Field Instructor

CAL-WOOD EDUCATION CENTER•Jamestown, CO

17d•$673 - $823•Onsite

About The Position

Cal-Wood Education Center is seeking a Field Instructor to teach environmental science curriculum to K-12 students in an outdoor setting. The role involves leading outdoor learning activities and teaching environmental science lessons for groups of 10-15 students. Programs can range from one-day visits to three-day overnight trips. Instructors will teach modules in outdoor skills and environmental science, including ecology, wildlife biology, and outdoor field studies. They will independently develop lesson plans, select instructional methods, adapt curriculum to student needs, and evaluate student performance, utilizing Cal-Wood's curriculum and materials. This position is a seasonal, full-time role with the possibility of extension. The Field Instructor will work alongside a team passionate about natural science, education, and conservation in Cal-Wood's 1,200-acre outdoor classroom.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science, natural resources management, education, environmental education, or a related field
Two or more years of teaching experience.
Ability to work and live closely with a small, passionate instructional team (approximately 10–15 staff members)
Comfortable living in a remote mountain town approximately 35 minutes from Boulder, CO (optional housing available)
Ability to pass background checks and motor vehicle report
Ability to hike 3–6 miles daily, lift up to 50 lbs for short periods (sometimes multiple times per day), and work outdoors in all weather conditions
Ability to learn and implement sheltered teaching methods through on-the-job training.
Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification required

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (preferred)
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is a plus

Responsibilities

Lead a learning group of 10–15 students during each school’s visit; typical programs run 2–3 days
Spend 4–8 hours per day, 3–5 days per week, leading programs outdoors in all seasons in the mountains of Colorado
Develop, teach, and evaluate environmental education programs aligned with local curriculum standards
Incorporate science, math, history, creative writing, art, and team-building into programs as requested by schools
Teach English, Spanish, and multilingual groups with sheltered teaching methods.
Lead large-group games, songs, skits, storytelling, and campfires to foster a fun, inclusive environment
Facilitate 1–2 meals (breakfasts and/or dinners) and 1–2 evening programs (typically a night hike or campfire) each week
Assist with maintenance of program staff commons areas, organize educational materials, gear room, and staff office