Field Instructor

TELLURIDE ACADEMY

Connecting youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Job Title: Field Instructor

Reports To: Program Director

FLSA Status: Seasonal, non-exempt

Dates: June 7 - August 13, 2027

Compensation: DOE - Starting at $20.00/hour

Position Summary

Field Instructors at Telluride Academy plan, facilitate, and lead outdoor experiential education programs for students ages 5–14. They introduce students to adventure-based and creative activities (hiking, backpacking, camping, SUP'ing, horseback riding, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more) while helping them build confidence and connection in the outdoors. Field Instructors uphold strong risk-management practices and ensure every participant feels welcomed, supported, and appropriately challenged.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Facilitation

• Plan and implement daily programming aligned with established itineraries, ensuring activities meet organizational goals and program objectives.
• Deliver age-appropriate activities for all program levels, with particular emphasis on the needs of elementary/middle school aged participants (ages 5–14).
• Facilitate a range of activities, including field games, day hiking, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more.
• Adapt programming and leadership style to meet the developmental, behavioral, and social needs of participants depending on their age group.
• Adjust plans as needed to respond to changes in weather, participant needs, or other unforeseen circumstances while maintaining program integrity.
• Demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving skills to ensure smooth, effective program delivery.
• Work closely and collaboratively with co-instructors and other staff to deliver high-quality programs throughout the summer.
• Organize and maintain weekly field reports, manage program logistics, and oversee program budgets as assigned.
• Teach Leave No Trace (LNT) principles and foster a culture of environmental stewardship among participants.
• Promote leadership, teamwork, and personal development through guided experiences and discussions.
• Provide weekly program and co-instructor feedback that is timely, constructive, professional, and respectful.
• Attend Friday staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration to support the organization's goals and operations.

Student/Camper Engagement

• Cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment by encouraging teamwork, communication, and mutual respect among participants.
• Serve as a role model, mentor, and guide for participants, helping them build confidence, resilience, and interpersonal skills.
• Set clear expectations and model respectful, positive behavior.
• Proactively address and de-escalate conflicts or challenges in a calm, constructive manner.
• Use effective behavior management and positive discipline techniques to maintain group cohesion and engagement.

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure a safe, fun, and educational environment for all participants by following safety protocols and best practices.
• Actively supervise campers to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Respond to minor incidents or emergencies in the field.

Qualifications

• Committed, dependable, professional, and organized.
• Teachable, coachable, and reflective, with leadership potential and a desire to grow professionally as a leader.
• Demonstrated selflessness in previous roles as a “team player.”
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for outdoor/experiential education.
• Previous experience and/or enthusiasm for working with children ages 5–14.
• Strong communication skills with administrators, co-workers, campers, and parents, and a willingness to give and receive feedback constructively and respectfully.
• Ability to be present and cell phone-free while at work.
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain prior to staff training in June.
• Able to pass a criminal background check (CBI/FBI), child abuse and neglect background check, and driving background check.
• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 45 lbs, stay active for up to 8–10 hours a day, and navigate rugged mountain terrain (trails, scree, slopes).
• Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate program vehicles, if applicable.
• At least 20 years old by the start of employment (required to drive program vans).

Working Conditions

• Able to work indoors or outdoors for prolonged periods across desert, mountain, river, lake, and alpine weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain.
• Willing to work in remote, wilderness, or high-altitude environments with limited facilities.
• Comfortable with exposure to insects, wildlife, and natural elements as part of outdoor programming.
• Able to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and extended shifts, based on program needs.
• Able to travel to and from program locations, including remote trailheads or campgrounds.

Additional Requirements

• Proficient in leading group activities and providing instruction to diverse age groups.
• Able to swim and assist with water-based activities when required.
• Capable of physical tasks such as kneeling, bending, climbing, biking, hiking, and carrying equipment.

Why Telluride Academy

Working at TA means spending your summer outside in some of the most beautiful country in the West, with a team that takes the work seriously and still has a lot of fun doing it. We invest in our staff the same way we invest in our campers.

• Real growth. Our roles build on each other, from Intern and Field Instructor In Training through Junior Field Instructor, Field Instructor, specialist and leadership team positions. Many of our staff come back and take on more each summer.
• Training and mentorship. Every season starts with staff training. From there you get weekly feedback, one-on-one check-ins, and leaders who want to see you succeed.
• Variety you won't find elsewhere. Our programs run from alpine trails and high lakes to desert canyons and rivers. You'll lead hiking, camping, boating, climbing, art and more across the San Juans and the Four Corners region.
• A staff community that sticks. Our team is made up of educators, guides, artists and outdoor people who look out for each other on and off the trail.
• Work that matters. You'll help kids build confidence, resilience and a real connection to the outdoors, and you'll see it happen week to week.
• Perks that add up. Staff housing is available at cost, at the Big Billies apartments or at our staff house in Placerville (21+). We also offer gear pro deals, a staff scholarship program that covers certification costs, raises for returning staff, and an end-of-season bonus.

About Telluride Academy

Telluride Academy's mission is to connect youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Based in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride Academy is Telluride's premier summer camp and has been inspiring youth through outdoor education and adventure for over 45 years. Join us in creating unforgettable memories for the next generation of adventurers!

Learn more at www.tellurideacademy.org.

Core Values

• Resilience
• Curiosity
• Responsibility
• Connection

Hiring Policy

Telluride Academy (TA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service or veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

TA will make reasonable accommodations for an otherwise qualified applicant or employee related to a physical or mental disability, sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, or any other reason required by applicable law, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on TA's operations.