Overview
Variable Hour Field Instructor Position
Location: Denver Metro / Arvada Gear Pick-up
To Apply: Fill out this form! (https://forms.gle/3mZvSrF2KWsFkJoNA)
Timeline: We will conduct interviews the week of April 10th with the goal of making a decision by April 14th.
Cottonwood Institute (CI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit on a mission to connect middle and high school students to nature and inspire them to protect it. CI partners with local schools and youth organizations to engage students in the outdoors through environmental education programs and service learning projects. We lead classes and day programs in Boulder, Denver, and Aurora and overnight trips throughout the Colorado Front Range.
About this position: Cottonwood Institute is looking for knowledgeable and passionate field instructors to lead outdoor programs throughout the year. CI partners with local schools and youth organizations to connect students to the outdoors through low impact camping and service-learning projects. Most programs operate in base camp settings throughout the Front Range. Please read the CAP class section of our website to get a sense for our flagship program. As a field instructor, you will be working with our CAP instructors to take their classes on field days and overnights as part of their courses’ culminating experience.
We need a field instructor for the following:
Thurs-Fri, April 27-28: High School Overnight
Friday, May 5: High School Field Day
Sat-Sun, May 6-7: Spring Training
Wed-Thurs, May 10-11: Middle School Overnight
Monday, May 15 – Friday, May 19: Middle School Car Camping Program
Future programs as agreed upon by both parties
What you will do
Co-instruct 1-5 day outdoor experiences for middle and high school students
Facilitate the development of positive group dynamics with and among teens through team building
Teach and model exemplary interpersonal skills such as leadership, communication, and expedition behavior
Teach and support outdoor skills development such as camp craft, outdoor cooking, fire building, and LNT
Teach and support environmental awareness and connection, including leading hikes and place-based activities
Implement CI’s Risk Management Plan during programming and be responsible for the safety of all participants
Drive students to and from sites in company and/or rental vehicles, including 15-passenger vans
Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications
Must be 21 years or older
Must have experience leading middle or high school student groups
Must have a valid driver's license by the start date of this position, pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, and complete driver training including online 15-passenger van training and behind the wheel training.
Must pass a background check and a registered sex offender check
Current certification in Wilderness First Aid and CPR or ability to obtain by the start of this position
Required Skills:
Familiarity facilitating group camping and field logistics with teens or significant personal outdoor experience
Willingness to be flexible with dynamic conditions and program demands
Experience working respectfully with students from a variety of cultural and economic backgrounds
Personal commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, especially in the outdoors
Excitement for service-learning, environmental education, and outdoor education
Preferred Skills:
Spanish proficiency
Extensive experience with outdoor trip leading in an overnight camping context
Extensive experience teambuilding and facilitating teen leadership development in an outdoor setting
Extensive knowledge of local environmental issues such as fire ecology, water issues, plant/animal identification
Wilderness First Responder or W-EMT certification
About Cottonwood Institute
Cottonwood Institute (CI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to connect middle and high school students to nature and inspire them to protect it. CI partners with local middle schools, high schools, and youth organizations to offer programs that engage students in environmental education, outdoor skill development, and service learning. We lead programs in Boulder, Denver, and Aurora and trips throughout the Colorado Front Range.
