2027 Fellowship for Emerging Leaders - Instructor, Rocky Mountain Program

Colorado Outward Bound School • Leadville, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Outward Bound School’s Emerging Leadership Fellowship is a seasonal, entry-level instructor opportunity based in the Rocky Mountain Program in Leadville, Colorado. The position begins in May and ends in August. Fellows receive paid training before starting as instructors and split their time between field instruction and logistics support. Work may also be available in the fall after successful completion of new-instructor training.

Fellows join instructors and course directors to deliver Outward Bound programming in frontcountry and backcountry settings. After successfully completing training, fellows work as primary instructors on courses and manage course risks. Those who do not yet meet training standards may serve as course apprentices, mentored by instructional staff. The role includes teaching and facilitating students, course planning and preparation, course debriefs and paperwork, safety analysis, gear care, and supporting logistics and basecamp operations. Fellows also participate in an emergency on-call system, including evacuation support.

A dedicated program leader supports fellows’ career aspirations, skill development, scheduling, and community and support needs. At the end of the season, fellows receive a check-in and support for continued growth and career goals. The position requires collaboration, flexibility, and commitment to a safe, high-quality educational experience. COBS may provide training or accommodations based on a candidate’s skills.

Requirements

• Must be able to obtain a full, in-person Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification before training; COBS can assist with this.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Demonstrates safe and appropriate use of equipment and materials.
• Experience working on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people.
• Experience working with youth.
• Practices emotional regulation and balanced decision-making in stressful situations.
• Demonstrates professionalism and strong leadership attributes in work and community environments.
• Shows personal motivation, initiative, follow-through, and commitment.
• Can work independently and cooperatively in teams and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to give and receive positive and constructive feedback.
• Able to participate in all site and course activities and maintain the energy, strength, and focus needed to support students and instructors, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Able to lift, crawl, bend, carry, and pull.
• Able to carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Able to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity, including backpacking, mountaineering, and/or rock climbing.
• Able to work on foot for most of the day, sometimes 16 or more hours, and potentially longer during emergencies.
• Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, often in poor weather.
• Able to work in confined spaces and at height when required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and comfort sleeping and living in a wilderness environment, often in inclement weather.
• Mental Health First Aid certification; trainings are available.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the Outward Bound mission, Distinctive Features, and outcomes while teaching course components.
• Educate students about character development, leadership, and service.
• Help build a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive work environment where diversity is valued and staff and students feel a sense of belonging.
• Support course safety by identifying, assessing, and managing environmental and human risks using risk-assessment and decision-making tools.
• Model positive behavior and manage a range of student behaviors constructively.
• Follow warehouse and basecamp systems and support daily operations.
• Pack, clean, repair, and inventory gear, food, and facilities.
• Participate in the emergency on-call system, support evacuations, and respond to field emergencies when needed; may manage a student group and emergencies when a co-staff member is absent.
• Serve on the Logistics On-Call rotation, providing driving support and student supervision during evacuations while on base.
• Follow local operating procedures and safety and emergency procedures in the Field Staff Manual and Employee Handbook.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and promptly with instructors, logistics staff, course directors, supervisors, and other staff.
• Share and receive feedback openly.
• Take photos during courses and course events.
• Participate in course planning, including educational and technical curriculum development, route planning, food and equipment organization and packing, and post-course paperwork.
• Oversee logistical systems for groups of up to 40 people, including food and gear planning and packing, gear tracking, management and repair, and feedback to improve course quality and student experience.
• Drive for course events, including operating large vehicles and driving on 4x4 roads; perform vehicle checks and communicate repair needs.
• Supervise, teach, and facilitate students in frontcountry and backcountry settings throughout courses.

Benefits

• Onsite housing with meals included while in the field and food available during work days on base.
• 56 hours of sick pay per year.
• Employee Assistance Program, including free counseling sessions.
• $500 reimbursement for travel or gear.
• Eligible for staff development funds after one year.
• Outdoor professional gear discounts.
• Ability to borrow gear from the COBS equipment library.
• Opportunity for career growth within COBS and access to a network of outdoor professionals and potential employment at partner schools.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed