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Field Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Field Instructor

Jamestown, CO · On-site

$672.69 - $822.69/wk

Our field instructors receive training in sheltered instruction and inclusive teaching practices to help them effectively engage all students--from Commerce City to Aurora to Boulder and beyond.

Field Instructor

Jamestown, CO · On-site

$672.69 - $822.69/wk

Our field instructors receive training in sheltered instruction and inclusive teaching practices to help them effectively engage all students--from Commerce City to Aurora to Boulder and beyond.

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 ...

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Field Instructor information

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How much do field instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for field instructor in the United States is $22.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Field Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Field Instructor, you need expertise in the subject area you are teaching, strong instructional skills, and typically relevant certifications or degrees. Familiarity with educational technologies, field-specific safety protocols, and assessment tools is often required. Leadership, adaptability, and excellent communication help Field Instructors engage learners and manage dynamic environments. These abilities ensure effective teaching, safety, and positive learning outcomes in field-based educational settings.

What are the main challenges Field Instructors face when leading groups in outdoor settings?

Field Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting to unpredictable weather, ensuring group safety, and managing diverse participant needs and skill levels. They must also balance teaching objectives with risk management and group dynamics, which can require quick decision-making and strong leadership. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as Field Instructors frequently collaborate with co-instructors and support staff to provide a positive and educational experience for participants.

What are field instructors?

Field instructors are professionals who supervise and mentor students or trainees during their practical, hands-on learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting. They are commonly found in fields such as social work, environmental science, outdoor education, and healthcare. Field instructors provide guidance, support, and assessment to help learners develop practical skills and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments. Their role is crucial in bridging academic learning with actual job experience, ensuring students are prepared for their future careers.

What is the difference between Field Instructor vs Field Supervisor?

AspectField InstructorField Supervisor
Required CredentialsRelevant degree (e.g., social work, counseling), licensure often preferredSimilar credentials, often with additional supervisory certifications
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, community agencies, clinical sitesAgency or organization overseeing field placements, administrative settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, social service agencies, healthcareOrganizations managing field training programs, social services
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on training and mentoring students or internsFocuses on overseeing and managing field staff or interns

While both roles involve supervision and training, a Field Instructor primarily mentors students or interns during their field placements, whereas a Field Supervisor oversees the overall field program and manages multiple interns or staff within an organization.

More about Field Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Field Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Field Instructor job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Field Instructor jobs? The top employers for Field Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Field Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Field Instructor jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Field Instructor jobs? For Field Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

$672.69 - $822.69/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance

Cal-Wood Mission & Philosophy
Cal-Wood Education Center is on a mission to facilitate positive nature experiences for allespecially those who haven't yet spent time in the mountains. Since 1982, Cal-Wood has provided residential environmental and outdoor education programs to hundreds of thousands of Coloradans at our 1,200-acre outdoor classroom located west of Boulder, Colorado. Through school programs, summer camps, and family camps, we provide access for kids and adults from underrepresented communities to have life-changing experiences outdoors.
We believe that no matter where you live or what language you speak, you deserve to feel safe and welcome outside. We strive to grow our programs so that more people from all walks of life can find a meaningful connection with nature.
Cal-Wood has received several national and local awards for our high-quality programs and service to linguistically diverse audiences. Our field instructors receive training in sheltered instruction and inclusive teaching practices to help them effectively engage all studentsfrom Commerce City to Aurora to Boulder and beyond. Instructors provide dynamic, hands-on science education in the field so that all students can explore, learn, and see themselves as scientists.
Position Overview
Cal-Wood seeks a Field Instructor whose primary duty is teaching environmental science curriculum to K12 students in an outdoor setting. Field Instructors work in our beautiful 1,200-acre outdoor classroom alongside a motivated team passionate about natural science, education, and conservation.
Instructors are responsible for providing educational experiences for learning groups of 1015 students by leading outdoor learning activities and teaching environmental science lessons. Programs range from one-day visits to three-day overnight trips for local students of all ages. Instructors are charged with teaching instructional modules in outdoor skills and environmental science, including applied lessons in ecology, wildlife biology, and outdoor field studies. Utilizing Cal-Wood's curriculum and materials, Instructors independently develop lesson plans, select instructional methods, adapt curriculum to meet student needs, and evaluate student performance.
This position begins August 10, 2026 and runs through May 28, 2027, with the possibility of extending employment for additional seasons.
This position is a seasonal, full-time role.
Salary, Exempt.
Schedule
  • Monday through Friday, with some evening and weekend shifts as needed
  • Average 40-hour work week
  • Programs may require early mornings, evenings, and overnight presence for facilitation (note: Instructors do not sleep in cabins with students)

Responsibilities
75% Teaching:
  • Lead a learning group of 1015 students during each schools visit; typical programs run 23 days
  • Spend 48 hours per day, 35 days per week, leading programs outdoors in all seasons in the mountains of Colorado
  • Develop, teach, and evaluate environmental education programs aligned with local curriculum standards
  • Incorporate science, math, history, creative writing, art, and team-building into programs as requested by schools
  • Teach English, Spanish, and multilingual groups with sheltered teaching methods.
25% Support
  • Lead large-group games, songs, skits, storytelling, and campfires to foster a fun, inclusive environment
  • Facilitate 12 meals (breakfasts and/or dinners) and 12 evening programs (typically a night hike or campfire) each week
  • Assist with maintenance of program staff commons areas, organize educational materials, gear room, and staff office

Qualities & Qualifications
  • Bilingual (preferred)
  • Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply
  • High level of personal motivation, flexibility, and responsibility, with a positive attitude
  • Bachelors degree in science, natural resources management, education, environmental education, or a related field
  • Two or more years of teaching experience.
  • Ability to work and live closely with a small, passionate instructional team (approximately 1015 staff members)
  • Comfortable living in a remote mountain town approximately 35 minutes from Boulder, CO (optional housing available)
  • Ability to pass background checks and motor vehicle report
  • Ability to hike 36 miles daily, lift up to 50 lbs for short periods (sometimes multiple times per day), and work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Ability to learn and implement sheltered teaching methods through on-the-job training.
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification required; Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is a plus
Benefits
  • Health
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Simple IRA with 3% employer match
  • Life AD&D insurance
  • Optional employee housing (free rent and utilities)