Instructor-Southwest Program (SWP)

Colorado Outward Bound School • Moab, UT

12h • $105 - $135 • Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS) is hiring an entry-level Instructor for its Southwest Program (SWP) in Utah. This seasonal position typically runs from early May through August, with possible additional early-fall work and development opportunities through trainings in August, September, and October. Mandatory paid training takes place before course assignments. New SWP instructors divide their time between field instruction and logistics support, with the balance based on skills, experience, staffing and enrollment needs, development plans, and program needs.

Instructors work under the direct supervision of a Lead Instructor or Course Director to supervise, teach, and facilitate students throughout primarily wilderness-based courses. They also help plan and prepare courses, complete post-course paperwork and safety analysis, and clean and repair gear. Logistics work includes coordinating transportation, food, and equipment; maintaining the warehouse, property, and vehicle fleet; supporting planning, packing, and evacuations; and completing post-course paperwork. The role requires collaboration, flexibility, sound judgment, and a commitment to safe, high-quality educational experiences. COBS offers programming ranging from one-day to 72-day courses.

The role involves working outdoors in varied weather and rugged terrain, participating in course activities, and supporting students and staff. It includes emergency and logistics on-call duties, driving course vehicles, and physically demanding tasks. Compensation includes paid training at $80 per day and post-training pay of $105–$135 per day. Onsite housing is available, with meals provided while working with students and food options available while working from the warehouse.

Requirements

• Personal commitment to and working knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification at minimum; Wilderness First Responder certification is needed for backcountry courses.
• At least 400 river miles in Class III or above whitewater as the primary person in charge of the vessel to be staffed on rafting courses.
• Current or previous Swiftwater Rescue certification including at least 16 hours of instruction and training in 3:1 mechanical advantage systems, foot entrapment rescue, active swimmer practice, river crossings, and throw-bag skills.
• Sound and accurate judgment.
• Safe and appropriate use of equipment and materials.
• Experience working on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people.
• Experience working with youth.
• Driver’s license held for more than three years and a driving record that meets COBS insurance requirements. 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.
• Personal motivation, initiative, follow-through, and commitment.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively, prioritize multiple projects, and contribute as a positive team member.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to give and receive positive and constructive feedback.
• Ability to recognize and report potentially unsafe conditions.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and openness to change.
• Food Safety Manager certification, which can be acquired before training begins.
• Ability to participate in site and course activities and maintain the energy, strength, self-care, self-regulation, and focus needed to support students and staff, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to walk and traverse rugged, uneven, steep, on- and off-trail terrain, sometimes for 16 or more hours per day, including in emergencies.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and regulate body temperature in commonly encountered temperatures ranging from 20°F to 110°F, depending on season.
• Ability to lift, crawl, bend, carry, and pull; work may occur in confined spaces and at height.
• Ability to occasionally carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activities such as rafting, canoeing, backpacking, canyoneering, and rock climbing.

Nice To Haves

• Paddle boat guiding experience is preferred.
• Additional experience in canoeing, backpacking, canyoneering, and/or climbing is encouraged but not required.
• Higher-level medical certification, such as Wilderness First Responder, for backcountry courses.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the Outward Bound mission and outcomes while teaching course components, including social-emotional and technical outdoor skills.
• Contribute to a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive work environment where 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 student behaviors in accordance with organizational best practices.
• Follow warehouse and basecamp systems, including packing, cleaning, repairing, and inventorying gear, food, and facilities.
• Locate and use communication systems during emergencies.
• Participate in the emergency on-call system, supporting evacuations and responding to field emergencies; may manage a student group and emergencies when a co-staff member is absent.
• Serve on the Logistics On-Call rotation, providing driving support for evacuations and supervising students while on base.
• Follow local operating procedures, safety policies, and emergency procedures in the Field Staff Manual and Employee Handbook.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and in a timely manner with instructors, logistics staff, Course Directors, supervisors, and other staff; share and receive feedback.
• Take photos on course and at course events.
• Participate in course planning, including curriculum development, route planning, food and equipment organization and packing, and post-course paperwork.
• Oversee logistics systems for food and gear planning and packing for groups of up to 40 people; track, manage, and repair gear and provide feedback to improve course quality and student experience.
• Drive for course events, including large vehicles and on 4x4 roads; perform vehicle checks and communicate repair needs. Additional trailer training and long-distance trailer driving may be provided.

Benefits

• Onsite housing option, with meals provided while working with students and food options available while working from the warehouse.
• 56 hours of sick pay per year.
• Employee Assistance Program, including free counseling sessions.
• Eligibility for up to $1,000 in professional development funds after the first season.
• Outdoor professional gear discounts.
• Ability to borrow gear from the COBS equipment library.
• Opportunity for career growth in outdoor education.
• Access to an international network of Outward Bound schools and potential employment at partner schools.

What This Job Offers

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