1

Fishing Instructor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Fishing Instructor information

See Colorado salary details

$7

$20

$39

How much do fishing instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for fishing instructor in Colorado is $20.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.58 and $23.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do fishing instructors make good money?

Fishing instructors can earn varying income depending on experience, location, and the number of clients they teach. Many work part-time or seasonally, with earnings often supplemented by tips and private lessons. Certification and specialized skills can also influence earning potential.

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

To thrive as a Fishing Instructor, you need in-depth knowledge of fishing techniques, local fish species, safety regulations, and typically some formal training or certification in outdoor education or angling. Familiarity with fishing gear, boating equipment, GPS devices, and fishing licenses, as well as certifications like CPR/first aid, are commonly required. Patience, excellent communication, and the ability to engage and instruct individuals or groups are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, enjoyable, and educational fishing experiences for clients of varying skill levels.

What are some common challenges fishing instructors face when teaching beginners, and how can they be addressed?

Fishing Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among students, unpredictable weather conditions, and the need to maintain safety on or near the water. To address these, instructors typically tailor their teaching methods for different learning paces, adjust lesson plans based on current weather and water conditions, and prioritize safety briefings and supervision. Building patience and clear communication skills is essential for helping beginners gain confidence and enjoy their fishing experience.

What does a fishing instructor do?

A Fishing Instructor teaches individuals or groups how to fish, including the use of different fishing equipment, techniques, and safety procedures. They often provide lessons on casting, knot-tying, bait selection, and fish identification. Instructors may work with beginners who have never fished before or with more experienced anglers looking to improve their skills. They are also responsible for ensuring that students follow local fishing regulations and practice sustainable fishing. Additionally, Fishing Instructors often lead guided fishing trips and provide advice on choosing the right locations and times for fishing.

What does a fishing instructor do?

As a fishing instructor, your duties are to provide your clients with fishing lessons. This includes showing them the basics of how to properly bait a hook and helping them to understand how to pick the appropriate lure for a given type of fishing. Fishing instructors often specialize in a particular type of fishing, such as fly fishing, deep water fishing, or lake fishing. As your clients advance, you can show them more complicated aspects of the sport, such as different ways to cast or more advanced equipment.

What is the difference between Fishing Instructor vs Fishing Guide?

AspectFishing InstructorFishing Guide
CertificationsOften requires fishing certifications, safety training, and sometimes teaching credentialsMay require fishing licenses and local permits, but less focused on formal teaching certifications
Work EnvironmentTypically teaches individuals or groups in controlled settings like lakes, ponds, or fishing schoolsWorks outdoors on boats or at fishing locations, guiding clients on fishing trips
Employer & Industry UsageFound in fishing schools, recreational centers, or private lessonsEmployed by tour companies, charter services, or as independent guides
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking to learn fishing techniques or improve skillsPeople seeking guided fishing trips or local expertise

While both roles involve fishing expertise, a Fishing Instructor primarily focuses on teaching fishing skills in controlled environments, often requiring certifications. A Fishing Guide, on the other hand, leads clients on fishing trips outdoors, emphasizing local knowledge and guiding experience.

What are popular job titles related to Fishing Instructor jobs in Colorado? For Fishing Instructor jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fishing Instructor jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Fishing Instructor jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Fishing Instructor jobs in CO? For Fishing Instructor jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Fishing Instructor job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,111 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Part-time Instructor: Zoo Keeping

Colorado Community College System Career Site

Colorado Springs, CO โ€ข On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Title: Pikes Peak Part-time Instructor: Zoo Keeping

Position Type: Instructor

College: Pikes Peak State College

Salary Range: 81.66 per contact hour

Who We Are:

Pikes Peak State College is the largest and most diverse college in the Pikes Peak region, serving students with a wide range of goals, experiences, and responsibilities. Our students include recent high school graduates, working adults, military-affiliated students, parents, first-generation students, career changers, transfer students, and lifelong learners.
Our mission is to provide high-quality educational opportunities to all, with a focus on student success and community needs. We fulfill that mission by creating affordable, flexible, and accessible pathways that help students transfer to four-year institutions, enter the workforce, advance their careers, and build better futures close to home.
As the needs of our students, employers, and communities continue to evolve, so do we. PPSC embraces innovation that is human-centered, ethical, and focused on student learning. Through strong workforce partnerships and the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, we prepare students not only for today's opportunities, but for what's next.
We're looking for people who are passionate about access, collaboration, innovation, and student success. Whether you work in the classroom or behind the scenes, your contributions help create opportunities that change lives.
At PPSC, our vision is simple: Students Succeed at PPSC.

Job Summary:

Part-time instructor positions (as defined by State Board Policy, BP 3-10) exist to create and maintain a teaching and learning environment that empowers students to be successful. Part-time instructors work under the direction of their respective Department Chair, Associate Dean, or Division Dean. 
Pikes Peak State College maintains a pool of qualified part-time instructors. Part-time instructors will be selected to support departmental requirements. Part-time instructors may be employed to teach courses, conduct presentations or other service activities when current instructors and faculty are not available.
Must be a State of Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado prior to first date of employment.  All work must be performed in the State of Colorado.
Pikes Peak State College maintains a pool of qualified part-time instructors.
Part-time instructors will be selected to support department requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Meeting all scheduled classes/labs/clinics and providing instruction in accordance with the philosophy and objectives of the college and the Department Chair’s approved course outline.
Using teaching methods and media designed to reach students of varying educational and experiential backgrounds to allow each student the opportunity to master the objectives of the course.
Informing students of course requirements through a course syllabus, including: specific objectives, means of attaining objectives, and methods of instruction and grading.
Evaluating students on a continuing basis to allow them to be aware of their own progress.
Participate in department and/or college level assessment of student learning outcomes in general education and career/technical courses and programs as required.
Recommending instructional materials, textbooks, appropriate instructional equipment, and the Library supportive reference materials.
Maintaining and submitting records as required by policy and procedures.
Promoting affirmative action equal opportunity concepts within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
Maintaining required credentials, licenses, certification as appropriate, and proficiency and up-to-date knowledge in the subject matter area.

Competencies/KSAs:

Demonstrates ability to plan, organize, and deliver appropriate curriculum.
Demonstrates ability to employ qualitative and quantitative analytical skills in the classroom.
Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrates ability to maintain accurate written student records as required by policy and procedure.
Demonstrates ability to inform students of all course requirements.
Demonstrates ability to evaluate students and offer feedback on a continuing basis.
Demonstrates ability to relate to student concerns and maintain open communication.
Demonstrates ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Completed associate degree in zookeeping or a related field with a minimum 4,000 verified occupational/industry hours within 7 years, or the following, as listed below:
Accepted discipline areas: Zoology, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Wildlife and Fisheries Biology/Science/Management, Natural
Resources, Evolutionary Biology, Animal Science, Conservation Biology, Marine Biology
Zoo Keeping courses are Career and Technical Education courses. Faculty members must also have CTE credentialing to teach.

Preferred Qualifications:

Completed Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field with 2,000 verified occupational/industry hours within 7 years.

One year of professional animal husbandry experience.

Selection Process:

Prior submission of application materials will not be considered. 
Visa support is not available for this position.
Part-time instructors are hired to teach on a temporary, as needed basis. Instructors may be employed per academic semester. Instructors are at-will and subject to the terms of their appointment.
Pikes Peak State College participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) contribution rates.  
Pikes Peak State College maintains a pool of qualified part-time instructors.
Part-time instructors will be selected to support department requirements.

Application Instructions: 

Application must be submitted online. Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration. A complete application will include:
Cover letter - Address the minimum and preferred qualifications in the order listed on the job announcement.
Resume - Reflect experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.  
Unofficial Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts for all degrees conferred. 
Official transcripts are required if hired for the position.  
Professional References - Provide names and contact information for three recent professional references who can address your expertise and background for this position.