Backpacking Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Field Instructor

Reports To: Program Director

FSLA Status: Seasonal, non-exempt

Salary: DOE - Starts at $20 per hour

Position Summary:
Field Instructors at Telluride Academy plan, facilitate, and lead outdoor experiential education programs for students ages 5-17. They introduce students to adventure-based and creative activities including hiking, backpacking, camping, SUP'ing, horseriding, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more, while helping them build confidence and connection in the outdoors. Field Instructors uphold strong risk-management practices and ensure all participants feel welcomed, supported, and appropriately challenged.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Facilitation

• Plan and implement daily programming aligned with established itineraries, ensuring activities meet organizational goals and program objectives.
• Deliver age-appropriate activities for all program levels, with particular emphasis on the needs of early childhood participants (ages 5-8).
• Facilitate a range of activities, including field games, day hiking, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more.
• Adapt programming and leadership style to meet the developmental, behavioral, and social needs of participants depending on their age group.
• Adjust plans as needed to respond to changes in weather, participant needs, or other unforeseen circumstances while maintaining program integrity.
• Demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving skills to ensure smooth and effective program delivery.
• Work closely and collaboratively with co-instructors and other staff members to deliver high-quality programs throughout the summer.
• Organize and manage weekly field reports, manage program logistics, and oversee program budgets as assigned.
• Teach Leave No Trace (LNT) principles and foster a culture of environmental stewardship among participants.
• Promote leadership, teamwork, and personal development through guided experiences and discussions.
• Provide weekly program and co-instructor feedback in a timely manner that is constructive, professional, and respectful.
• Attend Friday staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned or deemed necessary by administration to support the organization's goals and operations.

Student/Camper Engagement:

• Cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment by encouraging teamwork, communication, and mutual respect among participants.
• Serve as a role model, mentor, and guide for participants, helping them build confidence, resilience, and interpersonal skills.
• Set clear expectations and model respectful, positive behavior.
• Proactively address and de-escalate conflicts or challenges in a calm, constructive manner.
• Utilize effective behavior management and positive discipline techniques to maintain group cohesion and engagement.

Safety & Risk Management:

• Ensure a safe, fun, and educational environment for all participants by following safety protocols and best practices.
• Actively supervise campers to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Respond to minor incidents or emergencies in the field.

Qualifications/Skillsets:

• Committed, dependable, professional, and organized.
• Teachable, coachable, reflective, and leadership potential - desire to grow professionally as a leader.
• Demonstrated selflessness in previous roles being a "team player".
• Knowledge and enthusiasm for outdoor/experiential education.
• Previous experience and/or enthusiasm for working with children ages 5-17 years old.
• Strong communication skills with administrators, co-workers, campers, and parents. Willingness to provide and receive feedback constructively and respectfully.
• Ability to be present and cell phone-free while at work.
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification (or the ability to obtain prior to staff training in June).
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and driving background check.
• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, be active for up to 8 hours a day, and navigate rugged mountain terrain (trails, scree, slopes).
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate program vehicles safely (if applicable).

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work indoors or outdoors for prolonged periods of time in a variety of desert, mountain, river, lake, and alpine weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain.
• Willingness to work in remote, wilderness, or high-altitude environments with limited facilities.
• Comfort with exposure to insects, wildlife, and natural elements as part of outdoor programming.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and extended shifts, based on program needs.
• Ability to travel to and from program locations, including remote trailheads or campgrounds.

Additional Requirements:

• Proficiency in leading group activities and providing instruction to diverse age groups.
• Ability to swim and assist in water-based activities when required.
• Capable of physical tasks such as kneeling, bending, climbing, biking, hiking, and carrying equipment.

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 40 years. Join us in creating unforgettable memories for the next generation of adventurers! Please www.tellurideacademy.org to learn more.

Core Values:

• Enrichment through experiential education.
• Inclusion of children and teens from all backgrounds.
• Respect for individual uniqueness.
• Responsible environmental stewardship.

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.