Field Instructor

Telluride Academy is now hiring summer Field Instructors. Strong candidates must possess sound and responsible decision-making skills, have previous experience working with groups of children, as well as strong organizational skills to handle weekly student field reports, program logistics, instructor evaluations, and activity budgets. Successful applicants are flexible, motivated individuals who have an affinity for creativity and spending significant time outside! Instructor responsibilities include ensuring a safe, engaging, and educational experience for groups of students ranging in age from 5-17.  The majority of Academy programs occur in the Telluride region of the San Juan Mountains and the deserts of the Southwest. During a typical two-week Telluride Academy program, two co-instructors (male and female) will share responsibility for a maximum of 13 students. Programs typically run from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday with overnight campouts each Wednesday.  First-year Academy instructors will typically run programs that cater toward our younger participants and will visit locations that are located within the Telluride region.  However, we try to create an experience for all of our staff that involves interactions with a range of ages and activities. Types of activities that instructors may facilitate include; field games, overnight camping, day hiking, ecological exploration, mountain biking, swimming, inflatable kayaking, SUPing, outdoor cooking, arts and crafts, rock climbing and backpacking. Additionally, all staff are expected to practice and teach environmental stewardship principles as well as leadership and teambuilding initiatives to groups of students. Within the structure of established itineraries and program descriptions, Academy instructors are given the freedom and flexibility to shape, plan and implement daily programming – a unique and successful key to the Academy’s long-standing success. Potential instructors must pass a criminal background check, as well as a safe driving check and be available for our annual pre-season staff training held in late May each summer. 

About the Academy

Telluride Academy, based in the heart of the rugged San Juan Mountains, is one of the largest and most unique outdoor youth organizations in Colorado. Each summer, the Telluride Academy, a 36-year-old non-profit organization, welcomes over850 students who participate in more than 100 diverse programs. Telluride Academy offers programs that introduce children to the beauty of the natural world.  Through exploration and play, we strive to inspire imaginations and instill an awareness and appreciation for the outdoors.  Our curriculum encompasses specialized activities that focus on adventure education, art, ecology, science, mountain sports, performing arts, and regional and international travel.

Qualifications

• Organized, dependable and professional
• Knowledge and enthusiasm for outdoor/experiential education
• Significant prior experience working with youth
• Ability to be present and "cell phone" free while at work
• Current WFA and CPR certification (or ability to obtain with the Academy or independently)
• Must pass a criminal and driving background check 
• Must be at least 21yrs of age

​We Offer

• Rewarding experiences working with youth
• Highly competitive wages and pay increases for certain certifications and qualifications
• Pre-summer Wilderness First Aid/ Wilderness First Responder training
• Paid staff training
• Beautiful mountain town setting
• Staff events and pro deals
• Established and experienced staff members