2027 -Instructor-Southwest Program (SWP)

Colorado Outward Bound School • Moab, UT

18d • Onsite

About The Position

Colorado Outward Bound School is hiring an entry-level, seasonal Instructor for its Southwest Program (SWP) in Utah. The position typically runs from early May through August, with possible additional work and development opportunities into early fall. Mandatory paid training takes place before course assignments.

New instructors divide their time between field instruction and logistics support. Under the direct supervision of a Lead Instructor or Course Director, instructors supervise, teach, and facilitate students on primarily wilderness-based courses. They also support course planning and preparation, post-course paperwork, safety analysis, and equipment cleaning and repair. Logistics duties include coordinating transportation, equipment, and food; maintaining the warehouse, property, and vehicle fleet; and supporting students and staff before, during, and after courses, including evacuations and post-course tasks. The balance of time in each role depends on skills, experience, staffing and enrollment needs, individual development plans, and program needs.

Courses range from one to 72 days and require varied skill sets. The role calls for collaborative, flexible, hardworking staff committed to safe, high-quality educational experiences. Instructors help deliver the Outward Bound mission, teach social-emotional and technical outdoor skills, manage risk, model positive behavior, and contribute to an inclusive environment where staff and students feel a sense of belonging. The role also includes logistics on-call duties and driving for course events.

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.
• For staffing on rafting courses, at least 400 river miles in Class III or higher whitewater as the primary person in charge of the vessel.
• 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, and safe and appropriate use of equipment and materials.
• Experience working on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people, and experience working with youth.
• Driver’s license held for more than three years and a safe driving record meeting COBS insurance requirements. J-1 visa candidates are exempt from this qualification 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, prioritize multiple projects, and contribute positively as a team member.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, and ability to give and receive positive and constructive feedback.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and openness to change.
• Food Safety Manager certification, which must be acquired before training begins.
• Ability to participate in site and course activities and maintain sufficient energy, strength, self-care, self-regulation, and focus, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work on foot most days and traverse rugged, uneven, steep, on- and off-trail terrain, sometimes for 16 or more hours a day or longer during emergencies.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and regulate body temperature, including in commonly encountered seasonal temperatures ranging from 20°F to 110°F.
• Ability to lift, crawl, bend, carry, and pull; work in confined spaces and at height; and occasionally carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activities, including rafting, canoeing, backpacking, canyoneering, and/or rock climbing.

Nice To Haves

• Paddle boat guiding experience.
• Additional experience in canoeing, backpacking, canyoneering, and/or climbing.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the Outward Bound mission and outcomes while teaching course components, including social-emotional and technical outdoor skills.
• Help create 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.
• Serve as a positive role model for students and manage a range of student behaviors in accordance with organizational best practices.
• Follow warehouse and basecamp systems; pack, clean, repair, and inventory gear, food, and facilities.
• Locate and use communication systems during emergencies.
• Participate in the emergency on-call system, support evacuations, and respond to field emergencies; may need to manage a student group and emergencies in a co-staff member’s absence.
• Serve on the Logistics On-Call rotation, providing evacuation driving support 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 promptly with instructors, logistical staff, Course Directors, supervisors, and other staff; share and receive feedback.
• Take photos on courses and at course events.
• Participate in course planning, including educational and technical curricula, route planning, food and equipment organization and packing, and post-course paperwork.
• Oversee logistics systems for groups of up to 40 people, including food planning and packing, gear packing, gear tracking and repair, and feedback to improve course quality and student experience.
• Drive for course events, including large vehicles and vehicles on 4x4 roads; perform vehicle checks and communicate repair needs. Additional trailer training and long-distance trailer driving may be provided.
• Report potentially unsafe conditions.

Benefits

• Paid training in outdoor education facilitation, backcountry risk management, and technical skills at a training wage of $80 per day.
• 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.
• Opportunities for career growth in outdoor education.
• Access to an international network of Outward Bound schools and potential employment at partner schools in the United States and around the world.

What This Job Offers

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