Environmental Education Instructor - Eco Week Program

CSU Spur is hiring an Environmental Education Instructor for the Eco Week Program at their Mountain Campus in Denver, CO. This temporary position runs from mid-May to mid-October, offering free housing and meals. Instructors will facilitate hands-on environmental education for K-12 students in a remote mountain setting. The role requires collaboration and a passion for working with others in a natural environment, with training provided for various tasks.
Posting Details

Position Information

Classification Title Temporary Hourly Employment Category Temporary Is this an Hourly position? Yes Work Hours/Week 0-40 Overtime Eligible? Yes Position Location Fort Collins, CO 80523 Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work? No Description of Work Unit

Live and work in a beautiful mountain valley for the summer and/or fall season at the Mountain Campus. Be part of a small community of staff working towards a common goal.

Nestled in a beautiful, secluded mountain valley at an elevation of 9,000 ft. (2,743m) lies Colorado State University’s 1,600-acre Mountain Campus. As a site for student learning, conferences, workshops, meetings, and retreats, the Mountain Campus offers a unique opportunity to leave the hectic pace of urban life behind and be immersed in the natural world of the Rocky Mountains. The Mountain Campus exists to serve the Colorado State University community and the surrounding region for academic field studies, educationally focused conferences and mountain research. The campus is open from Mid-May to Mid-October. Live and work in a beautiful mountain valley for the summer and/or fall season at the Mountain Campus. Be part of a small community of staff working towards a common goal. Enjoy the mountain lifestyle – hiking, fishing, mountain biking, trail running and rock climbing.
• Typical season: Mid-May to Mid-October (Summer: Mid-May – Mid-August, Fall: Mid-August – Mid-October)
• Located 53 miles west of Fort Collins at 9,000 feet in a remote mountain valley
• Free housing provided by the University in shared, on-site dormitory style housing.
• 3 meals a day provided free
• No pets are permitted
• No cell phone service at the Mountain Campus

Hiring will be based upon experience in related work situations, living experiences, and personal interest. We believe strongly in the “team” concept and the ability of applicants to work and live well with others in our remote setting. Individuals will be selected for an interview through a screening process. Job offers will be made in the spring for summer employment and Mid-July for fall employment. The Mountain Campus is hiring to fill about 30 collaborative positions to accomplish many tasks: dining service, custodial work, light maintenance, administrative support, challenge course facilitation, and more. All training is provided, but experience in any of these areas is preferred. See the full position descriptions on our website (https://mountaincampus.colostate.edu/about/employment/positions-available/) for more detail.

Search Contact Email casey.malsam@colostate.edu Position Summary

Live and work in a beautiful mountain valley for the fall season at the Mountain Campus. Be part of a small community of staff working towards a common goal.

The Eco Week environmental education program is hosted by the Mountain Campus. The program provides opportunities for hands-on environmental education for K-12 students, geared toward 5th grade. Students learn about various topics related to the Rocky Mountain ecosystem in a beautiful mountain valley while on their three-day, two-night residential program. The program has been in existence for over 45 years in partnership with Poudre School District and local Front Range elementary and middle schools.

Eco-Experience is an environmental education program offered to mainly 5th graders (though some schools attend with middle school participants). These positions (8) provide class instruction and daily oversight for the program, lead campfire and evening activities, assist with mealtime such as helping clear trays, serve food, and monitor behavior, help coordinate logistics with teachers, facilitate ropes course and adventure components, and guide day hikes. A strong passion for outdoor activities and environmental education and previous experience working with youth in the outdoors is strongly recommended. This position starts in Mid-August and finishes in Mid-October.

To apply, visit mountaincampus.colostate.edu/employment and download the Eco Week Instructor Application Packet. In addition to completing the application, there are supplementary materials that must be submitted for these positions; if you have indicated interest in this position, Susan Brown (susan.brown@colostate.edu) will be in touch with more instruction. Priority application deadline is February 20, 2025. Applications accepted until positions filled.

Position Minimum Qualifications
• Education and/or professional background in natural resources, environmental education, or closely-related field
• Experience leading groups of youth in field-based experiential education
• Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR (adult and child) certifications by employment start date
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, outdoor working environment with regularly changing daily activities
• Ability to thrive in remote mountain setting with limited access to urban amenities
• Experience working in customer service

Preferred Qualifications
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR (adult and child) certifications (by employment start date)
• Prior experience leading full-day group hikes in backcountry settings
• Experience facilitating ropes course high elements
• Experience in one or more focus areas above
• Experience living in remote mountain setting with limited access to urban amenities
• Ability to thrive in shared-living and live-in work

Posting Details

Working Title Environmental Education Instructor - Eco Week Program Posting Number 202500037T Department Mountain Campus Salary Range $16.30 - $17.00 Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Close Date 07/20/2025 Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, visit mountaincampus.colostate.edu/employment and download the Eco Week Instructor Application Packet. In addition to completing the application, there are supplementary materials that must be submitted for these positions; if you have indicated interest in this position, Susan Brown (susan.brown@colostate.edu) will be in touch with more instruction. Priority application deadline is February 20, 2025. Applications accepted until positions filled.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Essential Job Duties

Job Duty Category Environmental Education Instruction and Program Facilitation Duty/Responsibility
• Provide instruction and daily guidance for attendees of the Eco-Week Program.
• Attend and take part in all orientations to welcome arriving school groups.
• Liaison between campus nurse and school staff/students.
• Facilitate on Challenge Course and adventure component of program.
• Coordinate/attend evening programs and oversee campfire type activities.
• Oversee dining hall logistics and assist students during meal times.
• Instruct environmental/ecology modules as part of the overall curriculum.
• Responsible for the health and safety of the students on all-day hikes.
• Show a positive attitude, be a good role model at all times.
• Communicate effectively with students and school teachers/staff.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor and as required by needs of organization or attending groups.
• Ensure high-quality customer service.
• Must be able to comprehend written and verbal instructions for equipment operation, safety, and policies and guidelines.
• Meet daily scheduling requirements and accomplish all tasks in a timely fashion.
• Attend all required trainings and meetings.
• Learn and follow all guidelines contained in the employee handbook and crew-specific guidance/regulations.
• Understand and follow Colorado State University policies, including the Principles of Community.

Percentage Of Time 100

References

Required

Minimum References Required 1 Maximum References Required 1

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of Professional References

Optional Documents