Vendors and Sponsors: To update or list your job openings, email all the details to VaAdventureEd@gmail.com.
Explore Your Passion for the Outdoors
Organization: Virginia Adventure Education Conference
Position: Planning Team 2025
Description: Join the team of dedicated professionals and students who make the conference possible! Seeking organized, creative individuals who are team players.
To Join the 2025 Planning Team: contact Christine O'Neill at coneill@su.edu.
Position: Planning Team 2025
Description: Join the team of dedicated professionals and students who make the conference possible! Seeking organized, creative individuals who are team players.
To Join the 2025 Planning Team: contact Christine O'Neill at coneill@su.edu.
Organization: Department of Wildlife Resources, Villa Park (Richmond, VA)
Paid internships with the Department of Wildlife Resources: Apply before March 3, 2023!
Wage Internship Positions include: Diversity & Inclusion Intern I1001; HRIS Business Analyst Intern I4001; Wildlife Policy Intern I5001; Wildlife Action Plan Intern I5002; Coastal Waterbird Intern I5101; Freshwater Mussel Propagation Intern I5201; Wildlife Management Area Intern* I5401; Fisheries Technician Intern I5402; Creative Content Intern* I6001; Digital Content Audit Intern I6002. Deadline to apply is March 3, 2023!
*Creative Content and Wildlife Management Area Interns are funded through the Anheuser-Busch Foundation and will spend 3 days at Devils Backbone Brewing Company in Nelson County to learn the life and legacy of Steve Crandall, Founder, and his land stewardship approach and leadership style!
Go to jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/search?query=dwr to view job postings and/or apply. Please pay close attention to the job closing date for the position.
Paid internships with the Department of Wildlife Resources: Apply before March 3, 2023!
Wage Internship Positions include: Diversity & Inclusion Intern I1001; HRIS Business Analyst Intern I4001; Wildlife Policy Intern I5001; Wildlife Action Plan Intern I5002; Coastal Waterbird Intern I5101; Freshwater Mussel Propagation Intern I5201; Wildlife Management Area Intern* I5401; Fisheries Technician Intern I5402; Creative Content Intern* I6001; Digital Content Audit Intern I6002. Deadline to apply is March 3, 2023!
*Creative Content and Wildlife Management Area Interns are funded through the Anheuser-Busch Foundation and will spend 3 days at Devils Backbone Brewing Company in Nelson County to learn the life and legacy of Steve Crandall, Founder, and his land stewardship approach and leadership style!
Go to jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/search?query=dwr to view job postings and/or apply. Please pay close attention to the job closing date for the position.
Organization: Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge
Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge (VVBR), a destination marketing organization, currently has full-time (hourly/non-exempt) openings for the following:
Public Relations Coordinator. The Public Relations Coordinator will help to promote a favorable public image of tourism by assisting primarily with the external media markets in coordination with external marketing activities as directed by the Director of Public Relations. Additionally, this position will promote Visit VBR in local and sports media markets as well.
Preferred Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Hospitality & Tourism or related field. One year of work experience may substitute for one year of the required education up to a maximum of four years substitution. When substitution is accepted, applicant must show increased knowledge-base and experience in progressively more challenging work assignments.
Visitor Services & CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Coordinator.
The Coordinator will be responsible for daily oversight of the CRM program through Simpleview, tracking partnership inquiries and business updates, consumer inquiries, and research. Reporting to the Sales & Marketing Project Manager, this position requires an independent, problem-solving manager who will oversee the CRM and oversee the Visitor Center information and staff. Preferred Bachelor’s Degree in Technology, Marketing, Business, Tourism & Hospitality Management or related field. One year of work experience may substitute for one year of the required education up to a maximum of four years substitution. Where substitution is accepted, applicant must show increased knowledge-base and experience in progressively more challenging work assignments. Must have strong organizational and database management skills.
To Apply: https://www.visitroanokeva.com/about-us/jobs/
Interested parties should submit a cover letter, resume and 3 professional references no later than 5:00pm on Friday, March 10, 2023 to: Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, ATTN: Heidi Bowling, Director of Operations / Assistant to the President, 101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016, hbowling@visitvbr.com
Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge (VVBR), a destination marketing organization, currently has full-time (hourly/non-exempt) openings for the following:
Public Relations Coordinator. The Public Relations Coordinator will help to promote a favorable public image of tourism by assisting primarily with the external media markets in coordination with external marketing activities as directed by the Director of Public Relations. Additionally, this position will promote Visit VBR in local and sports media markets as well.
Preferred Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Hospitality & Tourism or related field. One year of work experience may substitute for one year of the required education up to a maximum of four years substitution. When substitution is accepted, applicant must show increased knowledge-base and experience in progressively more challenging work assignments.
Visitor Services & CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Coordinator.
The Coordinator will be responsible for daily oversight of the CRM program through Simpleview, tracking partnership inquiries and business updates, consumer inquiries, and research. Reporting to the Sales & Marketing Project Manager, this position requires an independent, problem-solving manager who will oversee the CRM and oversee the Visitor Center information and staff. Preferred Bachelor’s Degree in Technology, Marketing, Business, Tourism & Hospitality Management or related field. One year of work experience may substitute for one year of the required education up to a maximum of four years substitution. Where substitution is accepted, applicant must show increased knowledge-base and experience in progressively more challenging work assignments. Must have strong organizational and database management skills.
To Apply: https://www.visitroanokeva.com/about-us/jobs/
Interested parties should submit a cover letter, resume and 3 professional references no later than 5:00pm on Friday, March 10, 2023 to: Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, ATTN: Heidi Bowling, Director of Operations / Assistant to the President, 101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016, hbowling@visitvbr.com
Organization: Camp Bethel (Fincastle, VA)
Position: Resident Summer Camp Counselor, May 29 through July 23
Description: Equip your "Tool Kit" with the skills employers seek! Work a summer at Camp Bethel Summer Camp and Event Center in Fincastle, Virginia. When we live TOGETHER in an intentional community, even for only one week at a time, we gain person-to-person relationship skills to benefit our families, schools, communities, nation, and world. Make a difference in the lives of children and teens, and become a more well-rounded human in the process. Learn from the best in the camping business. Also: excellent food, generous salary ($320+/week), beautiful site, and very cool coworkers.
To Apply: CampBethelVirginia.org/Staff, or for more information, ask Kathleen Nettnin, kathleen@campbethelvirginia.org
Position: Resident Summer Camp Counselor, May 29 through July 23
Description: Equip your "Tool Kit" with the skills employers seek! Work a summer at Camp Bethel Summer Camp and Event Center in Fincastle, Virginia. When we live TOGETHER in an intentional community, even for only one week at a time, we gain person-to-person relationship skills to benefit our families, schools, communities, nation, and world. Make a difference in the lives of children and teens, and become a more well-rounded human in the process. Learn from the best in the camping business. Also: excellent food, generous salary ($320+/week), beautiful site, and very cool coworkers.
To Apply: CampBethelVirginia.org/Staff, or for more information, ask Kathleen Nettnin, kathleen@campbethelvirginia.org
Organization: Camp Holiday Trails
Position: Camp Counselor (aka Master of Fun)
Description: Camp Holiday Trails is a non-profit camp located in Charlottesville, VA that exists to provide a community for campers impacted by a medical need with the opportunity to thrive and enjoy the full camping experience! As a counselor you will live, eat, sleep, laugh and make memories with campers while also having the opportunity to be impactful role models for youth ages 7-17 yrs old. Additionally, as a staff member you will gain valuable experiences and skills that can carry over into various settings in your future, regardless of where life takes you.
To Apply: Application can be completed at https://campholidaytrails.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/staff/App or for more information contact Caitlin Carroll, MSW @ program@campholidaytrails.org
Position: Camp Counselor (aka Master of Fun)
Description: Camp Holiday Trails is a non-profit camp located in Charlottesville, VA that exists to provide a community for campers impacted by a medical need with the opportunity to thrive and enjoy the full camping experience! As a counselor you will live, eat, sleep, laugh and make memories with campers while also having the opportunity to be impactful role models for youth ages 7-17 yrs old. Additionally, as a staff member you will gain valuable experiences and skills that can carry over into various settings in your future, regardless of where life takes you.
To Apply: Application can be completed at https://campholidaytrails.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/staff/App or for more information contact Caitlin Carroll, MSW @ program@campholidaytrails.org
Organization: CustomED, Inc./The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center (Thaxton, VA)
Position: Peaks Adventure Program Staff
Description: The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center facilities include a 66-acre conference and event facility located 30 minutes outside of Roanoke, Virginia. On-site, the center features 8,500 square feet of indoor event space, a 1,000 square foot caterer’s kitchen, and on-site lodging for up to 80 guests. Amenities include an outdoor stage, amphitheater, hiking trails, zip-line, climbing-wall, low ropes course, swimming pool, pond, sand volleyball court, basketball court, disc golf course, and multiple large open fields. Peaks Adventure Programs Staff cover different job responsibilities, serving as ropes course facilitators, canoe and archery instructors, lifeguards, as well as event staff, in response to programming needs. The Peaks Adventure Program Staff is responsible for facilitating and teaching activities and guiding participants in their personal growth through adventure. When acting as a lifeguard, Peaks Adventure Program Staff supervise all pool activities, including camps and special events. Peaks Adventure Staff also assist in all other event functions The Peaks hosts. The preparation, set-up, facilitation, and breakdown are all included as a part of this role. This is a part-time position, with generally more hours during our busy season: March-October. Compensation: $18-22/hour. To view the full job description and apply, visit: CustomED Jobs in Thaxton, VA | Indeed.com
Organization: CustomED, Inc./The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center (Thaxton, VA)
Position: Peaks Event Staff
Description: The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center facilities include a 66-acre conference and event facility located 30 minutes outside of Roanoke, Virginia. On-site, the center features 8,500 square feet of indoor event space, a 1,000 square foot caterer’s kitchen, and on-site lodging for up to 80 guests. Amenities include an outdoor stage, amphitheater, hiking trails, zip-line, climbing-wall, low ropes course, swimming pool, pond, sand volleyball court, basketball court, disc golf course, and multiple large open fields. Peaks Event staff assist in event functions The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center hosts. This includes the preparation, set-up, facilitation, and breakdown of events. The Peaks Adventure Program Staff will report directly to the Center Director. This is a part-time position, with generally more hours during our busy season: March-October. Compensation: $18-22/hour. To view the full job description and apply, visit: CustomED Jobs in Thaxton, VA | Indeed.com
Organization: CustomED, Inc./The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center (Thaxton, VA)
Position: Camp Program Manager
Description: The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center facilities include a 66-acre conference and event facility located 30 minutes outside of Roanoke, Virginia. On-site, the center features 8,500 square feet of indoor event space, a 1,000 square foot caterer’s kitchen, and on-site lodging for up to 80 guests. Amenities include an outdoor stage, amphitheater, hiking trails, zip-line, climbing-wall, low ropes course, swimming pool, pond, sand volleyball court, basketball court, disc golf course, and multiple large open fields. The Camp Program Manager has several different job responsibilities, including assisting with facilitation and implementation of summer programs at The Peaks, and assisting the Center Director with all other programming, event, and facility and grounds needs. The Camp Program Manager is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities and guiding participants in their personal growth through adventure, whether that be on the ropes course, at the pool, on the archery range, or another facilitated activity. The ideal Camp Program Manager candidate would be willing to live on-site during the summer season. This is a full-time Seasonal from May-August 2023. Compensation: $900/week, housing included. To view the full job description and apply, visit: CustomED Jobs in Thaxton, VA | Indeed.com
Position: Peaks Adventure Program Staff
Description: The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center facilities include a 66-acre conference and event facility located 30 minutes outside of Roanoke, Virginia. On-site, the center features 8,500 square feet of indoor event space, a 1,000 square foot caterer’s kitchen, and on-site lodging for up to 80 guests. Amenities include an outdoor stage, amphitheater, hiking trails, zip-line, climbing-wall, low ropes course, swimming pool, pond, sand volleyball court, basketball court, disc golf course, and multiple large open fields. Peaks Adventure Programs Staff cover different job responsibilities, serving as ropes course facilitators, canoe and archery instructors, lifeguards, as well as event staff, in response to programming needs. The Peaks Adventure Program Staff is responsible for facilitating and teaching activities and guiding participants in their personal growth through adventure. When acting as a lifeguard, Peaks Adventure Program Staff supervise all pool activities, including camps and special events. Peaks Adventure Staff also assist in all other event functions The Peaks hosts. The preparation, set-up, facilitation, and breakdown are all included as a part of this role. This is a part-time position, with generally more hours during our busy season: March-October. Compensation: $18-22/hour. To view the full job description and apply, visit: CustomED Jobs in Thaxton, VA | Indeed.com
Organization: CustomED, Inc./The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center (Thaxton, VA)
Position: Peaks Event Staff
Description: The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center facilities include a 66-acre conference and event facility located 30 minutes outside of Roanoke, Virginia. On-site, the center features 8,500 square feet of indoor event space, a 1,000 square foot caterer’s kitchen, and on-site lodging for up to 80 guests. Amenities include an outdoor stage, amphitheater, hiking trails, zip-line, climbing-wall, low ropes course, swimming pool, pond, sand volleyball court, basketball court, disc golf course, and multiple large open fields. Peaks Event staff assist in event functions The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center hosts. This includes the preparation, set-up, facilitation, and breakdown of events. The Peaks Adventure Program Staff will report directly to the Center Director. This is a part-time position, with generally more hours during our busy season: March-October. Compensation: $18-22/hour. To view the full job description and apply, visit: CustomED Jobs in Thaxton, VA | Indeed.com
Organization: CustomED, Inc./The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center (Thaxton, VA)
Position: Camp Program Manager
Description: The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center facilities include a 66-acre conference and event facility located 30 minutes outside of Roanoke, Virginia. On-site, the center features 8,500 square feet of indoor event space, a 1,000 square foot caterer’s kitchen, and on-site lodging for up to 80 guests. Amenities include an outdoor stage, amphitheater, hiking trails, zip-line, climbing-wall, low ropes course, swimming pool, pond, sand volleyball court, basketball court, disc golf course, and multiple large open fields. The Camp Program Manager has several different job responsibilities, including assisting with facilitation and implementation of summer programs at The Peaks, and assisting the Center Director with all other programming, event, and facility and grounds needs. The Camp Program Manager is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities and guiding participants in their personal growth through adventure, whether that be on the ropes course, at the pool, on the archery range, or another facilitated activity. The ideal Camp Program Manager candidate would be willing to live on-site during the summer season. This is a full-time Seasonal from May-August 2023. Compensation: $900/week, housing included. To view the full job description and apply, visit: CustomED Jobs in Thaxton, VA | Indeed.com
Organization: Blue Ridge Scout Reservation – Boy Scouts of America (Pulaski, VA)
Position: Adventure Directors and Staff, June 7 – July 28, 2023
Description: Mentor youth age 11 to 17 while teaching in special skill areas such as multi-day canoe treks, COPES, multi-day hiking treks, watersports and swimming, archery, handicrafts, outdoor skills and more. Positions available for Area Directors and Area Staff. Training is provided and you do not have to be a Scout! For those who have a passion for working with youth in the great outdoors, join us at BRMC this summer! Lodging and meals provided at no cost in addition to weekly pay.
To Apply: https://bsa-brmc.org/index.php/campreservation/summercamp.html
or for more information, ask Mandy Foster, mandyfoster03@gmail.com or Gerad Sherman, gerad.sherman@gmail.com. Stop by our table in the Gym during the VAAEC!
Position: Adventure Directors and Staff, June 7 – July 28, 2023
Description: Mentor youth age 11 to 17 while teaching in special skill areas such as multi-day canoe treks, COPES, multi-day hiking treks, watersports and swimming, archery, handicrafts, outdoor skills and more. Positions available for Area Directors and Area Staff. Training is provided and you do not have to be a Scout! For those who have a passion for working with youth in the great outdoors, join us at BRMC this summer! Lodging and meals provided at no cost in addition to weekly pay.
To Apply: https://bsa-brmc.org/index.php/campreservation/summercamp.html
or for more information, ask Mandy Foster, mandyfoster03@gmail.com or Gerad Sherman, gerad.sherman@gmail.com. Stop by our table in the Gym during the VAAEC!
Organization: Twin River Outfitters (Buchanan, VA)
Join the Twin River Outfitter team for the summer. We are the largest paddlesports rental business in this part of the State. We offer our customers canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and multi day camping trips. Consider joining our team and put your talents to work connecting people with James River. We are hiring for full time seasonal positions starting as early as mid-May. Historically this job has been a good fit for college & high school students who are home for the summer looking for a fun summer job. We are happy to work with your college to make this an internship qualifying position.
To Apply: https://canoevirginia.net/employment/
Join the Twin River Outfitter team for the summer. We are the largest paddlesports rental business in this part of the State. We offer our customers canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and multi day camping trips. Consider joining our team and put your talents to work connecting people with James River. We are hiring for full time seasonal positions starting as early as mid-May. Historically this job has been a good fit for college & high school students who are home for the summer looking for a fun summer job. We are happy to work with your college to make this an internship qualifying position.
To Apply: https://canoevirginia.net/employment/
Organization: RVA Paddlesports, Richmond, VA
Position: Kayak Instructor
Description: RVA Paddlesports is one of the two main rafting companies to take patrons down the James River as well as run clinics and classes on kayaking. The RVAPS Kayak Instructor is responsible for providing students with a variety of kayak techniques accompanied with constructive, meaningful feedback in order to foster skill acquisition and long-term paddler development. They are to facilitate whitewater/ flatwater kayak instruction for individuals and small groups using an informative and enjoyable approach, while managing the inherent risks involved with whitewater activities.Furthermore, they must be competent and capable in part or whole of the following: functioning in high stress environments, ability to work in large groups settings, communicating, and assisting participants in a manner that exhibits safety, proper technique, and follows the policies and procedures set forth in the RVA Paddlesports Handbook.
To Apply: Email resume and cover letter to crew@rvapaddlesports.com
Position: Kayak Instructor
Description: RVA Paddlesports is one of the two main rafting companies to take patrons down the James River as well as run clinics and classes on kayaking. The RVAPS Kayak Instructor is responsible for providing students with a variety of kayak techniques accompanied with constructive, meaningful feedback in order to foster skill acquisition and long-term paddler development. They are to facilitate whitewater/ flatwater kayak instruction for individuals and small groups using an informative and enjoyable approach, while managing the inherent risks involved with whitewater activities.Furthermore, they must be competent and capable in part or whole of the following: functioning in high stress environments, ability to work in large groups settings, communicating, and assisting participants in a manner that exhibits safety, proper technique, and follows the policies and procedures set forth in the RVA Paddlesports Handbook.
To Apply: Email resume and cover letter to crew@rvapaddlesports.com
Organization: Outdoor Learning Center, Harrisonburg VA
Position: OLC Instructor
Description: Our skilled team of outdoor educators work each season to create high quality day and overnight programs for K-12 groups, scout troops, universities, churches and corporate retreats. Our programs focus on core areas that include Outdoor Adventure, Team Building, and Environmental Education with a mix of activities each day. Over the course of a week you can expect to go caving or climbing, facilitate on the high ropes course, and lead students through our nature center programs. Each season starts with 2 weeks of in-depth staff training where you will learn skills such as belaying, low ropes facilitation, cave navigation, trip leadership, canoeing and group management. There are also opportunities for pro-deals on gear, in-services and certification opportunities, and optional staff bonding trips. On-site housing is available on our 350-acre property and we are just 20 minutes outside of Harrisonburg’s downtown shops and restaurants. We are also located a short drive from Shenandoah National Park, Charlottesville, Washington D.C. and a number of other fun places to spend your days off.
$80-$95/ day plus $20 evening program bonus. Housing included.
To Apply: Application and more information can be found online at: http://www.horizonsoutdoorlearningcenter.com/employment/ or email Katie Hanley at hanleyk@horizonsva.com
Position: OLC Instructor
Description: Our skilled team of outdoor educators work each season to create high quality day and overnight programs for K-12 groups, scout troops, universities, churches and corporate retreats. Our programs focus on core areas that include Outdoor Adventure, Team Building, and Environmental Education with a mix of activities each day. Over the course of a week you can expect to go caving or climbing, facilitate on the high ropes course, and lead students through our nature center programs. Each season starts with 2 weeks of in-depth staff training where you will learn skills such as belaying, low ropes facilitation, cave navigation, trip leadership, canoeing and group management. There are also opportunities for pro-deals on gear, in-services and certification opportunities, and optional staff bonding trips. On-site housing is available on our 350-acre property and we are just 20 minutes outside of Harrisonburg’s downtown shops and restaurants. We are also located a short drive from Shenandoah National Park, Charlottesville, Washington D.C. and a number of other fun places to spend your days off.
$80-$95/ day plus $20 evening program bonus. Housing included.
To Apply: Application and more information can be found online at: http://www.horizonsoutdoorlearningcenter.com/employment/ or email Katie Hanley at hanleyk@horizonsva.com
Organization: City of Bluefield, West Virginia (cityofbluefield.com)
Position: Recreation Program Coordinator (Outdoor Programs)
This position is in the Bluefield Fitness & Recreation Center, which maintains and provides parks, recreation facilities and programs for the public. Plans, coordinates, and implements youth activities, adult and senior adult programs, special events and outdoor adventure/education. Work involves an exceptional amount of public contact and requires a great deal of tact, diplomacy and excellent customer service skills. Work also includes assisting with a variety of tasks such as typing, filing, copying, mailing, answering the telephone, meeting visitors, and dispensing information. Performs receptionist and clerical procedures incidental to the operation of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Performance is reviewed through observation and results obtained.
To Apply: https://www.cityofbluefield.com/hr/page/recreation-program-coordinator-outdoor-programs
Position: Recreation Program Coordinator (Outdoor Programs)
This position is in the Bluefield Fitness & Recreation Center, which maintains and provides parks, recreation facilities and programs for the public. Plans, coordinates, and implements youth activities, adult and senior adult programs, special events and outdoor adventure/education. Work involves an exceptional amount of public contact and requires a great deal of tact, diplomacy and excellent customer service skills. Work also includes assisting with a variety of tasks such as typing, filing, copying, mailing, answering the telephone, meeting visitors, and dispensing information. Performs receptionist and clerical procedures incidental to the operation of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Performance is reviewed through observation and results obtained.
To Apply: https://www.cityofbluefield.com/hr/page/recreation-program-coordinator-outdoor-programs
Claytor Nature Center, Bedford VA (University of Lynchburg), Outreach, Communications, and Events Coordinatorhttps://www.lynchburg.edu/about/human-resources/jobs/staff-jobs/outreach-communications-and-events-coordinator/
