Program Instructor - Stone Canyon

About the Role

Provides support for various programs occurring at DCOEC, including residential outdoor education (OE), day retreats, corporate team building, and summer activities. Instructors teach students every week in a variety of classes within the disciplines of science, outdoor education, and leadership development. Provides staffing for chosen activities with retreat and corporate groups. Instructors are expected to provide a fun and safe environment for all clients and develop good community relations among various community members and district clientele.

During OE, provides around-the-clock supervision to students, both during activities and periodically at night in cabins.

Responsibilities

• Help in the design of new program activities and lesson plans that meet Colorado State Standards.
• Communicate effectively with Director regarding any questions, problems, or concerns with program, staff housing, etc.
• Properly care for all ropes course equipment, including counting climbers and reporting issues to the Director in a timely manner.
• Set up and take down elements as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
• Supervise 4th–8th grade students in a residential outdoor science school setting, including cabin responsibility, camaraderie with the cabin group, oversight of High School Leaders, supervision between activities and meals, and nighttime supervision of cabins (50%).
• Teach students about cabin cleanup and other day and nighttime group living activities as assigned.
• Lead songs, games, and various activities, as well as make general announcements to large groups.
• Help design new revenue streams and programs that extend the program calendar.
• Assist peers with program responsibilities.
• Contribute to overall site improvements, including trail building, beautification, and fire mitigation.
• Anticipate potential safety hazards and health needs.
• Respond to emergencies calmly and follow proper facility procedures during and after an incident.
• Provide basic first aid as trained.
• Deliver teambuilding and programming to Retreat and Corporate Groups.
• Attend and participate in all staff trainings and meetings, including Staff Orientation and Professional Development Fridays.
• Properly care for equipment and supplies; set up and take down classrooms, leaving teaching areas in good condition for the next instructor.
• Develop teaching aids as assigned.
• Apply Lean methodologies (Toyota Production System) to ensure continuous improvement within program and daily operations.
• Teach activity groups of up to 15–16 students in an outdoor class setting, delivering lesson plans in science, outdoor education, and leadership.
• Oversee instruction and communicate effectively with supervisor regarding any discipline or group issues.
• Supervise appropriate behavior and manners in the dining hall.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Recreation, or related field.
• CPR/First Aid Certification (American Heart Association).

Physical Requirements

• Occasional lifting of 20–50 pounds.
• Occasional lifting of 50–100 pounds.
• Frequent bending, stooping, walking, climbing, and kneeling.

Schedule

This is a seasonal position working January 2026 – May 2026, with scheduled hours of 40 per week.

Instructors average 2 nights per week in cabins.

Pay

$130/day In-Cabin rate; $100/day Out-of-Cabin rate.

Benefits

• Eligible for voluntary 401(k), 403(b), and 457 retirement plans.
• Eligible for paid sick time.

This position will remain open until filled but will not be open past November 19, 2026.