Youth Program Instructor (Seasonal Part Time and Full TIme)

Position Responsibilities

• Facilitate and provide instruction for participants ages K-12 in the Youth Education Program. Lessons are taught both indoors and outdoors and are experiential, using models, props, and games.  Topics may include teambuilding, environmental science, survival skills, snowshoeing, rock climbing, slacklining, and more.  
• Lead youth on day and overnight programs (hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, rock climbing) in backcountry settings. 
• Belay and provide climbing instruction indoors and outdoors. Coach students in climbing concepts such as knot tying, belaying, back-up belaying, and climbing technique.  
• Facilitate a positive, fun learning environment through appropriate classroom behavior management, communication, and teaching methods. 
• Prepare activities, materials, and equipment for programs as needed.  Assist with set up and break down of climbing sites and other program areas. 
• Provide feedback and ideas on the curriculum to the program design team. 
• Assist with general office administration tasks for the program. 
• Provide professional and excellent customer service to teachers, parents, and community partners. 

Position Qualifications 

• Minimum 20 years of age. 
• Passion for working with youth. Interest in the outdoors, particularly science, natural history, and/or recreation. 
• Experience working with youth in one more of the following: 
  • Experience in natural science or related field. 
  • Experience working in outdoor hiking and climbing programs. 
  • Experience teaching youth from diverse backgrounds in environmental education and/or adventure education.  
• Self-directed, innovative thinker.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Demonstration of cultural awareness and responsiveness. 
• Experience working respectfully with colleagues and students from a variety of ages, cultural, and economic backgrounds. 
• Understanding and application of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and interest in furthering this work personally and within the organization. 
• Commitment to expanding access, relevance, and belonging for traditionally underrepresented groups in the outdoors. 
• Positive attitude and sense of humor. 
• Minimum of Basic First Aid and CPR prior to start date. 
• Current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification, or willingness to obtain. 
• Full COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the CDC. 
• Submit a criminal background check.  
• Able to carry loads up to 45 pounds. 
• Ability to provide personal transportation to and from the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO. 

Position Competencies 

• Passion for working with youth. 
• Interest in the outdoors, particularly science, natural history, and/or recreation. 
• Prior experience working in environmental education, wilderness programs, outdoor education, camps, or related field. 
• Experience working with youth in one more of the following: 
  • Experience in natural science or related field. 
  • Experience working in outdoor hiking and climbing programs. 
  • Experience teaching youth from diverse backgrounds in environmental education and/or adventure education.  
• Self-directed, innovative thinker.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Demonstration of cultural awareness and responsiveness. 
• Experience working respectfully with colleagues and students from a variety of ages, cultural, and economic backgrounds. 
• Understanding and application of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and interest in furthering this work personally and within the organization. 
• Commitment to expanding access, relevance, and belonging for traditionally underrepresented groups in the outdoors. 
• Positive attitude and sense of humor. 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Associate’s degree or higher in adventure education, outdoor education, recreation, wilderness leadership or related degree. 
• Current Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or Wilderness EMT certification. 
• Rock climbing experience, demonstrating competency in the fundamental skills including: belaying, back-up belaying, knot tying, equipment, and communication (highly preferred). 
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.  

Time Commitment & Compensation 

• We offer both part-time and full-time opportunities with paid time off.
  • School Programs: These run from August to May. Hours vary depending on program needs but generally occur Monday through Friday during the school day.
  • Out of School Time Programs: Afterschool programs are scheduled from September to May, typically Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Other out of school time programs take place on weekends through the fall, winter, and spring. 
  • Winter Camps: These run from December to January. Hours vary but are generally Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for overnight adventure camps.
• Scheduling and hours will be coordinated between you, the Youth Programs Senior Manager and the Youth Programs Coordinator. You will receive your schedule at least two weeks in advance.
• The Fall/Winter School Program contract begins September 16, 2024 and ends January 7, 2024.  Compensation is $19-21/hour depending on experience. There are opportunities to work outside the contract on an as needed basis for programs starting August 15, 2024. The position is seasonal with the potential for full-time or part-time year-round employment after the season is complete. 
• Additional benefits include: workers compensation insurance, a Colorado Mountain Club membership, pro-deals with some outdoor gear manufacturers and retailers, and 20-40 hours of paid-time-off during the season, which will need to be arranged in advance directly with the supervisor. 
• During overnight programs, a hut or tent space and meals are provided.  
• A variety of specialized training are offered to employees throughout the season.  

How to Apply 

• Submit a resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in the position, along with your goals and expectations via email to staceyh@cmc.org. Position open until filled. 

For more information about the Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Education Program, visit our website at www.cmc.org/youth  

The CMC provides equal employment opportunities to all people regardless of race, age, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or any other basis protected by law.