Local Portugal Program Leader

Local Portugal Program Leader (Summer 2026)

Rustic Pathways is a student travel organization that offers the world's finest experiential education, community service, foreign language, and adventure programs. Our destinations stretch from the white-sand beaches of Fiji to the rainforest canopies of Costa Rica, the high Atlas mountains to the Great Barrier Reef, and many places in between. We provide superior quality travel and service in some of the most welcoming countries for students around the world. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of our operations, insists on quality in all aspects of our programs, and places a strong emphasis on the protection, safety, and well-being of our students and staff. We empower students through innovative and responsible travel experiences to positively impact lives and communities around the world.

Local Portugal Program Leader at Rustic Pathways

The Position

As a Local Program Leader, you live in the country of operation, Portugal. Your primary responsibility is the care and well-being of our students while they travel. You are a primary responder in all escalated situations, incidents, and emergencies. In partnership with your co-leaders, you'll collaborate to create a safe and successful program experience for all Rustic Pathways students. You'll work directly with international leaders, community partners, activity operators, and Rustic Pathways managers. You are a liaison between the program experience and all stakeholders, providing trip updates and managing communication with parents and the global Rustic Pathways team. Expect to spend long days in some of the most welcoming communities on the planet. Community service professionals, customer service experts, globally conscious travelers, logistics lovers, and youth development facilitators are encouraged to apply. Rustic Pathways is committed to increasing diversity in our staff and recognizes the benefit of having a diverse, inclusive work environment. We actively encourage those from equity-seeking groups to apply. We believe in the value of diverse perspectives and experiences represented by our leaders.

Must be safety-oriented, with a passion for experiential education. The position requires a lot of physical and emotional stamina. 

This is a seasonal position.

Responsibilities

Embody Rustic Pathways' mission, vision, and valuesAct as a role model and mentor to studentsProtect the safety of students and children by abiding by our zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviorMonitor and manage student well-beingFollow Rustic Pathways' protocols while on the programAddress any student health issues and communicate action plans with parents Respond calmly to issues as they arise with a focus on customer service and safetyDemonstrate responsible leadership and judgment, including cultural sensitivityCreate positive and inclusive group dynamicsEnsure students understand the history, culture, and context of the places visitedModel responsible travel by adhering to Rustic Pathways' sustainability protocolsFacilitate discussions drawing from your own personal experience and Rustic Pathways' discussion guidesServe as the primary communicator with local vendors–including restaurants, transportation providers, and activity partners–using the local language as neededCoordinate daily logistics with drivers, guides, and other service providers to ensure smooth program operationsSupport translation and cultural mediation between students, staff, and local partners to enhance cross-cultural understanding and ensure clear communication

Job Qualifications

Experience:At least 2 years of relevant experience in service-learning, tourism, outdoor leadership, youth mentorship, customer service, or experiential education.At least 2 years of experience working with young adults and/or adolescentsAt least 6 months of experience living and/or working in an international, multicultural, or cross-cultural environmentEducation:Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university OR equivalent work experienceRequirements:Must be 22 years of age or older before your start dateDemonstrated maturity and leadership skillsFluency in English and PortugueseBasic CPR and First Aid certification from a licensed providerNOTE: Certifications must ONLY be obtained through classroom or a blended online + classroom training. Online-only certifications are not acceptable. Certificates must be submitted to Rustic Pathways at least three weeks prior to the start of Program Leader trainingWorking knowledge in the following areas and/or roles:Adventure Guiding, Outdoor Education, or Wilderness TherapyTeaching and/or instruction, specifically middle school or high school, in a multicultural environmentTeaching (any subject) to non-native English speakersLeadership InstructionCustomer ServiceVolunteering with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and/or national service, or comparable positionsSociology or AnthropologySocial Justice, Immigration, or MigrationMarine Biology, Environmental Studies, Conservation, or Wildlife BiologyPublic Health, Global Health, or Water sanitation and hygiene programMountaineering or Technical ClimbingCommunity Service CoordinatorSurf InstructorSoccer CoachCamp CounselorPreferred Certifications (including but not limited to):Wilderness First ResponderWilderness EMTOcean LifeguardTeaching Certifications (ex. TEFL/TESL)Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Appreciation for diversity in cultures and experiencesExcellent verbal and non-verbal communication skillsPatient, enthusiastic, analytical, flexible, and solution-orientedPassion for discussion-based learning and helping students make meaning of their experiencesUnderstands the value of experiential education and travel for high school studentsUnderstands the value of parental communication for high school travelEager to learn from colleagues and enjoys open collaboration and teamworkAble to maintain excellence under pressure and ever-changing conditions

Location:

Ability to work in Portugal for at least 1-8 consecutive weeks at a time (start date determined by mandatory in-person training dates, which vary).

Compensation:

The weekly rate for this position is between $400 to $500 per week (weekly rate is determined by the number of years of Rustic Pathways program leader experience).

A Note About Equal Employment Opportunity Questions:

Though you are not required to answer them, we do encourage applicants to answer the Equal Employment Opportunity questions on our application. We cannot see your answers as we review your application. We only see the data as a full set, not connected to any identifying data on your application. In order to most effectively work to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion at Rustic Pathways, we need the data to know where we stand. Numbers are powerful. Please help us to improve as an organization by answering these questions if you are comfortable doing so.

Equal Opportunity:

Rustic Pathways is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

At-Will Notice:

Each employee of Rustic Pathways is employed "at will," which means either the Company or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any or no reason, with or without advanced notice. No individual or representative of Rustic Pathways can change this at-will relationship absent a specific, written contract signed by the Company's Chief Executive Officer or designee.

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