Adventure Instructor

Job Title: Adventure Instructor
Compensation: $720/week, 5% increase for those fluent in both English and Spanish
Housing: YesDates of Employment: May 11, 2026 - August 15, 2026Reporting to: Adventure Manager
Direct Reports: None

Position Summary:
Keystone Science School’s Adventure Programs are immersive, multi-day experiences designed to build students’ confidence, outdoor skills, and sense of leadership through meaningful time in wild places. These 6–12 day expeditions take students into frontcountry and backcountry environments, where learning happens through challenge, teamwork, and exploration.

In this role, you’ll guide students through outdoor living skills, leadership development, and place-based environmental education while traveling through some of Colorado’s most inspiring landscapes. Adventure Instructors serve as teachers, mentors, and role models. You’ll support students’ personal growth, manage daily logistics, and uphold strong safety and risk management standards throughout each expedition.

This is a physically and mentally demanding role that requires energy, flexibility, and a deep commitment to creating meaningful, fun, and safe experiences for youth in the outdoors.

Key Responsibilities:
Field Instruction & Student Experience

• Supervise and mentor up to 13 students alongside co-instructors during 6–12 day frontcountry and backcountry programs.
• Teach outdoor living skills including packing, camp setup and breakdown, outdoor cooking, orienteering, and risk management.
• Teach students basic rock climbing skills and safety, including belaying and fundamental movement techniques.
• Facilitate age-appropriate curriculum focused on outdoor skills, leadership development, and environmental learning.
• Guide students in personal growth, group dynamics, and daily living responsibilities in the field.
• Provide an electronics-aware experience that encourages presence, reflection, and connection.
• Document course progression and student concerns, participate in peer feedback, and engage in post-trip debriefs.
• Gather and submit photos and videos that reflect the student experience during Adventure programs.

Logistics & Program Operations

• Implement daily Adventure logistics including schedules, routes, menus, emergency action plans, and transportation.
• Manage program packing, gear organization, and equipment maintenance on a rotating basis.
• Maintain clean, organized storage areas and assist with gear upkeep, repairs, and inventory.
• Drive 15-passenger vans with trailers when needed, following completion of required driver and trailer trainings.
• Assist with setup, management, and breakdown of top-rope climbing sites and rappels as trained.

Safety & Risk Management

• Supervise students with a high standard of care, ensuring physical and emotional safety at all times.
• Follow all KSS Risk Management policies and emergency response procedures.
• Administer medications, conduct student health screenings, and apply first aid skills as needed.
• Participate in incident prevention, documentation, and response when necessary.