Outdoor Education Instructor

Keystone Science School•Keystone, CO

3d•$620 - $620•Onsite

About The Position

Outdoor Education Program Instructors lead groups of up to 13 students in hands-on science curriculum, team-building challenges, leadership development, and social-emotional learning. The role combines teaching, facilitation, and outdoor leadership, with an emphasis on creativity, adaptability, and working with students outdoors. Instructors also support meals, evening programs, and campus operations. Work is carried out independently and collaboratively with supervisors and fellow staff, with opportunities to develop as an educator and outdoor leader within a close-knit community. This is a full-time, seasonal position at Keystone Science School in Keystone, Colorado. Employment dates are January 13, 2027, through May 21, 2027. Compensation is $620 per week, with a 5% increase for staff fluent in both English and Spanish. Housing is provided. The schedule is flexible and includes early mornings, evenings, and some weekends, with typical hours of approximately 40–45 per week. Instructors generally work either 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. or split shifts of 7:30–11:30 a.m. and 4:30–9:00 p.m. For certain programs without chaperone attendance, staff stay overnight in dorms with students. The role includes travel to off-site program locations; transportation is typically provided, though staff may occasionally use personal vehicles within Summit County. Instructors work in shared indoor and outdoor spaces, often outside at high altitude in changing weather and terrain. The position reports to the Outdoor Education Manager and Director of Programs and has no direct reports.

Requirements

At least two months of full-time, or equivalent, experience working with youth; outdoor-setting experience is preferred.
Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications; Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is preferred.
At least 20 years of age, with at least four years of driving experience, a valid driver’s license, and an excellent driving record.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background check.
Interest in, respect for, and ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds.
Adaptability, creativity, and flexibility when managing children in dynamic environments.
Practiced behavior management for grades 2–12.
Strong work ethic and motivation to contribute positively to the KSS community.
Commitment to upholding KSS policies and procedures.
Ability to learn to use Google Suite and Slack.
Interest in developing communication skills for delivering and receiving feedback.
Ability to work mostly outside at high altitude in variable conditions, including uneven or slick terrain and unpredictable weather and situations.
Physical ability to assist participants with recreational equipment during activities and lift at least 75 pounds with assistance.
Dexterity and auditory and visual acuity to operate computers, phones, or mobile devices and interact daily with teachers, chaperones, students, and other clients.

Nice To Haves

Ability to teach science and facilitate team-building activities in both Spanish and English.
Bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or at least six months of college-equivalent coursework.
Experience facilitating overnight camping trips.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.

Responsibilities

Independently manage and teach a group of up to 13 students in grades 2–12.
Complete lesson plans and deliver appropriate environmental science curricula.
Facilitate team-building, leadership, and social-emotional learning activities.
Create and maintain an inclusive learning environment for students with diverse backgrounds and learning abilities.
Promote student safety by following health, safety, and risk-management procedures.
Run evening programs and support meal setup and cleanup, campus cleaning, and on-call responsibilities.
Participate in staff meetings and trainings as assigned.
Run camping-based programs at state or national parks.