Bilingual Field Instructor

CAL-WOOD EDUCATION CENTER; Jamestown (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Free food & snacks

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Optional employee housing (# free rent

Simple IRA with 3% employer match

Job summary

Cal‑Wood Education Center seeks a Bilingual Field Instructor whose primary duty is teaching environmental science to K–12 students in our outdoor classroom setting. You will join a motivated team dedicated to hands‑on science, conservation, and inclusive education.

Responsibilities include leading 10–15 student groups on 2–3 day programs, developing lesson plans, and using sheltered teaching methods for Spanish-speaking students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science, natural resources management, education, environmental education, or a related field.
• One or more years of teaching experience, particularly with kids and Spanish-speaking populations.
• Ability to work and live closely with a small instructional team.
• Willingness to obtain First Aid/CPR; WFA/WFR certification is a plus.
• Comfortable living in a remote mountain town; optional housing available.

Responsibilities

• Lead a learning group of 10–15 students during school visits; typical programs run 2–3 days.
• Teach outdoor environmental science for 4–8 hours per day, 3–5 days per week.
• Develop, teach, and evaluate environmental education programs aligned with local standards.
• Incorporate science, math, history, writing, art, and teamwork as requested by schools.
• Teach in English and Spanish with sheltered teaching methods.
• Lead large-group games and activities to foster an inclusive environment.
• Translate curriculum materials into Spanish as needed.

Skills

Teaching experience

Spanish-speaking populations

Team collaboration

Flexibility

Motivation

Education

Bachelor’s degree (science, natural resources, education, or related)

First Aid/CPR certification

Wilderness First Aid (WFA/WFR) certification

Job description

Future Opening: Bilingual Field Instructor

Full Time Jamestown

• 401(k) matching
• Free food & snacks
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Job Title:

Bilingual Field Instructor

Cal-Wood Mission & Philosophy

Cal-Wood Education Center is on a mission to facilitate positive nature experiences for all—especially those who haven't yet spent time in the mountains. Since 1982, Cal-Wood has provided residential environmental and outdoor education programs to hundreds of thousands of Coloradans at our 1,200-acre outdoor classroom located west of Boulder, Colorado. Through school programs, summer camps, and family camps, we provide access for kids and adults from underrepresented communities to have life-changing experiences outdoors.

We believe that no matter where you live or what language you speak, you deserve to feel safe and welcome outside. We strive to grow our programs so that more people from all walks of life can find a meaningful connection with nature.

Cal-Wood has received several national and local awards for our high-quality programs and service to linguistically diverse audiences. Our field instructors receive training in sheltered instruction and inclusive teaching practices to help them effectively engage all students—from Commerce City to Aurora to Boulder and beyond. Instructors provide dynamic, hands‑on science education in the field so that all students can explore, learn, and see themselves as scientists.

Position Overview

Cal‑Wood seeks a Bilingual Field Instructor whose primary duty is teaching environmental science curriculum to K–12 students in an outdoor setting. Field Instructors work in our beautiful 1,200-acre outdoor classroom alongside a motivated team passionate about natural science, education, and conservation.

Instructors are responsible for providing educational experiences for learning groups of 10–15 students by leading outdoor learning activities and teaching environmental science lessons. Programs range from one‑day visits to three‑day overnight trips for local students of all ages. Instructors are charged with teaching instructional modules in outdoor skills and environmental science, including applied lessons in ecology, wildlife biology, and outdoor field studies. Utilizing Cal‑Wood's curriculum and materials, Instructors independently develop lesson plans, select instructional methods, adapt curriculum to meet student needs, and evaluate student performance. Bilingual Field Instructors often work directly with students (and adult chaperones) who speak Spanish as their first language, so that Instructors can support participants in their communication and learning while at Cal‑Wood.

This position begins August 10, 2026 and runs through May 28, 2027, with the possibility of extending employment for additional seasons.

This position is a seasonal, full‑time, Exempt.

Schedule

• Monday through Friday, with some evening and weekend shifts as needed
• Programs may require early mornings, evenings, and overnight presence for facilitation (note: Instructors do not sleep in cabins with students)

Responsibilities

75% Teaching:

• Lead a learning group of 10–15 students during each school’s visit; typical programs run 2–3 days
• Spend 4–8 hours per day, 3–5 days per week, leading programs outdoors in all seasons in the mountains of Colorado
• Develop, teach, and evaluate environmental education programs aligned with local curriculum standards
• Incorporate science, math, history, creative writing, art, and team‑building into programs as requested by schools
• Teach English, Spanish, and multilingual groups with sheltered teaching methods.

25% Support

• Lead large‑group games, songs, skits, storytelling, and campfires to foster a fun, inclusive environment
• Facilitate 1–2 meals (breakfasts and/or dinners) and 1–2 evening programs (typically a night hike or campfire) each week
• Assist with translating curriculum materials into Spanish
• Assist with maintenance of program staff commons areas, organize educational materials, gear room, and staff office

Qualities & Qualifications

• Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply
• High level of personal motivation, flexibility, and responsibility, with a positive attitude
• Bachelor’s degree in science, natural resources management, education, environmental education, or a related field
• One or more years of teaching experience, particularly with kids and Spanish‑speaking populations.
• Ability to work and live closely with a small, passionate instructional team (approximately 10–15 staff members)
• Comfortable living in a remote mountain town approximately 35 minutes from Boulder, CO (optional housing available)
• Ability to pass background checks and motor vehicle report
• Ability to hike 3–6 miles daily, lift up to 50 lbs for short periods (sometimes multiple times per day), and work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to learn and implement sheltered teaching methods through on‑the‑job training.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification required; Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is a plus
• Health
• Vision
• Life AD&D
• Simple IRA with 3% employer match
• Optional employee housing (free rent and utilities)

ABOUT

MISSION & VISION

Cal‑Wood's mission is to offer a unique outdoor educational experience to youth and adults. Our founding vision has guided our organization since 1982: to inspire a greater appreciation for the natural world; to offer environmental education to those who would not otherwise experience it; and to provide unique educational opportunities in a special mountain setting.

OUR PEOPLE

Cal‑Wood Education Center believes that diversity—encompassing race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, and socioeconomic status—enhances our ability to engage with the diverse communities we serve. We strive to reflect this diversity within our team and our programming, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

We welcome applicants who are passionate about environmental education and committed to promoting equity and inclusion in our field. By working together, we can inspire a deeper understanding of our environment and create a more sustainable future for all. Join us in building a vibrant, inclusive community dedicated to environmental education and advocacy.

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