Early Childhood Specialist

TELLURIDE ACADEMY

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

Job Title: Early Childhood Specialist

Reports To: Program Director

FLSA Status: Seasonal, non-exempt

Dates: June 7 - August 13, 2027

Compensation: DOE - Starting at $20.00/hour

Position Summary

Telluride Academy is looking for enthusiastic, imaginative, high-energy Early Childhood Specialists to lead our dynamic early childhood programs. These camps, primarily day camps running Monday through Thursday, are designed for our youngest adventurers, ages 5–8, and offer an unforgettable mix of fun, discovery, and growth. If you're passionate about inspiring young minds and fostering early childhood development, this is your chance to make a difference, weaving outdoor education and nature adventures into every moment and helping spark a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Facilitation

• Plan and implement daily programming for early childhood participants (ages 5–8) aligned with established itineraries, ensuring activities meet organizational goals and program objectives.
• Deliver age-appropriate activities, workshops, and lessons that inspire creativity, personal growth, and learning.
• Facilitate a range of activities, including field games, day hiking, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more.
• 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

• At least 18 years old, with some experience working with youth or in outdoor recreation settings.
• A passion for working with young children in outdoor and experiential learning environments.
• Current CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification, or the ability to obtain prior to staff training in June. Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate program vehicles, if applicable.
• Able to pass a criminal background check (CBI/FBI), child abuse and neglect background check, and driving background check.
• Able to be present, attentive, and cell phone-free during program hours.

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

• Able to safely lift and carry up to 45 lbs repeatedly throughout the workday.
• Able to maintain physical activity for up to 8–10 hours daily, including hiking and navigating rugged terrain.
• Able to lead group activities and provide instruction to diverse age groups.
• Communicate effectively with children, staff, and parents in a positive, professional manner.
• Able to swim and assist with water-based activities as needed.

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.