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
Start and End Dates: June 1 – August 13, 2027
Reports To: Program Director
Salary: DOE – starting at $24.00/hour
Telluride Academy is seeking an experienced, safety-focused Lead Boating Specialist to lead our river and paddling programs for summer 2027. This role serves as the point person for boating risk management, guiding day trips and multi-day river expeditions while mentoring other field staff in whitewater and flatwater skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, lead, and supervise all boating programming, including day trips and overnight/multi-day river expeditions.
- Serve as the primary risk-management point person for boating activities, monitoring water conditions and making go/no-go calls.
- Instruct and mentor campers and staff in paddling, safety, and river skills.
- Maintain, inventory, and repair boating gear and equipment.
- Drive 15-passenger vans and trailers to and from put-ins and take-outs.
Qualifications:
- Swift Water/River Rescue certification.
- Wilderness First Aid required (Wilderness First Responder preferred); current CPR/AED. Must have experience with a variety of watercraft, including SUP (stand up paddleboards), inflatable kayaks, canoes, and rafts.
- Technical boating resume detailing river sections, class, mileage, and roles held. Overnight/multi-day river expedition experience with a trip log.
- Able to pass CBI/FBI, child abuse/neglect, and driving background checks.
- Comfortable driving 15-passenger vans and trailers; able to lift 50 lbs.
- Preferred: prior youth outdoor recreation experience and familiarity with the Four Corners region’s rivers (Green, Gunnison, Colorado, San Juan) and local lakes.
Working Conditions
Expect long days on and around the water in variable weather and remote settings, with physical demands including loading and unloading gear, facilitating put-ins/take-outs, rigging/de-rigging, and extended time outdoors at altitude.
Start and End Dates: June 7 – August 13, 2027
Reports To: Program Director
Salary: DOE – starting at $20.00/hour
Telluride Academy is looking for a nurturing, energetic Early Childhood Specialist to lead day camp programming for our youngest campers, ages 5–8. This role blends outdoor play, hands-on learning, and gentle risk management to give young children a joyful, confidence-building summer.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and facilitate age-appropriate outdoor activities, games, and creative projects for campers ages 5–8, Monday–Thursday.
- Build a warm, inclusive group culture and foster campers’ confidence, curiosity, and social skills.
- Model and teach Leave No Trace principles and environmental stewardship.
- Monitor camper safety and follow TA risk-management protocols during all activities.
- Communicate positively and professionally with parents, co-instructors, and administration.
Qualifications:
- At least 18 years old with some experience working with youth or in outdoor recreation settings.
Genuine passion for working with young children in outdoor, experiential settings. - Current CPR and Wilderness First Aid, or willingness to obtain before staff training (WFR preferred).
- Valid driver’s license; able to pass CBI/FBI and driving background checks.
- Able to lift/carry up to 45 lbs and assist with water-based activities.
Working Conditions
Expect flexible hours in a variety of outdoor environments, including remote wilderness settings. Must be comfortable with physical tasks such as lifting gear, hiking, and participating in water-based activities.
Schedule:
Programs run Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Fridays are reserved for staff meetings, trainings, and program planning.
Start and End Dates: June 7 – August 13, 2027
Reports To: Program Director
Salary: DOE – starting at $20.00/hour
Telluride Academy is hiring Field Instructors to lead outdoor adventure programming for campers ages 5–14. Field Instructors guide activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, SUP’ing, horseback riding, rock climbing, and arts and crafts while building a safe, fun, and educational summer experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and lead daily programming aligned with TA’s curriculum and safety standards.
- Facilitate a variety of outdoor programming and activities, including hiking, backpacking, camping, SUP’ing, rock climbing, and arts and crafts, with an emphasis on adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Incorporate environmental and experiential learning throughout, and adapt activities to meet group needs and program goals.
- Build rapport with campers, model positive behavior, and manage group dynamics.
- Monitor safety and risk during all activities and respond to incidents as needed.
- Provide weekly co-instructor feedback and attend Friday staff meetings and trainings.
Qualifications:
- At least 20 years old (required for van driving).
- Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR, or willingness to obtain before June staff training.
- Able to pass CBI/FBI and driving background checks; valid driver’s license.
- Able to lift/carry 45 lbs, stay active 8+ hours a day, and navigate rugged terrain.
- Able to work cell phone-free during program hours.
Working Conditions
Expect flexible hours in a variety of outdoor environments, including remote wilderness settings. Must be comfortable with physical tasks such as lifting gear, hiking, and participating in water-based activities.
Schedule:
Programs run Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Friday is reserved for staff meetings, trainings, and program planning. Some programs may also run on Fridays.
Start and End Dates: June 7 – August 13, 2027
Reports To: Program Director
Salary: $19.00/hour to start, DOE
Telluride Academy is hiring Junior Field Instructors to support outdoor experiential education programs for campers ages 5–14. Working alongside experienced Field Instructors, Junior Field Instructors help lead hiking, camping, SUP’ing, rock climbing, and arts and crafts while developing their own skills in group and risk management.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support and assist lead Field Instructors in leading programming and activities, including hiking, backpacking, camping, SUP’ing, rock climbing, and arts and crafts, with an emphasis on adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Incorporate environmental and experiential learning throughout, and adapt activities to meet group needs and program goals.
- Help adapt plans to weather, participant needs, and other changing conditions.
- Model Leave No Trace principles and foster environmental stewardship among campers.
- Support a positive, inclusive group culture and help manage camper behavior.
- Assist with safety monitoring and respond to minor incidents under senior staff guidance.
Qualifications:
- At least 18 years old by the start of employment.
- Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR, or willingness to obtain before June staff training.
- Able to pass CBI/FBI and driving background checks.
- Able to lift/carry 45 lbs, stay active up to 8 hours a day, and navigate rugged terrain.
- Some prior youth experience is preferred but not required; van driving not required (must be 20+ if driving).
Working Conditions
Expect flexible hours in a variety of outdoor environments, including remote wilderness settings. Must be comfortable with physical tasks such as lifting gear, hiking, and participating in water-based activities.
Schedule:
Programs run Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Friday is reserved for staff meetings, trainings, and program planning.
Start and End Dates: June 7 – August 13, 2027
Reports To: Program Director
Salary: $16.00/hour to start, DOE
Telluride Academy is looking for enthusiastic Field Instructors In-Training to gain hands-on outdoor education experience while supporting our Field Instructors and Junior Field Instructors. This entry-level role is a great fit for anyone at least 16 years old who’s eager to build leadership skills and grow into future field staff roles.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist Field Instructors with outdoor activities such as field games, rock climbing, hiking, SUP’ing, mountain biking, and arts and crafts.
- Prepare equipment, supplies, and program materials under staff guidance.
- Support program logistics, including setup/breakdown, meal prep on overnight trips, and gear loading.
- Build rapport with campers and model enthusiasm, responsibility, and a love of the outdoors.
- Participate in pre-season training and ongoing mentorship to build outdoor leadership skills.
Qualifications:
- At least 16 years old by the start of employment.
- Valid CPR and Wilderness First Aid, or willingness to obtain before start (WFR preferred).
- Able to pass CBI/FBI and driving background checks.
- Able to lift/carry 45 lbs and stay active 8–10 hours a day, including hiking rugged terrain.
- Able to swim and assist with water-based activities.
Working Conditions
Expect flexible hours in a variety of outdoor environments, including remote wilderness settings. Must be comfortable with physical tasks such as lifting gear, hiking, and participating in water-based activities.
Start and End Dates: June 7 – August 13, 2027
Reports To: Program Manager
Salary: $16.00/hour to start, DOE
Telluride Academy is seeking organized, motivated Interns to support our summer programs behind the scenes. Interns keep camp running smoothly through administrative, logistical, and gear support — gaining hands-on experience in office operations and event coordination along the way.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support Monday morning registration, family check-in, and t-shirt distribution.
- Assist with office tasks such as phones, mail, data entry, and program packet prep.
- Organize, inventory, and maintain outdoor gear including kitchen kits, tents, boating, and climbing equipment.
- Support parent drop-off/pick-up and help set up and break down staff meetings and trainings.
- Help unload vans and clean gear and vehicles at Thursday afternoon camp return.
Qualifications:
- At least 14 years old by the start of employment.
- Ability to work at least three weeks of our summer season
- Strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
- Willingness to learn and work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Interest in outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and youth programming.
- Previous administrative or logistical experience is a plus.
Working Conditions
Expect flexible hours — including early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends — indoors and outdoors in varying weather. Able to lift and carry up to 45 lbs and stay active for extended periods.
Schedule:
Flexible Monday–Thursday schedule, roughly 10–20 hours per week on average, with occasional Friday meetings or trainings.
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.