Field Instructor

CAL-WOOD EDUCATION CENTER; Jamestown (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Optional employee housing (free rent)

Simple IRA with 3% employer match

Life AD&D insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

Cal-Wood Education Center seeks a Field Instructor to teach environmental science in our 1,200-acre outdoor classroom near the Colorado mountains. You will lead 10–15 students on 2–3 day programs, develop lesson plans, and adapt curriculums to meet student needs using sheltered teaching methods.

The role runs from August 10, 2026 to May 28, 2027 as a seasonal, full-time position with potential extension. Opportunities include housing and working in a beautiful mountain setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science, natural resources management, education, environmental education, or related field.
• Two or more years of teaching experience.
• Ability to work and live closely with a small instructional team.
• Comfortable living in a remote mountain town near Boulder, CO (housing optional).
• Must pass background checks and motor vehicle report.
• First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain; WFA/WFR certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead a learning group of 10–15 students during each visit; programs run 2–3 days.
• Spend 4–8 hours per day outdoors; 3–5 days per week in mountains.
• Develop, teach, and evaluate environmental education programs aligned with standards.
• Incorporate science, math, history, writing, art, and team-building as requested by schools.
• Teach English, Spanish, and multilingual groups using sheltered teaching methods.

Skills

Teaching

Outdoor education

Curriculum development

Sheltered instruction

Multilingual instruction

Team teaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science or related field

Job description

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 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.

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 role.
Salary, 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 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
• Two or more years of teaching experience.
• 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
• Simple IRA with 3% employer match
• Life AD&D insurance
• 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.

If you have a college degree, what is your degree in? *

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