Join Our Team
Explore Austin’s mission is to change the lives of local youth from economically disadvantaged communities through leadership, mentoring and outdoor adventure. Our staff team is made up of qualified, dedicated, experienced people who are committed to making a difference.
Staff Positions
Current Openings:
There are no positions currently open.
To become informed when future positions are available, sign up for our e-newsletter and follow us on social media:
Internships
Current Openings:
Development/Communications – Paid Internship – APPLY TODAY
To inquire about further opportunities, please email your resume and a little about yourself to info@exploreaustin.org. We will consider interns in the following areas:
- Development, marketing and communications
- Program support
- Operational and administrative support
Become a Trip Leader
Trip Leaders are paid, part-time staff who provide outdoor education for our Explorers (youth in sixth through twelfth grades) and their volunteer Mentors in the greater Austin area at Saturday Challenges during the school year and during weeklong Summer Wilderness Trips in June and July, most of which are out of state.
We add Trip Leaders to our roster on a rolling basis, with a heavy focus on onboarding in September and December/January. Submit your information to our Trip Leader Interest Form and we’ll be in touch if we believe you’re a fit.
Explore Austin Trip Leaders must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license and have experience instructing any of the following outdoor disciplines: canoeing, rock climbing, navigation, mountain biking, or multi-day river/backpacking trips.
Questions?
Justin Willette
Program Manager
Become a Trip Leader in Training
The Trip Leader in Training (TLT) program is open to Explorers in their senior year of high school and Explorer Alumni of all ages. This is a paid opportunity for those interested in advancing their technical skills alongside our professional Trip Leaders in four of our major outdoor disciplines – climbing, canoeing, mountain biking and backpacking – while also developing their voice as an outdoor leader and educator.
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year closed on August 18, 2025. Please check back in summer 2026 for the 2026-2027 application.
- TLTs will work a minimum of 1 Saturday a month in the discipline of their choice October through April
- Attend mandatory trainings in September (Trip Leader Orientation) and May (Summer Wilderness Trip training)
- At the end of the school year, TLTs will get the chance to go on a SWT (trip selections based on scheduling requirements of current TLs)
- TLTs will have the opportunity to attend as many paid technical skills training as possible
- Pay rate is $16/hr for Saturday Challenges and trainings, and $138/day for Summer Wilderness Trips
Questions?
Justin Willette
Program Manager
Become a Board Member
The Explore Austin Board of Directors is composed of leaders from nonprofit and for-profit sectors who are dedicated to our mission, including former Explorers and Mentors and beyond.
Read our board member volunteer description and apply online.
Questions or inquiries:
Scott Phillips
Chair of the Board
Kathleen Lyons Schneeman
CEO, Explore Austin
Join Friends of Explore Austin
Friends of Explore Austin is a new group of young, working professionals who care about Explore Austin’s mission and want a way to stay connected to our community.
Whether you’re a program alum (Mentor, Explorer or Trip Leader) or just looking for a way to plug into the young-professional scene in Austin with a nonprofit that’s empowering youth from economically disadvantaged communities, Friends of Explore Austin is here to facilitate connection, philanthropy and having fun!
Learn more about the group, see our upcoming events and how join.