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, 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