Instructional Designer (Outdoor Ed)
Creates curriculum and training materials for outdoor leadership, environmental education, and conservation programs.
Overview
This role focuses on the intersection of educational theory and experiential learning, requiring a deep understanding of how individuals acquire skills in non-traditional environments. The daily rhythm involves collaborating with subject matter experts like biologists or wilderness guides to document institutional knowledge and transform it into standardized training modules. Unlike traditional corporate instructional design, this work often accounts for environmental variability, physical risk management, and the ethical considerations of conservation.
Practitioners frequently balance desk-based content creation with field assessments to ensure that educational materials are effective in outdoor settings. Success in this career requires high proficiency in learning management systems and creative software, alongside a strong grasp of experiential education models. The role is well-suited for individuals who enjoy solving complex organizational problems and who value the preservation of natural resources through high-quality public and professional education.
responsibilities
Develop comprehensive curriculum guides for wilderness medicine and outdoor leadership certifications.
Design interactive digital learning modules for remote field staff and seasonal volunteers.
Collaborate with environmental scientists to translate technical research into accessible public education programs.
Evaluate the effectiveness of existing training protocols through data analysis and field observation.
Standardize safety and risk management documentation across diverse regional programming.
Maintain digital asset libraries including instructional videos, maps, and environmental checklists.
qualificationsRequired
A bachelor degree in education, instructional design, or environmental science is standard.
Proven experience in curriculum development using models such as ADDIE or Backward Design.
Proficiency with e-learning authoring tools like Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate.