2027 Instructor - Rocky Mountain Program

Colorado Outward Bound School • Leadville, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Instructor is an entry-level, seasonal position in Colorado Outward Bound School’s Rocky Mountain Program. The season runs from early May through August or September, with mandatory paid training before course assignments. New instructors divide their time between field instruction and logistics support; additional fall work may be available after successful completion of new-instructor training. The balance between roles depends on technical skills, staffing and enrollment needs, individual development plans, and program needs.

Field instructors work under the direct supervision of a Lead Instructor or Course Director. They supervise, teach, and facilitate students in frontcountry and backcountry settings throughout courses, and help prepare and close out courses through planning, packing, paperwork, safety analysis, and gear cleaning. Logistics staff coordinate transportation, gear, and food for students and staff; support warehouse and basecamp operations; and assist with student evacuations. Both roles require collaboration, flexibility, and a commitment to a safe, high-quality educational experience.

COBS programming ranges from 1 to 72 days and takes place in backcountry and frontcountry environments. The school seeks educators and facilitators who are passionate about working with youth and being outdoors. Training or accommodations may be available for some skill sets. The position involves teaching character development, leadership, and service; supporting course safety and risk management; maintaining logistical systems; driving for course needs; and contributing to an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming community.

The position is physically demanding and primarily outdoors. It requires participation in course activities, travel over rugged terrain at high elevations while carrying a heavy backpack, and work in a range of weather conditions. Instructors may work very long days, including during emergencies.

Requirements

• Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification at minimum; Wilderness First Responder certification is needed for backcountry courses.
• Sound and accurate judgment.
• Ability to use equipment and materials safely and appropriately.
• Experience working on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people.
• Experience working with youth.
• Have held a driver’s license for more than three years and meet COBS insurance requirements for a safe driving record; J-1 visa candidates are exempt and will not drive for COBS.
• Emotional regulation and balanced decision-making in stressful situations.
• Professionalism and strong leadership attributes in work and community environments.
• Strong motivation, initiative, follow-through, and commitment.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively on teams and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to give and receive positive and constructive feedback.
• Approximately 30 days of wilderness or expedition-based overnight travel.
• Experience navigating with a topographical map and compass.
• Ability to participate in site and course activities and maintain the energy, strength, self-care, and focus needed to support students and staff, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to spend most days on one’s feet, sometimes 16 or more hours, and to ascend, descend, or traverse rugged, uneven, steep terrain, on or off trail, over consecutive days at elevations of 12,000 feet or more while carrying a backpack weighing at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in weather conditions and regulate body temperature, including in temperatures commonly ranging from 20°F to 80°F and colder during November to March courses.
• Ability to lift, crawl, bend, carry, and pull; work may take place in confined spaces and at height.
• Ability to carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activities, including backpacking, mountaineering, and/or rock climbing.
• For mountaineering courses, AMGA or PCIA Single Pitch Instructor certification or significant climbing/mountaineering experience; new instructors may be pursuing an SPI certification to qualify for Mountaineering Training.

Nice To Haves

• Wilderness First Responder certification for backcountry courses.
• AMGA or PCIA Single Pitch Instructor certification or significant climbing/mountaineering experience for mountaineering courses; new instructors may be pursuing an SPI certification.
• Higher-level medical certification than Wilderness First Aid and CPR.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the Outward Bound mission, Distinctive Features, and outcomes while teaching course components.
• Educate students about character development, leadership, and service.
• Contribute to an equitable, 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.
• Serve as a positive role model and manage a range of student behaviors constructively.
• Follow warehouse and basecamp systems, including packing, cleaning, repairing, and inventorying gear, food, and facilities.
• Participate in the emergency on-call system, support evacuations, and respond to field emergencies; when needed, manage a student group and emergencies in co-staff’s absence.
• Serve on the Logistics On-Call rotation, providing driving support and student supervision during evacuations while on base.
• Follow local operating procedures, safety policies, 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.
• 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 logistics for food and gear for groups of up to 40 people; track, manage, and repair gear, and provide feedback to improve course quality and the 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.
• Coordinate course transportation, gear, and food, and support daily warehouse and basecamp operations.

Benefits

• Paid outdoor education facilitation, backcountry risk management, and technical-skills training at $80 per day.
• Post-training wage of $105 per day.
• 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 with free counseling sessions.
• Outdoor professional gear discounts.
• Eligible for staff development funds after one year.
• Potential for growth into program manager and director roles.
• Access to an international network of Outward Bound schools and outdoor education professionals, with potential employment at partner schools.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed