Outdoor Science Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Outdoor Education Instructor

Compensation: $620/week, 5% increase for those fluent in both English and Spanish

Housing: Yes

Exemption Status: Exempt

Dates of Employment: August 19, 2026 - May 21, 2027 or August 19, 2026 - October 16, 2026

Reporting to: Outdoor Education Manger; Director of Programs

Direct Reports: None

Position Summary:

Outdoor Education Program Instructors lead groups of up to 13 students through hands-on science curriculum, team building challenges, leadership development, and social-emotional learning experiences. This role blends teaching, facilitation, and outdoor leadership and requires creativity, adaptability, and a love for working with students in the outdoors.

Beyond instruction, Instructors play an essential role in programming by supporting meals, evening programs, and campus operations. Work is completed both independently and collaboratively with supervisors and fellow staff, with opportunities to grow as an educator, outdoor leader, and member of a close-knit community.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Supervision & Program Delivery

• Independently manage and teach a group of up to 13 2nd–12th grade students

• Fill out 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

• Manage student safety by following all health, safety, and risk management procedures

Program Operations & Logistics

• Run evening programs, meal set-up and clean-up, campus cleaning, and on-call responsibilities

• Participate in staff meetings and trainings as assigned

• Run camping-based programs in at State or National Parks

Skills

• Interest in, respect for, and ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds

• Adaptability, creativity, and flexibility while managing children in dynamic environments

• Practiced behavior management of grades 2nd-12th

• Strong work ethic and motivation to contribute positively to the KSS community

• Commitment to upholding all KSS policies and procedures

• Ability to learn how to use Google Suite and Slack

• Interest in honing communication around delivering and receiving feedback

• Preferred: teach science and teambuilders in both Spanish and English

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Minimum of 2 months experience of full-time, or equivalent, working with youth, preferably in an outdoor setting

• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications; WFR preferred

• Must be 20 years of age or older with a minimum of 4 years driving experience, a valid driver’s license, and an excellent driving record

• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree / Associate’s degree / 6 months of college-equivalent coursework

• Preferred: Experience facilitating overnight camping trips

Physical Requirements

• Able to work a majority of the time outside at high altitude in varying conditions including uneven and slick terrain and unpredictable weather and situations

• Physically able to assist participants with recreation equipment during activities

• Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. with assistance

• Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices

• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with teachers, chaperones, students, and other clients on a daily basis

Keystone Science School: Who We Are

Keystone Science School (KSS) ignites curiosity and critical thinking through hands-on, nature-based learning. Nestled at 9,200 feet in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, our 23-acre campus serves as a hub for immersive, inquiry-driven experiences. Since 1976, we have combined outdoor adventure with STEM education, empowering students, teachers, and communities. Our programs—including summer camps, school-based learning, and outdoor education—promote scientific exploration, leadership, and environmental stewardship. With log-style dorms, a dining hall, an outdoor amphitheater, and an observatory, KSS provides an inspiring setting for discovery.

Benefits for Seasonal Staff

At KSS, our staff are essential to our mission. We are proud to offer rewarding benefits including professional development opportunities and those listed below.

• Free meals and housing

• Paid Sick Time

• Paid Holidays

• Access to medical, dental, and vision benefits after four months of employment.

• Eligibility for a 401K after 1,000 hours worked annually.

• Sick time, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) are offered.

• Discounts to outdoor retailers and discounted ski pass opportunities.

Work Schedule and Environment

This is a full-time, seasonal position requiring a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, and some weekends. Typical work hours are approximately 40-45 hours per week, where Lead Instructors work either 8:30am–5:30pm or a split shift from 7:30 am–11:30 am and 4:30 pm–9:00pm. For specific programs that don’t have chaperone attendance, staff will stay overnight in the dorms with students.

For full school year Instructors, there will be an unpaid winter break from mid-November through December. There may be another unpaid Spring break in March/April, however this would be communicated well in advance. Details of these breaks will be discussed during the interview.

Instructors work closely with teammates in shared indoor and outdoor spaces. Noise levels vary seasonally and with program activity. This role includes travel to off-site program locations; transportation is typically provided, though staff may occasionally use personal vehicles within Summit County.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Keystone Science School is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law