Outdoor Education Instructor

Outdoor Education Instructor

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:

• 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

• 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

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

• 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