Outdoor Education Lead Instructor

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 Manger; Director of Programs

Direct Reports: None

Position Summary:

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.

Key Responsibilities:

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.

• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with teachers, chaperones, students, and other clients on a daily basis

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

At KSS, our staff are essential to our mission. We are proud to offer rewarding benefits including professional development opportunities and those listed below.

• 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 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.

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.

Lead 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.

Salary : $720