JMC Expeditionary & Hut Overnight Instructor; non-student

Position: JMC Expeditionary & Hut Overnight Instructor (non-student)
Location: Gunnison

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* Position Summary:

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* Job Description:

** Western Colorado University invites applications for the summer position of Junior Mountaineers Camp (JMC) Expeditionary & Hut Overnight Camp Instructor. Full-time summer positions are available. Work hours will be Sunday at 1pm through Friday at 5pm per overnight weekly camp.
** Responsibilities:
** The position reports to the Junior Mountaineers Camp Director and is responsible for assisting the Lead Instructor with leading groups of youth (4th-6th grade, 6th-8th grade, 7th-9th grade, 10th-12th grade) in outdoor recreation activities including, but not limited to: hiking, backpacking, camping, nature-based art, outdoor survival skills, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, environmental stewardship projects, and outdoor education. Instructors will assist with coaching campers on outdoor recreation skills, managing risk/emergencies (illness, injury, weather) in the backcountry and frontcountry, managing individual and group behavior, and coordinating the safe preparation/cooking/cleaning up of meals.  

This is an on-campus, in-person position running from late May through August.
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* Qualifications:

** Valid driver’s license that meets WCU’s driving requirements, CPR/AED, First Aid, and Medication Administration (will be provided), and WFA Certification. Must be at least 21 years of age.

State Licensing Requirements:
* Ability to pass state-licensed required CBI, FBI, Trails background checks
* Complete and submit annual health history
* Twelve months (1820 hours) of leadership experience with groups of youth ages 5 and older, since the age of 18 years OR six months (910 hours) of leadership experience with groups of youth ages 5 and older, since the age of 18 years and a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree in Outdoor Education or Recreation.
* Three (3) hours of hiking experience
* Four (4) hours of backpacking / camping experience
* Three (3) hours of mountain biking experience

Willingness to work long, irregular hours. Leadership and staff supervision experience.
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* Preferred Qualifications:

** WFR Certification. Experience leading/guiding outdoor recreation trips, teaching science/physical education/elementary education to youth ages 5-18. Six (6) hours of documented experience indicating knowledge and skill in hiking instruction and documented experience of hiking within the past two years. Red Cross lifeguard certification or eight (8) hours of documented experience indicating knowledge and skill in watercraft instruction and documented experience of engaging in the activity within the past two (2) years.

Eight (8) hours of documented experience indicating knowledge and skill in backpacking and camping instruction and documented experience of backpacking and camping within the past two (2) years. Knowledge of CDHS State Licensing Rules & Regulations.
** Compensation:** $15.16 per hour, approximately $1150 per overnight weekly camp
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* To Apply:

** Please go to  and use our online application.  Required attachments to your application include a cover letter, resume, and a list of three employment references.

The start date for this position is May 18, 2026.Please direct any questions to Bree Hare at bhare or .  
** Final date to receive applications:
** February 20th, 2026 at 11:59pm (MST).In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
** Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte
** Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of which reside on the campus and in the community.  With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community.

Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity,  equity, and inclusivity and promotes…