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Summer Program Instructor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

CAL-WOOD EDUCATION CENTER

Field Instructor

Jamestown, CO · On-site

$672.69 - $822.69/wk

Through school programs, summer camps, and family camps, we provide access for kids and adults from ... Instructors provide dynamic, hands-on science education in the field so that all students can ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$20/hr

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 ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

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 ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO

$20/hr

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 ...

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All JobsSummer Program Instructor JobsSummer Program Instructor Jobs in Colorado

Summer Program Instructor information

See Colorado salary details

$6

$17

$33

How much do summer program instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer program instructor in Colorado is $17.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.22 and $18.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a summer program instructor?

To thrive as a Summer Program Instructor, you need experience in youth education or supervision, strong subject knowledge, and often a degree or coursework in education or a related field. Familiarity with lesson planning software, camp management systems, and basic first aid certification are commonly required. Leadership, patience, adaptability, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure engaging, safe, and well-organized programs that foster positive learning experiences for participants.

What are common challenges summer program instructors face, and how can they address them?

Summer Program Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse groups of children with varying needs and maintaining engagement during long program days. Effective communication, flexibility, and proactive planning are key to overcoming these challenges. Building rapport quickly, setting clear expectations, and using a variety of interactive activities can help keep participants focused and enthusiastic. Additionally, collaborating closely with co-instructors and support staff ensures smooth operations and a positive environment for both students and staff.

What is the difference between Summer Program Instructor vs Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer Program InstructorCamp Counselor
Required CredentialsVaries; often CPR/First Aid, sometimes teaching or activity-specific certificationsTypically minimal; focus on supervision and safety
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, community centers, specialized programsSummer camps, outdoor settings, recreational facilities
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, non-profits, private programsSummer camps, youth recreation organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilitiesSupervision, activities, and camp experience

While both roles involve working with children during summer, Summer Program Instructors often have specific educational or activity-related responsibilities and may require certifications. Camp Counselors focus on supervision, safety, and recreational activities in camp settings. The roles overlap in working environments and target youth engagement, but the Instructor role typically involves more structured educational or skill-based instruction.

What is a summer program instructor?

Summer Program Instructors are professionals who lead and supervise educational or recreational activities for children or teens during summer camps or seasonal programs. They are responsible for planning lessons, ensuring participant safety, and fostering a fun, inclusive environment. Their duties may include teaching specific subjects, organizing games, managing group dynamics, and communicating with parents or guardians. Summer Program Instructors play a key role in helping participants learn new skills and make meaningful connections over the summer.
What are popular job titles related to Summer Program Instructor jobs in Colorado? For Summer Program Instructor jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Program Instructor jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Program Instructor jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Summer Program Instructor jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Summer Program Instructor job openings:
Summer Program Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Program Instructor job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,817 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Field Instructor

CAL-WOOD EDUCATION CENTER

Jamestown, CO • On-site

$672.69 - $822.69/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 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 all—especially 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 students—from 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 K–12 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 10–15 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 10–15 students during each school’s visit; typical programs run 2–3 days
  • Spend 4–8 hours per day, 3–5 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 1–2 meals (breakfasts and/or dinners) and 1–2 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
  • Bachelor’s 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 10–15 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 3–6 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)