Adventure Instructor

Job Title: Adventure Instructor
Compensation: $720/week
Housing: Yes

Dates of Employment: May 11 2026 - August 15 2026
Reporting to: Adventure Manager
Direct Reports: None

Position Summary:
Keystone Science Schools 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 612 day expeditions take students into frontcountry and backcountry environments where learning happens through challenge teamwork and exploration.

In this role youll guide students through outdoor living skills leadership development and place-based environmental education while traveling through some of Colorados most inspiring landscapes. Adventure Instructors serve as teachers mentors and role models. Youll 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 612 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.

• Have an interest in respect for and ability to work with children in a backcountry setting
• Have an interest in respect for and ability to work with people with diverse backgrounds opinions beliefs abilities and experience
• Proven ability to develop and facilitate science diversity & inclusion leadership and risk management lessons
• Ability to adapt instruction and lessons to meet a wide variety of learners utilizing different educational philosophies
• Ability to be creative adaptable and flexible while managing children in a variety of situations
• Strong work ethic and will work until the job is complete
• Growth oriented mindset and willingness to give and receive feedback
• Motivation to contribute positively to the KSS at-large community
• Interpret a variety of instructions provided in written or verbal form
• Multi-task efficiently while managing a high-volume workload in a fast-pacedchanging environment
• Write incident reports and lesson plans with attention to detail.

• Experience leading/guiding participants in a wilderness/backcountry setting (minimum of 5 overnight trips);
• Prior experience working with school-age children
• Experience with risk management practices of the outdoor education industry
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications from an approved vendor or the ability to obtain before the first day of employment
• Age 21 with a minimum of 5 years driving experience excellent driving record and a valid drivers license
• Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check
• Preferred - Lifeguard certification from approved vendor
• Preferred - Paddleboarding certifications from approved vendors
• Preferred - Previous experience driving with a trailer
• Preferred - Extensive outdoor sport climbing experience and an SPI

• Able to work a majority of the time outside at high altitude in varying conditions including uneven and slick terrain and unpredictable weather and situations.
• Physically able to assist participants with recreation equipment during activities.
• Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. with assistance.
• Dexterity auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices.
• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with guests students clients on a daily basis.
• Able to successfully manage multiple high priority tasks in a fast-paced and often times crowded and noisy environment.

• At KSS our staff are essential to our mission. We are proud to offer rewarding benefits including professional development opportunities and those listed below.
• Room and board is provided.
• Up to 32 paid sick hours.
• Paid holidays.
• Access to medical dental and vision benefits after four months of employment.
• Sick time EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) are offered.
• Discounts to outdoor retailers and discounted ski pass opportunities.