Program Instructor - Stone Canyon Fall 2026

Douglas County School District; Larkspur (CO); On-site; USD 18,450 - 23,985; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Voluntary retirement plans

Paid sick time

Job summary

Douglas County School District seeks a Program Instructor for Stone Canyon from July 29 to December 18, 2026. This position involves teaching outdoor science and leadership classes to 4th–8th graders while providing supervision both during activities and in the cabin.

The instructor will assist in program development, communicate with staff, and ensure a safe environment. This role offers competitive daily rates ($130 in-cabin, $100 out-of-cabin) and includes benefits like voluntary retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering outdoor education and supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and participants.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid required.

Responsibilities

• Teach outdoor classes to students, covering various subjects.
• Supervise students during activities and cabin time.
• Assist in the setup and takedown of classroom equipment.

Skills

Outdoor education oversight

Teaching science

Team building

First aid

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education

Bachelor's Degree in Recreation

Job description

Job Posting Title

Program Instructor - Stone Canyon Fall 2026

Job Description

Provides support for various programs occurring at DCOEC, including but not limited to residential outdoor education, 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. They provide staffing for chosen activities with retreat and corporate groups and are expected to create a fun and safe environment for all clients. They also develop and promote good community relations among various community members and district clientele.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Occasional lifting of 20 to 50 pounds
• Occasional lifting of 50 to 100 pounds
• Frequent bending, stooping, walking, climbing, and kneeling

Compensation

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

Position Specific Information

This seasonal position will run from July 29 – December 18, 2026.

Responsibilities

• 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 take down classrooms, ensuring areas of teaching are left in good condition for the next instructor; develop teaching aids as assigned.
• Help design new program activities and lesson plans that meet Colorado State Standards.
• Understand and apply Lean methodologies to ensure continuous improvement within program and daily operations.
• Communicate effectively with the Director, reporting any questions, problems, or concerns regarding the program, staff housing, etc.
• Teach activity groups of up to 15–16 students in outdoor class settings, delivering lesson plans covering science, outdoor education, and leadership.
• Oversee instruction and communicate with the supervisor any discipline or other issues that may arise within the group.
• Properly care for all ropes course equipment, including counting the number of climbers and promptly reporting any issues to the Director.
• Supervise appropriate behavior and manners in the dining hall.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
• Supervise 4th–8th grade students in a residential outdoor science school setting, including cabin responsibility, camaraderie with the cabin group, oversight of High School Leaders, and nighttime supervision (50%).
• Lead songs, games, and various activities; make general announcements to a large group.
• Help design new revenue streams and programs that extend the program calendar.
• Assist peers with program responsibilities.
• Assist in overall site improvements, including trail building, beautification, and fire mitigation.
• Anticipate potential safety hazards and health needs; respond to emergencies calmly and follow proper facility procedures, providing basic first aid as trained.

Certifications

CPR/First Aid Certification – American Heart Association

Education

Bachelor's Degree: Education, Bachelor's Degree: Recreation

Benefits

This position is eligible for voluntary 401(k), 403(b), and 457 retirement plans. It also includes paid sick time.