Outdoor Education Lead Instructor

Outdoor Education Lead Instructor

Keystone Science School - Keystone, CO 80435

Salary Range $720.00 - $720.00 Salary

Job Title:

Outdoor Education Lead Instructor

Compensation: $720/week, 5% increase for those fluent in both English and Spanish

Housing:
Yes

Exemption Status:
Exempt

Dates of Employment:
August 18, 2026 - May 21, 2027

Reporting to:
Outdoor Education Manager;
Director of Programs

Direct Reports:
None

Outdoor Education Lead 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.

In addition to instruction, Lead Instructors work closely with the Outdoor Education Manager to prepare for coming schools, facilitate staff meetings, and train Instructors on our environmental science curriculum. Each lead is paired with an Instructor to mentor throughout the season, checking in with their mentee on a weekly basis and making time to shadow their teaching. Qualified candidates are excited to model high standards of professionalism in outdoor education both on the clock and in our campus community.

Student Supervision & Program Delivery

• Independently manage and teach a group of up to 13 2nd–12th 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
• Timely communication with current school program clientele

Facilitation & Leadership

• Support the Outdoor Education Manager in the facilitation of weekly and daily staff meetings
• Mentor an instructor throughout the season, checking in and providing feedback in a timely manner
• Prepare and run specialty programs in collaboration with the Outdoor Education Manager
• Model high standards of professionalism in outdoor education

Program Operations & Logistics

• Create lesson plan outlines for each assigned school
• Run evening programs, meal set-up and clean-up, campus cleaning, and on-call responsibilities
• Help facilitate staff meetings and staff trainings as assigned
• Run camping-based programs 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
• Strong behavior management grades 2nd-12th
• Strong work ethic and motivation to contribute positively to the KSS community
• Commitment to upholding all KSS policies and procedures
• Customer service mindset with creative problem-solving skills
• Utilize knowledge of hands-on environmental science and teambuilding curriculum to implement in lesson planning
• Strong communication around delivering and receiving feedback
• Preferred: teach science and teambuilders in both Spanish and English

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor's / Associate's degree / 1 year of college-equivalent coursework
• Minimum of 1 year teaching experience in outdoor education
• Experience facilitating overnight camping trips
• 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
• Computer proficiency, including experience with Google Suite, Slack, and the ability to learn new software

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.
• Aud…