Overview
Role Overview
This role is a combination of in-field backpacking instruction and on-campus student development. While facilitating the 24-day wilderness student orientation program you will directly supervise 2-4 staff members and support 5-15 teenagers in the foundational outdoor living skills and seek to implement our school curriculum while in the field. Main curriculum goals include: social-emotional learning, conflict mediation skills, interpersonal communication, and fostering individual leadership within students. This role reports to the Outdoor Education Program Manager when in the field. Once the trip is complete you will transition to on-campus support and work directly with the Athletics Coordinator.
Wilderness Overview
All Eagle Rock students begin their school orientation with the transformative power of the wilderness. This backpacking experience is an essential rite of passage to becoming a veteran student and is their first introduction to our school’s values. Throughout 24 days in the wilderness, our outdoor instructors will support students’ journey as they:
Build community with other new students and instructors
Learn wilderness skills – hiking, climbing, camping, cooking, basic hygiene and nutrition
Expand their comfort zone, embracing healthy challenges
Build confidence, resilience, and determination
Practice leadership, conflict resolution, restorative practices, and effective communication skills
Reflect and make commitments toward the future they want to create
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package:
Salary range for this position: $55,000-$70,000, based on education and experience.
Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time)
Medical, dental and vision insurance (reimbursed by Eagle Rock)
$1000 wellness bonus, yearly bonuses (based on budget availability and performance)
Qualifications:
Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in outdoor and adventure programming
Experience as a program manager/supervisor
Lead instructor for extended backcountry trips (18+ day courses)
Current WFR & CPR certifications (SPI, AIRIE Avi I, Swiftwater Rescue, Lifeguard certifications preferred)
Experience in teaching social/emotional, restorative practices, and technical outdoor skills curriculum
Clean driving record and experience driving multi-passenger vehicles (15-passenger vans and/or buses)
Required Skills:
A deep commitment to working with high school students
A love for supporting students in the outdoors who may have been historically excluded from outdoor spaces
An ability to be resilient and gracefully adapt to changing circumstances
High level of self-awareness and the ability to care for oneself while caring for others
Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills
Highly competent in risk management, leadership, and coaching skills
A commitment to being anti-racist and to promoting social justice
Preferred Skills:
Strong logistical, organizational, supervisory, and facilitation skills
Exceptional role model, mentor, and advisor for students
Ability and willingness to work long hours in difficult and stressful conditions in the backcountry. Excellent physical condition, ability to carry a 60+lb backpack
Experience working with diverse populations including but not limited to students from low and middle-income backgrounds; LGBTQIA+ students; students from suburban, urban, and rural settings
About Eagle Rock School
Eagle Rock School is a co-ed, residential, tuition free, private, non-profit, full academic curriculum high school in Estes Park, CO designed to work with students who chose to enroll and want to engage more fully in their education. The school is accredited by the Association for Experiential Education. All new students go on a 24-day wilderness course as the orientation to the school. www.eaglerockschool.org
