Organization
Job Posted
February 27, 2025
Job status
Job Category
Job Type
Job Duration
Job Compensation Type
Remote
No
Location
United States
Summary
Location: Programs in Denver/Boulder Metro and Louisville Gear Pick-up
To Apply: Fill out the application form by the end of the day on March 21. Priority will be given to earlier applicants. (https://forms.gle/nD3hBytDi8LK1fPcA)
Timeline: We will reach out to schedule interviews the week of March 24 and will complete interviews during that week. Training and onboarding will take place the second week of April.
Learn more: Check out our full job description. (https://www.cottonwoodinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Field-Instructor-Job-Description-March-2025.pdf)
About Cottonwood Institute
Cottonwood Institute (CI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit on a mission to connect middle and high school students to nature and inspire them to protect it. CI partners with local schools and youth organizations to break down barriers to the outdoors through environmental education programs and service learning projects. We lead classes and programs in Boulder, Lafayette, and Aurora and overnight trips throughout the Colorado Front Range.
About this Position
Cottonwood Institute is looking for knowledgeable and passionate field instructors to lead inspiring outdoor programs throughout the year. Most programs operate in base camp settings throughout the Front Range. During the summer, field instructors lead a variety of programs for local youth organizations ranging from week long camping trips to urban day programs. Please see more information about out-of-school programs on our website. During the school year, field instructors work with our school-based instructors to take their classes on field days and overnight camping programs. Please read the CAP class section of our website to get a better sense for our flagship school based program.
Time Commitment
We are looking to hire field instructors for field days and 1-night camping trips in the spring and longer programs in the summer. Although we hire seasonally, high performing instructors will be eligible to continue employment year round and receive pay increases for every 10 field days worked. This is a variable hour, part-time position, meaning that your contract will vary depending on the program schedule and your availability; you will receive contract dates for the upcoming season upon hiring. In addition to time on programs, your contract will include paid time before and after each trip for tasks like planning, packing out gear, picking up vehicles, unpacking gear, debriefing, and filling out paperwork. We compensate for all time spent working, including training. Please see application for specific upcoming program dates.
Compensation Information
Compensation & Benefits
This is a variable hour, non-exempt position. We are committed to providing a thrive-able wage for our staff, and we reevaluate our compensation structure regularly; our base pay currently starts at $20/hour. Instructor compensation may range between $20-27 an hour depending on certifications and experience incentives. Read more about our industry-leading compensation structure here.
CI pays for all time directly working with students during field programs, and employees are eligible for overtime at time and a half for more than 12 consecutive hours and for more than 40 hours in a work week.
Other perks:
- Access to industry pro deals
- Free access to CI gear during non-program hours
- Paid professional development opportunities and ongoing trainings
- Mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle trips over 50 miles per day
- Reimbursement for the cost of Wilderness First Aid after working at least 48 hours per year for 2 years
- Employees are eligible for Sick Leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act of Colorado
- Employees are eligible for Worker's Compensation if they are injured while leading a program