Outdoor Education Specialist

Outdoor Education Specialist

Families & Youth Innovations Plus (FYI+)

Position: Part-Time

Hourly Rate: $17.00 - $20.57 (3 levels based on experience and education)

FLSA Status: Hourly/Non-Exempt

Reports To: Program Manager

Department: Outdoor Legacy Program

Job Summary

As an Outdoor Education Specialist, works with youth participating in FYI+'s Outdoor Equity Project. An Outdoor Education Specialist leads outdoor programming and activities that build outdoor skills, confidence, and connection to nature, while supporting youth well-being and expanding access to the outdoors for families who face barriers to these experiences. An Outdoor Education Specialist works closely with FYI+ program staff, behavioral health teams, and community partners such as local parks and land management agencies, schools, and youth-serving organizations to better serve youth and families most in need.

Work with youth is conducted primarily outdoors — on trails, at parks, and at outdoor program sites — as well as at FYI+ program locations. This role requires travel throughout Doña Ana County, including rural sites such as Anthony and the Hatch Valley.

What you’ll Do:

- Plan, prepare, and lead outdoor programming and activities for youth, including hikes, camping trips, nature walks, and environmental education sessions

- Develop age-appropriate, culturally responsive curricula and activity plans that build outdoor skills, environmental awareness, and connection to nature

- Ensure participant safety on all outdoor outings, including risk assessment, first aid readiness, weather monitoring, and adherence to FYI+ safety protocols

- Coordinate logistics for outdoor programming, including transportation, gear and equipment, permits, and site selection

- Maintain outdoor equipment and gear inventory in good working condition

- Manage inventory and organization of the Outdoor Legacy Project Closet, including equipment check-in/check-out.

- Build relationships with youth participants and families to encourage consistent engagement and a sense of belonging in outdoor spaces

- Collaborate with FYI+ program staff, navigators, and behavioral health teams to align outdoor programming with participants' broader goals and needs

- Track attendance, participation, and program outcomes; maintain accurate records for internal use and funder reporting

- Identify and maintain partnerships with local parks, land management agencies, and outdoor organizations to expand access to sites and resources

- Support outreach and recruitment efforts to engage youth and families who have historically faced barriers to outdoor recreation

- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development as required

- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Outdoor Equity Project and FYI+'s mission

What You Need:

- Bachelor's Degree in outdoor recreation, environmental education, youth development, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and direct experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

- High school diploma or equivalent required with 4 years of experience

- Must pass a CYFD Criminal Records Check

- Maintain full certification in CPR/First Aid

- Maintain a valid NM Driver's License

- Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification required, or must be obtained within 90 days of hire

- Maintain full certification in CPI

- Preferred: Bilingual (English/Spanish)