Full-Time Environmental Educator

Full-Time Environmental Educator

Catamount Institute is a nonprofit dedicated to connecting kids to the outdoors through engaging outdoor environmental educational programs. For the past 28 years, we’ve served tens of thousands of children in the Pikes Peak Region—engaging 5,824 youth in 2024 alone—and aim to reach 6,000 in 2025. We’re seeking a full-time Environmental Educator who is passionate about youth development, committed to excellence, detail-oriented, and adaptable. Ideal candidates will have experience in education, outdoor instruction, and working as part of a high-performing team. You’ll join a fast-paced, innovative, and mission-driven organization focused on growth and impact.

Colorado focuses on increasing environmental literacy for PreK-12 students and implementing the goals outlined in the Colorado Environmental Education Plan. The Environmental Educator works directly with teachers, schools, and environmental education providers to support them in expanding the reach and increasing the impact of EE programming while providing access to equitable learning experiences for all students.

Summary: The Environmental Educator will lead and support programs including field trips, after-school programs, multi-week in-school experiences, summer camps, community events/programs, weekend events, teen leadership experiences, and more. Lesson plan development, communication, and collaboration with education staff are required to prepare for all programs. The Environmental Educator will work closely with a team of educators, including full-time staff, seasonal staff, AmeriCorps members, fellows, and interns. This Environmental Educator position will serve as the primary facilitator and point of contact for our community programs, including, but not limited to, Generation Wild of the Pikes Peak Region, Building Outdoor Leaders Today (BOLT), and other partnership programming. They will report directly to the Director of Environmental Education through the vision and guidance of the Executive Director.

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities): Environmental Educators develop, implement, and enhance programs, projects, and activities that will create progress for Catamount Institute’s goals. The Environmental Educator will:

• Facilitate and lead year-round outdoor education programs, including summer camps and Outdoor Weekly Learning (OWL) homeschool programs.
• Serve as the primary facilitator for community programs, such as Generation Wild of the Pikes Peak Region, BOLT, and other partnership programs.
• Support school programs, including field trips, in-school, after-school, weekend, and occasional 2-6 day overnight programs.
• Effectively collaborate with Catamount Institute staff to meet organizational goals.
• Develop and improve program resources, including lesson plans, activities, and materials.
• Regularly meet with the Environmental Education Program Coordinator, Director of Environmental Education, Generation Wild Coordinator, and Executive Director to review educational programs, goals, and performance.
• Track progress and collect evaluation data for the program’s performance measures.
• Attend all required orientations, meetings, and trainings.
• Collaborate with Catamount Institute staff to evaluate and report on youth programs.
• Assist with the photography and videography program portfolio.
• Prepare marketing plans for existing programs, which include flyers, timelines, and contacts.
• Attend fundraising and tabling events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• This position is primarily located in Colorado Springs, CO, at the Catamount Institute Westside Community Center Main Office, with responsibilities and programs at the Sondermann Park/Beidleman Center Campus in Colorado Springs, CO, the Mountain Campus in Woodland Park, CO, and Aspen Valley Ranch in Woodland Park, CO.
• Work takes place in both indoor and outdoor environments, including natural areas, school settings, and community locations.
• Outdoor programs occur year-round and in varying weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and cold.
• Programs may involve hiking, setting up outdoor learning spaces, and physically active facilitation. Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Regularly required to walk, stand, and engage with youth for extended periods. May also stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit on the ground as part of instruction.
• Sensory demands include visual supervision and auditory response in indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Occasional overnight programs (2–6 days) are required.
• Driving a 15-passenger van to transport youth and materials is required.
• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. Monday through Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm. Some evening and weekend hours are required to support programs, events, or community engagement activities.
• May be exposed to insect bites, allergens, uneven terrain, and cleaning materials.
• Emotional resilience and a calm, professional demeanor are required in dynamic youth program settings.
• Use of a computer and other office equipment is required for lesson planning, communication, and program tracking.

Required Qualifications:

• Passion for Catamount Institute’s mission to connect kids to the outdoors.
• 2 – 5 years of education experience with diverse audiences and age ranges.
• Bilingual and experience working with underserved populations is a plus.
• High school diploma or GED required. A bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred (education, environmental science, biology etc.).
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including overnights.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; computer literate.
• Adaptable, dependable, and able to take initiative in changing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to professionally engage with youth, families, school staff, and community partners.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity in education and the workplace.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record and at least 25 years of age (for van insurance eligibility).
• Reliable transportation.
• U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.

Starting Benefits:

• Pay range: $17.50 – $20.00 per hour
• Paid federal holidays, sick time, and generous PTO
• Health insurance stipend
• Retirement plan for qualifying staff
• Professional development opportunities

Diversity and Equal Opportunity: Catamount Institute shall not discriminate against any employee, volunteer, or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any employee organization. We provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities.

How to Apply: If you are interested in applying to this position, please send your resume and a short cover letter outlining your interest to Tom Schermerhorn, Director of Environmental Education, at info@catamountinstitute.org by 12/24/25. First round interviews will tentatively take place from 1/5/26 to 1/9/26. Second Round interviews will tentatively take place from 1/12/26 to 1/16/26. Tentative start date of 2/2/26.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.50 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20