Outdoor Education Instructor

Key Responsibilities

Submit a resume and cover to jobs@tnwf.org

Apply

Tennessee Wildlife Federation is one of the state’s oldest and most influential organizations dedicated to conserving Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Nashville, the Federation has spent over 78 years championing conservation, sound resource management, and the responsible stewardship of Tennessee’s great outdoors. We serve as a trusted voice for sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation advocates across the state.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced outdoor professional to join our team as the Middle Tennessee Field Representative for our outdoor programs. Reporting to the Hunting and Fishing Academy Manager, this position is responsible for planning and executing safe, ethical, and educational hunting and fishing experiences, managing equipment and logistics, and building strong relationships with program partners, landowners, and volunteers. The Field Representative will lead outreach and recruitment efforts, support and train volunteer Hunt Masters, and ensure all events meet program goals and standards. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, as well as a passion for conservation and introducing others to Tennessee’s outdoors.

Location: Nashville, TN (Middle TN area)

No relocation assistance provided

Key Responsibilities

Program Operations and Safety

• Oversee Middle Tennessee Academy events and activities to ensure they are conducted in a professional and safe manner.
• Promote safety, ethics, and best practices in the instruction of hunting and fishing skills.
• Manage the maintenance, acquisition, and organization of all program-related equipment.
• Use defined metrics and evaluation tools to measure and report on program performance.

Partner and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and manage relationships with local partners and organizations to recruit participants and expand Academy reach in Middle Tennessee.
• Establish and maintain relationships with landowners to secure locations for Academy events.
• Recruit and engage volunteers, participants, families, Hunt Masters, and other key stakeholders to support and grow program involvement.
• Support volunteer retention and development through training, event planning assistance, and resource coordination.

Strategic Planning and Administration

• Collaborate with Federation leadership and the Academy Program Manager to develop annual budgets, set goals, and establish strategic priorities.
• Monitor and manage program expenses to ensure cost-effective operations and alignment with organizational goals.

Education, Outreach, and Communications

• Work with the Federation’s communications team to promote the Academy, increase public awareness, and highlight program impact through various communication channels.
• Represent the Academy through public speaking engagements and outreach efforts to inform and engage supporters and potential volunteers.
• Collaborate with the Education Content Manager to ensure instructional strategies are effective, define learning objects, contribute to content development, and support participant feedback collection through surveys.
• Plan and deliver virtual Academy sessions throughout the year in collaboration with the Federation’s Education Content Manager.

Additional Duties

• Assist in the planning, preparation, and execution of the Davis P. Rice Memorial Youth Waterfowl Hunt and other youth hunting/fishing events as needed.
• Assist and work with the Federation development staff as needed.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• A valid TN driver’s license, including a good motor vehicle record, and appropriate automobile insurance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• This job is performed in a smoke-free and tobacco-free environment.
• Lead outdoor programs ranging from half-day to overnight events.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors, including traversing rough terrain and working full days in summer heat, inclement weather, or emergency conditions.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 50 pounds for program events and implementation.
• May be required to sit or stand for extended periods and perform the following physical demands: walking, climbing, some stooping, bending, kneeling, and/or crouching; climbing stairs; significant fine finger dexterity.
• Ability to operate a safe mode of transportation for events, supply runs, and meetings.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries, natural resources, or related field. Relevant experience may be substituted for required education.
• 5+ years of experience working in hunting, shooting, and fishing; nonprofit experience is a plus.
• Volunteer management experience.
• Customer service/outreach experience.
• Level 1 First Aid/CPR training preferred.
• Experience operating Off-road UTV’s.
• Experience towing and hauling trailers preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Dropbox, and the ability to learn other online platforms used by the Federation.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to train or teach others.
• Ability to manage programs and events.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly engage and inspire youth, families, volunteers, and community partners through public speaking, group presentations, and one-on-one interactions.
• Ability to prioritize work and know when to consult with supervisor.
• A results-driven professional, who leads by example, takes full ownership of their responsibilities, supports strong administrative practices, and celebrates the achievements of others.
• Ability to articulate the benefits and values of mission-driven work.
• Proven ability to be flexible, work cooperatively, and build productive relationships at all organizational levels.
• Professional and friendly. Able to handle the day-to-day ups and downs with efficiency, attention to detail, and a sense of humor.
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment; ability to shift priorities quickly and unexpectedly.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to reject setbacks and enthusiastically persist until goals are achieved.
• Resourcesful and innovative at tackling challenges in a timely manner.
• Approaches work from the Federation’s point of view rather than a personal point of view.
• Must have a passion for the Federation’s mission.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Accident
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) match up to 6%
• 13 company paid holidays plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s
• PTO (Vacation and Sick Time)
• Fridays off July through mid-August

To Apply

Submit a resume and cover to jobs@tnwf.org

EEO Statement

Tennessee Wildlife Federation is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, disability, national origin, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Tennessee Wildlife Federation is committed to workplace diversity.

Ethical Hunting, Angling and Outdoor Recreation Practices

Federation staff know and respect the game and fish pursued in the field and follow all related laws, familiarize themselves with wildlife in the area and behave accordingly. This likewise applies to hiking, camping and other outdoor activities that require responsible use of public resources. As an employee of the Federation, all employees are expected to follow all state and federal hunting and fishing guidelines and practice ethical and fair chase practices while executing or assisting with program events or in your personal outings afield.

• Date Posted: October 6, 2025
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Programs and Service Delivery
• Service Area: Environment
• Working Hours: 40 hrs/wk; M-F, 8:00am - 5:00pm, with ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and extended hours during emergencies or poor weather conditions.