administrative tasks in a timely manner.
• Support base and operational needs when not in the field, including equipment care, inventory, maintenance, and special projects.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Strong technical competence in canoeing, backpacking, wilderness travel, and associated risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of outdoor experience.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and group management skills.
• Commitment to student-centered learning, experiential education, and personal growth.
• Deep understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-oppressive practice, with a demonstrated commitment to dismantling systemic barriers.
• High level of cross-cultural competence and emotional intelligence.
• Eligible to work in Canada.
• Clear Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check by start date.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends

Outward Bound Canada is passionate about building and sustaining representation and diversity within the outdoor industry. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPoC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply, even if your experience doesn’t precisely match the job description for this role. Your experience, skills, and passion will set you apart so tell us about your achievements and journey to date, and the things you learned along the way.

Who We Are

Outward Bound Canada (OBC) is a charity that equips youth for the future through adventures in nature. These experiences develop resilience, social and emotional intelligence, and environmental leadership to prepare youth with skills to contribute to a better, more compassionate, and resilient society. Read about the impact of our work and our statement on Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals is an OBC initiative to address challenges within the outdoor sector related to high unemployment by providing training for aspiring outdoor instructors. Equally importantly, it addresses barriers to access for marginalised populations to ensure Canada’s next generation of outdoor sector employees reflect Canada’s diversity.

The Role

Outward Bound Canada operates an urban outdoor program in and around the GTA as a complement to our wilderness programming.  This program pairs canoeing, backpacking, and urban navigation to provide continuous journeys through the natural spaces in and around our cities.  We are striving to provide life-changing outdoor educational experiences that are accessible, relevant, and contribute toward a better world.  Our students include both school and community groups as well as individuals looking for a journey in their own backyard ranging from 1-15 days long.  Outward Bound Canada is looking for enthusiastic, hardworking individuals who have the credentials and capacity to work at the Toronto Urban Centre providing exceptional educational programming to students, teachers, and schools on a part-time or on-call basis. This casual position offers the flexibility to create a schedule that suits your lifestyle, all while making a meaningful impact through exceptional educational programming at the Toronto Urban Centre.

Opportunity for Impact

• Responsible for the health and well-being of students while on program.
• Develop program plans and curriculum for expeditions.
• Effectively utilize group and risk management skills, maturity, and role modeling to create a safe and supportive environment for student-centered learning.
• Provide direct customer care for participants and their families/teachers/agencies.
• Complete various program-related administrative documents and tasks.
• Manage in-field risk management decisions including the mitigation of infectious disease
• Coordinate the transfer of course information to the Program Manager and Course Director.
• Organize and facilitate the program evaluation process.
• Participate in the training and mentoring of staff in program delivery procedures.
• Achieve the objectives of the Outward Bound Canada National Safety Policy.
• Complete risk management briefings and debriefings with the Program Manager and Course Director.
• Facilitate all incident reporting processes.
• Monitor, assess and evaluate students.
• This position will take place in Toronto, ON, and the surrounding GTA.

What You Bring

OBC recognizes relevant skills and knowledge can be gained through volunteer and life experiences as well as professional and educational backgrounds. Please outline in a brief cover letter how you have gained the following experiences, and how you would apply them to this role:

Requirements

• Ability to model and teach outdoor travel and living skills in Urban environments.
• Well-practiced in communicating effectively with a high level of professionalism.
• Technical and interpersonal excellence, effective in facilitating clients through the broad range of emotions experienced on our courses.
• Experience working with youth in an outdoor setting.
• Experience on extended wilderness trips.
• Ability to facilitate and lead both youth and adults of various abilities.
• Experience in adventure and experiential educational module delivery.
• Understanding and application of Outward Bound methods and philosophy.
• Skilled in behaviour management, crisis intervention, and problem-solving.
• Ability to facilitate and program ground initiatives, low ropes, rock climbing, and high ropes elements.
• Ability to develop and deliver creative cross-curricular programming.
• Focus on providing high levels of customer service.
• Ability to be a significant contributor to several small teams.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and multitask under deadlines.
• Strong written communication and computer skills, including Word, Excel, and database programs.
• Personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors
• Understanding of how systems of oppression take shape in workplaces and a desire to shift the balance of power and privilege to center underrepresented voices
• High level of cross-cultural competence, in recognition, that Outward Bound Canada works with students and partners from a diversity of communities and backgrounds
• Passionate about the Outward Bound Canada mission, an interest in outdoor pursuits, and a desire to help get young people outdoors for transformative experiences

Required Certifications

• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) OR Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) (an asset)
• CPR-C
• Bronze Cross or NLS
• Post-secondary education in one of the following fields: education, recreation, therapy (asset)
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check

Assets

• Paddling Certification
• Certified Teacher (eg: OCT an asset)
• F-Class (or equivalent) Driver’s License
• Level I or Level II Ropes Course Instructor certification

Compensation

Casual/Per Diem Instructor, pay range: $20 – $30 hourly range is dependent on experience and certification + Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and Employee Assistance Plan

At Outward Bound Canada we believe that communities that have been historically underrepresented in outdoor recreation must be centered in the work we do. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from people who will increase representation, and invite applicants to outline how they will contribute to this in their application.

• Please provide your cover letter and resume in one pdf file. Please title the document using the following convention (First Name_Last Name_Job Title)
• Fill out the webform by clicking the “Apply Now” button above.
• Attach your cover letter and resume pdf to the web form. Note: you cannot complete the webform without this step.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please let us know if you require accommodations at any stage during the hiring process, please inform us at hrsupport@outwardbound.ca in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

Outward Bound Canada’s greatest asset is our instructional staff. Accomplished outdoor educators with extensive technical and facilitation skills and the passion and compassion to inspire students to learn, our instructors come from all walks of life with a vast array of talents and experiences. Some have worked extensively in outdoor education, while others come from university programs or other career paths. We value group facilitation skills, life experience, passion, dedication, resiliency, and teaching ability as highly as technical proficiency.

Experience and certifications required:

• Legally able to work in Canada
• Clear vulnerable sector police check
• WFR (80hrs)

Learn more about working for OBC: Instructor Recruitment Guide (downloadable PDF)

What We Offer Instructors

Make an Impact
Outward Bound Instructors create life-changing experiences for youth. Face-to-face, human interactions in nature have never been more important! By facilitating a positive course culture, coaching students in setting and reaching goals, teaching valuable life skills, and acting as role models, instructors truly profoundly impact students. Outward Bound Canada instructors recognize this great privilege and responsibility. Perhaps most significantly, the transformational process that students go through can also be experienced by instructors. Many instructors report experiencing not only professional but immense personal growth from working for OBC. Learn more about our impact.

Competitive Pay
OBC instructor day rates range from $160 to $260 depending on location, previous experience, certifications and performance. For full-time salaried instructors, the salary range is from $45,000 to $50,000 plus benefits.

Benefits Available
All employees of Outward Bound Canada can access support services through our Employee Assistance Program, which includes counselling, financial advising, and more. Additionally, instructors receive a benefits package that includes $10 per day towards a Health Care Spending Account to support their health and well-being.

Flexible Work Options
Instructors may work full-time or on a course-by-course basis, depending on instructor availability and interests.

Advance your Career
New instructors receive mentorship from more experienced co-instructors to develop skills and progress in your journey. Working with other outdoor professionals helps build a network as you become connected to many other well-established organizations in the industry. Feedback is ongoing, so there is ample opportunity to integrate your learnings along the way.

Expand your Skill Set
Each region runs in-house seasonal training for their instructors. Ongoing training is offered throughout the year, facilitated by external providers – past topics include: mental health wilderness first aid, trauma-informed care, emotional intelligence, leadership workshops, and more.

Support for Risk Management
Field staff can call office support 24/7 for coaching on navigating challenging situations and sharing updates from the field. Multiple two-way communication devices such as InReach, radios, and satellite phones are carried in the field. Our Admissions Department also conducts comprehensive medical and behavioural screenings for all participants before coming on course, setting instructors up for success in the field.

Diversity in Work
Outward Bound Canada runs programs across the country, with various populations, in numerous skill types. Check out our Course Offerings to see some of the open enrollment programs you could facilitate – we also offer many courses year-round directly through youth-serving organizations.

Questions? Please email us at hrsupport@outwardbound.ca.

WHAT IS AN INSTRUCTOR

Outward Bound Canada instructors are passionate, multi-talented professionals who inspire and empower youth through transformative outdoor experiences.
As an instructor, you’ll lead backcountry expeditions, deliver impactful outdoor education, and foster leadership and emotional growth in your participants. You’ll also provide vital emotional support, navigating the challenges and rewards of the wilderness alongside your team.

This isn’t just a job for a guide, teacher, social worker, or manager: it’s a calling for those with a versatile skill set and a dedication to creating lasting, positive change. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and embrace adventure, we’d love for you to join our team!

When instructors are hired, their role is assigned based on previous experience and training.

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Build rapport with students and develop technical and facilitation skills.

INSTRUCTOR

Facilitate group processes and teach lessons.

LEAD INSTRUCTOR

Supervise the instructor team, ultimately responsible for risk management and overall course progression.

As an instructor, you’ll be prepared to facilitate engaging discussions and teach valuable lessons on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

Technical skills – backcountry camping, packing, expedition planning, cooking, fire building, weather systems, knots, tarp and tent set up, reading terrain, navigation, Leave No Trace, natural history and skills related to course type.

Interpersonal skills – conflict resolution, giving and receiving feedback, self-reflection, leadership styles, power and privilege, nervous system regulation, resilience, social-emotional intelligence, decision making.

Your ability to guide students through both technical and personal growth will be essential to their success in the program.

Most instructors work on a contract basis, meaning they are employed for the length of a course (typically ranging from 1-30+ days). The number of courses an instructor works is based on staffing needs and instructor preferences – some instructors work one course a year, while some work back-to-back courses all season. Explore our 2025 programs to discover the types of programs in each region.

• Instructors start work 2 days prior to student arrival to prep gear, food, lessons, and route plan.
• In the field, instructors work together to teach lessons, plan activities, lead group travel, and support student needs.
• Instructors wrap up a day after students leave, in order to clean and debrief.
  

Outside of working for OBC, instructors have many lifestyles and passions. Many work for other organizations in the outdoor industry as ski guides or in wilderness therapy, while others have full-time careers such as teachers or social workers. The possibilities are endless.

The pay scale was implemented in order to ensure transparency and recognize the diverse experience our instructor team brings to the field. All payscale categories add up to points that recognize your experience. Upon hire instructors fill a form to submit certification and experience, these will equate to points to find your OBC experience level.

Certifications

Each relevant certification adds additional points. Points correspond to the length and cost of the certification.

Education & Experience

University degrees, additional certifications, relevant work & OBC Online Training. Points correspond to the cost, relevance and duration.

Field Days

Each field day with OBC is worth 1 point. Other approved organizations and OBC training worth additional points.

Pay Range

OBC Experience Level ranges from 1 to 700+ points = $170 to $260 per day

All OBC regions require the following in addition to any regional requirements listed in the table on the following page:

• Legally able to work in Canada
• Clear vulnerable sector police check
• First Aid Requirements:
  • Wilderness Programs: Wilderness First Responder (80hrs)
  • Urban Toronto Programs: CPR-C & Standard First Aid
• Experience working with youth in an outdoor setting, with a strong ability to mentor, guide, and support their development in both technical and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of challenges youth face and experience applying inclusive strategies to support diverse groups of varying learning styles and backgrounds.
• Experience in outdoor environments with practical knowledge of backcountry travel, camping, and outdoor education.

NEED HELP FINDING CERTIFICATION COURSES?

Here are a few organizations that provide courses for certifications:

• First Aid: Wilderness Medical Associates, Raven Medical, Mental Health Wilderness First Aid (MHWFA)
• Paddle: Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC (SKGABC), Paddle Canada (PC), Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association (ORCKA)
• Hiking & Camping: Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG), Interpretive Guides Association (IGA), Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC)

*If you have considerable experience but no certifications, please apply, and we will assess

Emphasize life experiences. What unique perspectives are you bringing? How will you inspire youth from diverse backgrounds? At OBC, we can help new instructors gain technical skills. Your lived experience and the personal growth you’ve derived from it is unteachable.

• Include an accurate trip log – click this link for a great example. While you don’t need to have 100+ days in the field to be an instructor, sharing your outdoor and facilitation experience helps us understand your background and place you with effective co-instructors.
• Well written application. This job requires written documentation, which is a legal responsibility. Show us you have this skill.
• Indicate relevant interests. If you identify as part of an affinity group and want to support these communities with OBC, please let us know (ex: 2sLGBTQ+, Indigenous or BIPOC). Similarly, if you have a particular passion or area of expertise, we want to hear about it!
• Format documentation as requested. Upload your cover letter, resume, and trip log as one pdf document.

QUESTIONS?
Contact instructor_engagement@outwardbound.ca