Adventure Instructor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Telluride Academy

Lead Boating Specialist

Job Description — Summer 2027

Job Title

Lead Boating Specialist (Seasonal)

Start / End Dates

June 1 - August 13, 2027

Additional pre-season work is possible (river scouting, familiarity with rigging our boats/trailers) , dependent on river experience and familiarity with the rivers we run.  

Reports To

Program Director

Salary

DOE — starting at $24/hour

Position Summary

The Lead Boating Specialist is a seasonal role that supports Telluride Academy's boating programs, facilitating a safe, engaging, and educational moving water and flatwater boating program for students. The Lead Boating Specialist works closely with the other Boating Specialists and Telluride Academy instructors to ensure smooth operations of both flatwater and moving water experiences while maintaining high safety standards.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with youth, has a passion for boating and outdoor recreation, and thrives in a collaborative environment. The Lead Boating Specialist plays a key role in supporting the success of Telluride Academy's flatwater and moving water boating programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist TA admin and other Boating Specialists with daily operations, including flatwater and moving water boating activities.
• Serve as the primary point person for risk management and decision-making related to Telluride Academy's moving water and flatwater boating programs.
• Support the Boating Specialists in facilitating the boating curriculum during staff training.
• Become familiar with all Academy boating locations and assist with site-specific logistics and communication.
• Participate in and facilitate boating experiences with Telluride Academy students, including instruction, safety oversight, and equipment preparation.
• Maintain and organize boating gear inventory, ensuring equipment is cleaned, stored, and ready for use (rigging pre-trip and de-rigging post-trip).
• Provide on-water safety support for moving water experiences and act as a resource for field instructors as needed.
• Support the maintenance of boating vehicles and trailers, ensuring they remain clean and operational.
• Assist with the submission of timely and accurate river permit logs and help maintain permit compliance.
• Adhere to and promote Telluride Academy boating policies and procedures, including emergency protocols.
• Support trip and weekly budget management by assisting with equipment purchasing and expense tracking.

Qualifications

• Current (or willingness to obtain) Nationally Recognized Swift Water Certification and/or River Rescue Technician Certification.
• WFA certification (minimum); WFR certification (or higher) preferred; CPR/AED certification required.
  
• Must have experience with a variety of watercraft, including SUP (stand up paddleboards), inflatable kayaks, canoes, and rafts.
• Experience with flatwater and moving water boating activities, with a technical resume listing river sections/class, river miles, and job roles.
• Experience leading overnight/multi-day river expeditions, along with a documented river trip log outlining specific trips, hours, and overnights in the field.   
• Subject to criminal background check (CBI/FBI), child abuse and neglect background check, and driving background check.
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van and/or tow a trailer (or willingness to learn).
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to lift 50lbs and physical ability to assist with rigging and de-rigging of boats/trailers for our river trips.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience working with youth in an outdoor recreation or education setting.
• Familiarity with Telluride Academy's programming and/or the local area: 4x corners region, western slope of Colorado, Green River, Gunnison River, Colorado River, San Juan River, Trout Lake, Ridgway Reservoir.

About Telluride Academy

Telluride Academy's mission is to “Connect youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship.” Based in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride Academy is Telluride's premier summer camp and has been inspiring youth through outdoor education and adventure for over 45 years. Join us in creating unforgettable memories for the next generation of adventurers! Please visit www.tellurideacademy.org to learn more.

Core Values

• Resilience
• Curiosity
• Responsibility
• Connection

Hiring Policy

Telluride Academy (TA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Telluride Academy's management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs and general treatment during employment.

TA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee related to an individual's: physical or mental disability; sincerely held religious beliefs and practices; and/or any other reason required by applicable law, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship upon TA's business operations.