Position Summary

Freelance Field Staff are experienced educators, facilitators, outdoor leaders, and subject matter experts who support Ecofieldtrips in delivering high-quality experiential learning programmes throughout Southeast Asia.

Freelancers are engaged on a programme-by-programme basis to strengthen the field team during peak seasons, specialist programmes, or when additional expertise is required. They play a vital role in maintaining EFT’s commitment to safety, educational excellence, and exceptional client experiences.

Freelance Field Staff become an extension of the EFT team and are expected to uphold the same professional, educational, safety, and safeguarding standards as full-time field staff.

Purpose of the Role

To deliver safe, engaging and professionally facilitated experiential learning programmes while supporting students, teachers, and fellow staff to create meaningful educational experiences that connect people to the planet.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Delivery

• Deliver educational activities and experiential learning sessions in accordance with EFT programme objectives.
• Facilitate outdoor, environmental, adventure, service learning, and cultural programmes.
• Adapt activities to suit participant abilities, environmental conditions, and programme objectives.
• Create engaging, inclusive and positive learning environments.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism throughout every programme.

Student Leadership & Wellbeing

• Supervise students throughout programme activities.
• Promote student safety, inclusion and wellbeing.
• Build positive relationships with participants and teachers.
• Support behaviour management using positive leadership approaches.
• Immediately communicate any welfare or safeguarding concerns to the Expedition Leader.

Safety & Risk Management

• Follow all EFT Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments.
• Conduct dynamic risk assessments throughout activities.
• Maintain current safety certifications required for assigned programmes.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and incidents.
• Assist with incident reporting where required.

Teamwork & Professionalism

• Work collaboratively with the Senior Field Staff and the wider field team.
• Participate in programme briefings and debriefings.
• Support colleagues and contribute to a positive team culture.
• Demonstrate flexibility and professionalism when programme requirements change.
• Represent Ecofieldtrips positively with clients, suppliers and community partners.

Equipment & Programme Support

• Assist with programme setup and pack-down.
• Ensure equipment is cared for and returned in good condition.
• Report damaged or missing equipment.
• Support general programme logistics during field delivery.

Expectations of Freelance Staff

Freelance staff are expected to:

• Successfully complete EFT onboarding prior to deployment.
• Attend required pre-season or programme-specific training.
• Maintain all required certifications.
• Be familiar with programme itineraries and Programme Delivery Packs before arrival.
• Be punctual, reliable and well prepared.
• Communicate availability in advance of each season.
• Uphold EFT’s Code of Conduct, Child Safeguarding Policy, and organisational values.

Key Deliverables

• Safe programme delivery.
• Positive participant experiences.
• Strong collaboration with field teams.
• Professional representation of EFT.
• Compliance with organisational standards and safeguarding requirements.
• Positive client relationships.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Experience working with school groups, youth programmes, outdoor education, tourism or experiential learning.
• Current First Aid & CPR certification (or equivalent).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in multicultural and outdoor environments.
• Experience / Expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Marine science
  • Biology
  • Environmental education
  • Community development
  • Adventure tourism

Desirable

• Degree or diploma in education, environmental science, biology, outdoor leadership or related field.
• PADI Diving, Lifeguarding, kayaking, climbing, diving, or other outdoor qualifications.
• Experience leading international school programmes.
• Knowledge of Southeast Asian ecosystems and cultures.

Skills & Competencies

• Professional and reliable.
• Strong communication skills.
• Intermediate or higher level of English
• Positive attitude.
• Adaptable and resilient.
• Team player.
• Calm under pressure.
• Organised and proactive.
• Passionate about environmental education and experiential learning.

Professional Development

Ecofieldtrips values long-term relationships with freelance staff and provides opportunities to remain engaged with the organisation through:

• Seasonal training workshops.
• Programme-specific training.
• Child Safeguarding training.
• Risk Management refresher training.
• Opportunities to work across multiple destinations and programme types.
• Priority consideration for future freelance opportunities.
• Potential pathways into permanent positions within Ecofieldtrips as opportunities arise.

Success in this Role

Success is demonstrated when:

• Clients feel safe, engaged and inspired.
• Clients value your professionalism and expertise.
• You contribute positively to the field team.
• You consistently deliver programmes to EFT’s high standards.
• Field Staff and Programme Managers request you for future programmes based on your performance.

Our Ideal Freelancer

You’re the right fit for Ecofieldtrips if you:

• Enjoy working with diverse groups of people and inspiring curiosity.
• Are passionate about nature, conservation and experiential experiences..
• Thrive in dynamic outdoor environments.
• Communicate confidently with students, teachers, adults and colleagues.
• Are dependable, adaptable and solutions-focused.
• Take initiative while working collaboratively within a team.
• Represent Ecofieldtrips with professionalism, integrity and enthusiasm.