2027 Instructor - Rocky Mountain Program

Colorado Outward Bound School • Leadville, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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

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, help prepare and plan courses, and complete post-course paperwork, safety analysis, and gear cleaning. Logistics work includes coordinating transportation, gear, and food for students and staff; supporting warehouse and basecamp operations; and assisting with student evacuations. Instructors may support programs ranging from 1 to 72 days. The role requires collaboration, flexibility, and a commitment to a safe, high-quality educational experience. COBS may provide training or accommodations based on an applicant’s skill set.

COBS is a nonprofit adventure-based education organization focused on personal growth through challenge and experience. Its courses promote responsibility, teamwork, confidence, compassion, and environmental and community stewardship. The organization describes its workplace as growth-minded and committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. COBS is an equal opportunity employer and has a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse and neglect.

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 settings.
• Motivation, initiative, follow-through, and commitment.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively, and to prioritize multiple projects.
• 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, with or without reasonable accommodation, to participate in site and course activities and maintain the energy, strength, self-care, and focus needed to support students and staff.
• Ability to spend most days on foot, sometimes 16 or more hours, and traverse rugged, uneven, steep terrain (including slopes of approximately 30–50 degrees) on and off trail, including snow, water, loose rock, or thick vegetation, at elevations of 12,000 feet or more for five or more miles over consecutive days while carrying a backpack weighing at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to work continuously outdoors and regulate body temperature through clothing and actions in weather commonly ranging from 20°F to 80°F, and colder on November–March courses.
• Ability to lift, crawl, bend, carry, and pull; work in confined spaces and at height; and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity, including backpacking, mountaineering, and/or rock climbing.

Nice To Haves

• Wilderness First Responder certification for backcountry courses.
• For mountaineering courses, AMGA or PCIA Single Pitch Instructor certification, or significant climbing or mountaineering experience. New instructors may be pursuing an SPI certification to qualify for mountaineering training.

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 risk using risk-assessment and decision-making tools.
• Model positive behavior and manage a range of student behaviors constructively.
• Follow warehouse and basecamp systems; pack, clean, repair, and inventory gear, food, and facilities.
• Participate in the emergency on-call system, support evacuations, and respond to field emergencies; may manage a student group and emergencies in a co-staff member’s absence.
• Serve on the Logistics On-Call rotation, providing driving support and student supervision during evacuations while on base.
• Follow local operating procedures and the 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.
• 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 the student experience.
• Drive for course events, including operating large vehicles and driving on 4x4 roads; conduct vehicle checks and communicate repair needs.
• Supervise, teach, and facilitate students in frontcountry and backcountry settings.
• Prepare courses through planning, packing, and structuring, and complete post-course safety analysis and gear cleaning.

Benefits

• Paid training in outdoor education facilitation, backcountry risk management, and technical skills at $80 per day.
• Post-training wage of $105 per day.
• Onsite housing with meals included while in the field; food available during work days on base.
• 56 hours of sick pay per year.
• Employee Assistance Program, including free counseling sessions.
• Outdoor professional gear discounts.
• Eligibility for staff development funds after one year.
• Potential for career growth, including opportunities to progress into program manager and director roles.
• Access to an international network of Outward Bound schools and outdoor professionals, with potential employment opportunities at partner schools in the United States and around the world.

What This Job Offers

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