Environmental Education Instructor (Spring 2027)

Ymca Of The Rockies • Estes Park, CO

2d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Environmental Education Director, Environmental Education Instructors teach environmental education classes, lead team-building activities, perform organization and cleaning tasks, communicate with schools and school leaders, and assist with projects that support the Outdoor Education Program. Instructors facilitate three-hour environmental courses for students in grades 6–12, following state and national standards, and help maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

The position includes environmental education training and staff development covering natural history, team building, adventure, lesson planning, EDI, and working with students with disabilities. Instructors also help clean and set up student dorms for 4–8 hours per week. Staff are expected to uphold YMCA of the Rockies’ mission and core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith.

Requirements

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Education, Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, or a similar area of study.
• Experience working with children.
• At least 21 years old.
• Fluent spoken English.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism.
• Must meet acceptable criminal background check standards.
• Able to lift 40 pounds.
• Able to walk up to eight miles on uneven terrain.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service, including being friendly, personable, helpful, patient, and professional.

Responsibilities

• Participate in Environmental Education training.
• Obtain Wilderness First Aid certification during Environmental Education training.
• Facilitate three-hour environmental education courses for students in grades 6–12, following state and national standards.
• Predict, prevent, identify, and respond to safety issues.
• Assist in program development and advancement.
• Participate in cleaning and setting up dorms for students for 4–8 hours per week.
• Lead team-building activities and perform organization and cleaning tasks.
• Communicate with schools and school leaders.
• Assist with projects and tasks that support the Outdoor Education Program.
• Uphold YMCA core values, mission, policies, and programs.
• Support the YMCA safety program, promote safe work practices, and help maintain a safe environment for guests, members, and staff.
• Attend required abuse risk management training and report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Promote a cooperative, positive, and flexible atmosphere in a diverse community.
• Help maintain a community free from harassment, bullying, threats, and violence, and support an environment where people can raise concerns without fear of unfair treatment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Three paid-for certifications: Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Project Learning Tree (PLT), and Better Environmental Education Learning Teaching Expertise Sharing (BEETLES).
• Two weeks of staff development training.
• Staff engagement outings, including hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park and visiting landmarks around Colorado.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree