EMPLOYMENT
JOIN OUR TEAM
Telluride Academy staff members are the heart and soul of our organization! They are the creative engines behind every interaction, experience and outcome we strive to achieve with our students. They are educators, guides, adventurers of the highest order, and the architects of Telluride Academy’s highly reputable outdoor and enrichment programs. Our team of instructors, specialists and interns represent a diverse collection of passionate individuals that come together to contribute to a high-energy and dynamic youth program that explores the southwest and beyond. Our success relies on collaboration, problem-solving and a ton of enthusiasm! We believe in working hard and playing harder and that a good day on the job is filled with equal parts discovery and dirt. If you are an expert at finding the perfect balance between silliness and safety, free play and focused instruction, then we would love to meet you!
CURRENT OPENINGS
Field Instructor (Seasonal, 11 Weeks)
Reports To: Program Director
Salary: $20–$25/hour or $750–$1,000+/week DOE
Join Telluride Academy as a Field Instructor, leading outdoor experiential education programs for youth ages 5–17. Facilitate activities like hiking, camping, rock climbing, and more while fostering teamwork, leadership, and environmental stewardship in the stunning landscapes of Telluride.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and lead age-appropriate activities aligned with program goals.
- Facilitate outdoor adventures, including field games, camping, and kayaking.
- Cultivate a supportive, inclusive, and fun environment for participants.
- Ensure participant safety by following risk management protocols.
- Teach Leave No Trace principles and promote personal growth.
Â
Qualifications:
- At least 21 years old with experience in outdoor education and youth programs.
- CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) required; ability to pass background checks.
- Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills.
- Physically able to lift 50 lbs, hike rugged terrain, and work outdoors for extended periods.
Junior Field Instructor (Seasonal, 11 Weeks)
Reports To: Program Director
Salary: Starts at $19 per hour DOE
Join Telluride Academy as a Junior Field Instructor, supporting Field Instructors in delivering outdoor experiential education programs for youth ages 5–17. Work alongside Field Instructors to facilitate activities such as hiking, field games, camping, and rock climbing while helping create a fun, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment in the stunning landscapes of Telluride.
Key Responsibilities
- Support Field Instructors in the planning and delivery of age-appropriate activities aligned with program goals.
- Assist with outdoor adventures, including day hikes, field games, camping experiences, and water-based activities.
- Help cultivate a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants.
- Follow established risk-management protocols to help ensure participant safety.
- Model and teach basic Leave No Trace principles.
- Maintain a professional, team-oriented approach while taking guidance from Lead Instructors.
Qualifications
- At least 18 years old with some experience working with youth or in outdoor recreation settings.
- CPR and Wilderness First Aid required (or willingness to obtain).
- Ability to pass all required background checks.
- Strong communication skills, reliability, and a willingness to learn.
- Physically able to lift 40–50 lbs, hike on uneven terrain, and work outdoors for extended periods.
Â
Schedule:
Flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, with travel to remote locations as needed.
Field Instructor In-Training (Seasonal, 11 Weeks)
Reports To: Program Director
Salary: $15–$17/hour DOE
Start your journey in outdoor education as a Field Instructor In-Training with Telluride Academy. This entry-level role is perfect for individuals aged 16+ who are eager to develop leadership skills while supporting our adventure and educational programs. You’ll work alongside experienced Field Instructors to create fun, safe, and educational experiences for youth in the stunning landscapes of Telluride.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and crafts.
- Support logistics, including gear prep, meal setup, and activity breakdowns.
- Foster teamwork and teach environmental stewardship principles.
- Build rapport with students and assist with group management.
- Participate in training and receive mentorship for skill development.
Qualifications:
- At least 16 years old by the start of employment.
- CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) required; WFR preferred.
- Enthusiasm for outdoor education and working with youth.
Schedule:
Flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, with travel to remote locations as needed.
Intern (Seasonal, 10 Weeks)
Reports To: Program Manager
Salary: $15–$17/hour DOE
Join Telluride Academy as an Intern and gain hands-on experience in supporting our summer programs. This role is ideal for organized, motivated individuals passionate about outdoor education and youth programming. You’ll assist with program logistics, gear management, and administrative tasks while contributing to the success of our camps.
Key Responsibilities:
- Facilitate Monday registration and assist with parent drop-offs/pick-ups.
- Manage and inventory outdoor gear and branded merchandise.
- Support office tasks, including data entry, phone calls, and event prep.
- Assist with van unloading, classroom cleaning, and end-of-week gear storage.
- Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
Qualifications:
- At least 14 years old by the start of employment.
- Strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
- Positive attitude and willingness to collaborate.
- Interest in outdoor education and youth programs.
Schedule:
Season runs June 9 – August 15, Monday through Thursday, with flexible hours (10–20 hours/week). Some Fridays for staff meetings and training may be required.
Boating Specialist (Seasonal)
Start and End Dates: June 2 – August 15
Salary: $800-$1000+ per week depending on camp/program assignment
Position Summary:
The Boating Specialist (BS) is a seasonal role that supports Telluride Academy’s Boating Director in facilitating a safe, engaging, and educational moving water and flat water boating program for students. The BS works closely with the Boating Director and Academy instructors to ensure smooth operations of both flat water and moving water experiences while maintaining high safety standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assisting the Boating Director with daily operations, including flatwater and moving water boating activities.
- Supporting the Boating Director in facilitating the boating curriculum during staff training.
- Becoming familiar with all Academy boating locations and assisting with site-specific logistics and communication.
- Participating in and facilitating boating experiences with Academy students, including instruction, safety oversight, and equipment preparation.
- Maintaining and organizing boating gear inventory, ensuring equipment is cleaned, stored, and ready for use (rigging pre-trip and de-rigging post-trip)
- Providing on-water safety support for moving water experiences and acting as a resource for field instructors as needed.
- Supporting the maintenance of boating vehicles and trailers, ensuring they remain clean and operational.
- Assisting with the submission of timely and accurate logs for river permits and maintaining permit compliance.
- Adhering to and promoting Academy Boating Policies and Procedures, including emergency protocols.
- Supporting trip/weekly budget management by assisting with equipment purchasing and expense tracking.
Qualifications:
- Current (or willingness to obtain) Nationally Recognized Swift Water Certification and/or River Rescue Technician Certification.
- WFA (minimum) certification. WFR certification (or higher) preferred, and CPR/AED certification.
- Experience with flatwater and moving water boating activities; a technical resume listing river sections/class, river miles, and roles is preferred.
- Ability to pass a Federal Background Check and display a clean driving record.
- Ability to drive a 15-passenger van and/or tow a trailer (or willingness to learn).
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Physical ability to assist with rigging and de-rigging of river trips.
Preferred Experience:
- Previous experience working with youth in an outdoor recreation or education setting.
- Familiarity with Telluride Academy’s programming and/or the local area.
Student Support Specialist
Reports To:Â Program Director
FSLA Status: Seasonal, 12-week, non-exempt
Salary: $20-25 per hour, depending on experience
At Telluride Academy, we are committed to serving every child. We provide accessible adventures for all campers, fostering a socially inclusive outdoor experience. By welcoming campers of all ability levels, we enrich our community and create opportunities for learning, connection, and growth. Campers gain lifelong benefits as they celebrate both differences and shared experiences. The friendships, confidence, and independence developed in our programs are truly transformative.
Telluride Academy is seeking a qualified candidate for the seasonal position of Student Support Specialist for Summer 2025. This role requires prior experience working with populations of students and families with special needs, such as Autism, ADHD, and behavioral challenges. The Student Support Specialist must be organized, patient, creative, compassionate, empathetic, and possess strong written and verbal communication skills. A proven ability to problem-solve is essential. This position plays a key role in ensuring that all students, families, and staff experience a positive, safe, and inclusive environment at Telluride Academy.
Early Childhood Specialist (Seasonal, 11 Weeks)
Reports To: Program Director
Salary: $20–$25/hour or $750–$1,000+/week DOE
Inspire the youngest explorers at Telluride Academy as an Early Childhood Specialist! Lead dynamic programs for children ages 5–8, combining outdoor adventures, creative activities, and early childhood development. Share your passion for nature while fostering teamwork, confidence, and a love for the outdoors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and lead age-appropriate activities like hiking, crafts, and field games.
- Facilitate outdoor adventures while ensuring a safe and fun environment.
- Cultivate a supportive, inclusive atmosphere that inspires creativity and growth.
- Teach Leave No Trace principles and promote environmental stewardship.
- Adapt plans to weather, group needs, and unforeseen changes.
Qualifications:
- Passion for working with young children in outdoor learning settings.
- CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) required; WFR preferred.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and work actively for extended periods.
Hiring
policy
Telluride Academy (TA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Telluride Academy’s management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.
TA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee related to an individual’s physical or mental disability, sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, and/or any other reason required by applicable law unless doing so would impose an undue hardship upon TA’s business operations.