Exploring Outdoor Learning Jobs: Opportunities and Resources

Outdoor learning is an exciting and growing field that offers a variety of job opportunities for educators, nature enthusiasts, and professionals who love working in natural settings. Whether you’re interested in teaching, environmental education, or outdoor leadership, there are many paths to explore. Here, we’ll discuss some outdoor learning jobs and provide valuable resources to help you get started.

What is Outdoor Learning?

Outdoor learning involves educational activities that take place in natural environments. It encourages students to engage with nature and can include a wide range of activities such as environmental science, physical education, and creative arts.

Job Opportunities in Outdoor Learning

1. Outdoor Education Teacher
   • Outdoor education teachers work in schools or outdoor education centres, designing and delivering lessons that take place outside the traditional classroom.
   • National Outdoor Learning Awards
2. Environmental Educator
   • These professionals work in nature centres, parks, and wildlife sanctuaries, teaching the public about local ecosystems and conservation.
   • North American Association for Environmental Education
3. Forest School Leader
   • Forest school leaders conduct regular outdoor sessions for children, focusing on hands-on learning and natural play.
   • Forest School Association
4. Adventure Education Instructor
   • These instructors lead adventure activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking, often with an educational component.
   • Association for Experiential Education
5. Nature Preschool Teacher
   • Nature preschools blend early childhood education with outdoor exploration and learning.
   • Natural Start Alliance

Resources and Training

1. Project Learning Tree
   • Offers training and resources for educators to teach about forests and the environment.
   • Project Learning Tree
2. The Muddy Puddle Teacher Training
   • Provides specialized training for teachers to incorporate outdoor learning into their curriculum.
   • Muddy Puddle Teacher Training
3. Leave No Trace
   • Training programs that teach how to minimize impact on the environment during outdoor activities.
   • Leave No Trace
4. Teaching Outside the Classroom
   • Resources and strategies for educators looking to move their teaching outdoors.
   • Edutopia – Teaching Outside the Classroom
5. Outdoor Classroom Day
   • A global campaign to inspire and celebrate outdoor learning and play.
   • Outdoor Classroom Day

Finding Jobs

1. Outdoor Jobs
   • A comprehensive job board for outdoor and environmental jobs.
   • Outdoor Jobs
2. Countryside Jobs Service
   • Listings for countryside, conservation, and environmental education jobs in the UK.
   • CJS Online
3. The Environmental Jobs Directory
   • A directory of job boards, recruiters, and employer websites in the environmental sector.
   • Environmental Jobs Directory
4. Nature Jobs
   • Jobs in science, conservation, and environmental education.
   • Nature Jobs
5. Green Jobs Online
   • A job board for green industry jobs, including outdoor and environmental education positions.
   • Green Jobs Online

Professional Organisations

1. Institute for Outdoor Learning
   • Supports outdoor learning professionals with training, resources, and networking opportunities.
   • Institute for Outdoor Learning
2. Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa
   • Promotes environmental education and networking among professionals in Southern Africa.
   • EEASA
3. Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education
   • Provides support and professional development for environmental and outdoor educators.
   • AEOE
4. The Muddy Puddle Teacher Community
   • A community for teachers using the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach, offering resources and support.
   • Muddy Puddle Teacher Community
5. Outdoor Learning Directory
   • A directory of organisations, resources, and funding opportunities for outdoor learning.
   • Outdoor Learning Directory

The Muddy Puddle Teacher Links

1. Muddy Puddle Teacher Training
2. Muddy Puddle Teacher Community
3. Muddy Puddle Teacher Resources
4. Muddy Puddle Teacher Blog
5. Muddy Puddle Teacher Shop

By exploring these resources and opportunities, you can find your niche in the rewarding field of outdoor learning. Whether you’re an experienced educator or new to the field, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. Happy exploring!