Program Instructor - Stone Canyon

Douglas County School District; United States; On-site; USD 180 - 554,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plans

403(b) retirement plans

457 retirement plans

Paid sick time

Job summary

Douglas County School District seeks a Program Instructor for Stone Canyon at the Outdoor Education Center. The role involves supervising residential OE programs, teaching science, outdoor education, and leadership to 4th–8th grade students, and coordinating cabin and activity logistics.

The position is seasonal (Jan 2026–May 2026) with a 40-hour week, duties include design of lesson plans, safety oversight, and program development to support revenue streams. CPR/First Aid required.

Qualifications

• Certifications: CPR/First Aid Certification - American Heart Association.

Responsibilities

• Help in the design of new program activities and lesson plans that meet Colorado State Standards.
• Communicate effectively with Director reporting any questions, problems, and/or concerns with program, staff housing, etc.
• Properly care for all ropes course equipment including counting the number of climbers and always communicating any issues to the Director in a timely manner.
• Responsible for set up and takedown of 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 and nightlife supervision.
• Lead songs, games, and activities and make announcements to a large group.
• Help in the design of new revenue streams and programs that extend the calendar.
• Assist in program responsibilities and site improvements like trail building and fire mitigation.
• Respond to emergencies calmly and provide basic first aid.
• Attend all staff trainings and meetings; maintain teaching areas between sessions.
• Apply Lean methodologies to improve daily operations and programming.
• Teach groups of up to 15-16 students in outdoor classes.

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Program Instructor - Stone Canyon

Job Description:

Provides support for various programs occurring at DCOEC, including but not limited to, residential outdoor education (OE), day retreats, corporate team building, and summer activities. During OE, provides around the clock supervision to students, both during activities and periodically at night in cabin. 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. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and district clientele.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Occasional lifting, twenty (20) to fifty (50) pounds
Occasional lifting, fifty (50) to one hundred (100) pounds
Frequent bending, stooping, walking, climbing, and kneeling

COMPENSATION:

$130/day In-Cabin rate;
$100/day Out-of-Cabin rate;
2 nights/week in cabin average

Position Specific Information (if Applicable):

This is a seasonal position working January 2026 - May 2026

Responsibilities:

Help in the design of new program activities and lesson plans that meet Colorado State Standards.

Communicate effectively with Director reporting any questions, problems, and/or concerns with program, staff housing, etc.

Properly care for all ropes course equipment including counting the number of climbers and always communicating any issues to the Director in a timely manner. Responsible for set up and take down of elements as assigned.

Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Supervise 4th -8th grade students in a residential outdoor science school setting. This includes cabin responsibility, camaraderie with the cabin group, oversight of High School Leaders, supervision between activities and meals, nighttime supervision of cabins (50%), teaching students about cabin cleanup, and other day and nighttime group living activities as assigned.

Lead songs, games, and any various activities as well as make general announcements to a large group.

Help in the design of new revenue streams and programs that extend the program calendar.

Help peers with program responsibilities.

Assist in the overall site improvements, including trail building, beautification, and fire mitigation.

Anticipate potential safety hazards and health needs. Able to respond to emergencies in a calm manner and follow proper facility procedures during and after an incident. Provide basic first aid as trained to do so.

Help deliver teambuilding and various 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 takedown classrooms, while leaving areas of teaching in good condition for the next instructor; develop teaching aids as assigned.

Understand and 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 outdoor class setting. Deliver lesson plans including, but not limited to, science, outdoor education, and leadership. Oversee instruction and communicate effectively with supervisor any discipline or other issues that may arise within the group.

Supervise appropriate behavior and manners in the dining hall.

Certifications:

CPR/First Aid Certification - American Heart Association

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree: Education, Bachelor’s Degree: Recreation

Position Type:

Seasonal

Primary Location:

Outdoor Education Center

One Year Only (Yes or No):

No

Scheduled Hours Per Week:

40

FTE:

1.00

Approx Scheduled Days Per Year:

0 Work Days

• (260 days indicatesa year-round position. Time off [or Off-Track Days] are thengranted based on the position. Any exceptions to the normal off-track time will be noted in the Additional Position Details section above, as scheduled work days.)

Minimum Hire Rate:

$1.00 USD Stipend

Maximum Hire Rate:

$1,500.00 USD Stipend

Full Salary Range:

$1.00 USD - $3,000.00 USD Stipend

• All salary amounts listed above are based on a full-time (1.0) FTE. If applicable, part-time salaries will be prorated according to the assigned FTE.

Benefits:

This position is eligible for voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plans.

Time Off Plans:

This position is eligible for paid sick time.

This position will be open until filled, but will not be open past:

November 19, 2026