Environmental Education Instructor (Spring 2027)

YMCA of the Rockies; Estes Park (CO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of the Rockies is seeking an Environmental Education Instructor to deliver hands-on classes, lead team-building activities, and support program development at our Estes Park site.

The role requires experience with children, English fluency, and CPR/First Aid certification (training provided). You will help ensure safety, engage students, and contribute to a welcoming, mission-driven camp environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or holding a degree in Education, Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, or related field.
• Experience working with children is required.
• Must be fluent in English.
• CPR certification (provided during training).

Responsibilities

• Teach environmental education classes and lead program activities.
• Facilitate 3-hour environmental courses for elementary and middle school students.
• Lead 2-hour night hike and campfire programs twice weekly.
• Identify and respond to safety issues including weather and wildlife.
• Assist in program development and advancement.
• Help clean and prep lodge rooms for students 4–8 hours weekly.

Skills

English fluency

Experience with children

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Science, Environmental Studies, Biology

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the YMCA of the Rockies, which operates a mission-driven family and group conference and retreat center serving approximately 150,000 guests annually. The Environmental Education Instructor is primarily responsible for teaching Environmental Education classes, leading team building activities, performing organizational and cleaning tasks, communicating with school leaders and chaperones, and assisting in any projects or tasks that better the Environmental Education Program and YMCA of the Rockies.

OUR CULTURE: We firmly believe in our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs, staff, and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. YMCA of the Rockies staff are key players in helping cultivate an environment of healthy living, youth development, and community impact on our breathtaking properties outside Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a place where nature inspires and staff lead with heart. We are committed to being welcoming to all people and to making a difference in the lives of our members, guests, and staff. The work each staff member does matters. We count on our staff to provide extraordinary mission-based experiences for our guests and for each other.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Participate in Environmental Education training and learn all class and program content provided in training and facilitation materials.
• Obtain CPR and First Aid certification (provided in training).
• Attend required abuse risk management training and report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Facilitate 3-hour environmental courses to Elementary and Middle School aged students, following state and national standards.
• Facilitate 2-hour night hike and campfire programs twice a week.
• Predict, prevent, identify, and respond to safety issues including environmental factors such as weather and wildlife.
• Assist in program development and advancement.
• Participate in cleaning and prepping lodge rooms for students between 4-8 hours a week.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess or be working toward an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, or a similar area of study, or have suitable professional experience.
• Experience working with children is required.
• Must be fluent in speaking English.
• Must possess CPR certification (provided during training).

GENERAL YMCA OF THE ROCKIES REQUIREMENTS

• Uphold and reflect the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith in all functions.
• Uphold the YMCA of the Rockies Mission, policies, and programs.
• Possess and demonstrate excellent customer service skills; for example, friendly, personable, helpful, patient, and professional.
• Support the YMCA of the Rockies safety program. Promote safe work practices and a safe environment for guests, members, and staff.
• Promote a cooperative, positive, and flexible atmosphere while working with others in a diverse community.
• Attend required abuse risk management training and report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism is required.
• Must meet acceptable criminal background check standards.
• All other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to walk up to eight miles daily on uneven terrain.
• Noise level in the work environment is moderate.
• Must be comfortable spending up to eight hours outdoors in inclement weather.

Note: Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.