Backcountry Wilderness Area Nature Program Instructor

Job DetailsJob Location: HRCA Rec Center at Southridge - Highlands Ranch, CO 80130Position Type: Part TimeSalary Range: $18.00 - $28.00 HourlyJob Category: Backcountry Wilderness AreaJOB TITLE: Backcountry Wilderness Area Nature Program Instructor FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Part Time Position) General Statement of Duties: Responsible for running environmental

education:

programs and performing tasks including but not limited to, guiding hikes, supervising and teaching children, and being on-sight for customer-guided

experience:

s. Supervision Received: Reports to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Environmental

Education:

and Program Manager and the Backcountry Wilderness Area Environmental

Education:

Coordinator. Supervision Exercised: None JOB

DESCRIPTION:

Examples of Duties: The following examples of competencies are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Guide and teach children, teens, and adults in a wide variety of programs, which may include any of the following based on prior

experience:

, interest, and availability: early childhood programs, youth programs, adult and family programs, and events.

• Facilitate lessons or guide conversations on topics including, but not limited to, local flora and fauna, conservation, ecology, environmental sciences, wilderness survival

skills:

, play-based learning, and inquiry-based learning.

• Implement

education:

al and engaging outdoor nature programs. Actively interact with and engage program participants throughout the duration of the program.

• Maintain high standards of health and safety for all customers.

Take and submit photos via WhatsApp to capture and share participant

experience:

s in the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Set up and clean up all program supplies.

• Maintain the organization and upkeep of program supplies.

Secure signed liability waivers from all participants prior to program participation and file them correctly.

• Communicate with the Environmental

Education:

• Manager and Coordinator after every program.

Attend all required staff meetings. Work collaboratively with the Backcountry Wilderness Area team to achieve program goals.

• Ensure participant discipline and safety throughout all activities.

Respond promptly and appropriately to emergency situations.

• Maintain a positive attitude during activities in all weather conditions and situations.
• Follow established policies and procedures.

Physical and Environmental Standards: Ability to work outdoors in varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions including heat, humidity, sun, wind, rain, cold, snow. Must be able to walk, hike, sit, crouch, bend, kneel, stoop, and reach; lift, push, pull, and lift up to 40 pounds unassisted. Vision

requirements:

include near and far acuity; must be able to hear, speak, and communicate effectively.

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Knowledge,

Skills:

& Abilities: Minimum age requirement: 18 years. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, and weekends. Interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children, teens, and adults. Basic knowledge of ecological principles and environmental issues, with a willingness to continually learn.

Previous

experience:

teaching environmental

education:

or science is preferred. Passion for nature and outdoor recreation. Ability to adapt lesson plans and instructions to accommodate a variety of learners. Ability to supervise and ensure the safety of up to 30 participants. Strong work ethic and motivation to contribute positively to the Backcountry Wilderness Area team.

Strong communication

skills:

, with the ability to effectively interact with people from diverse backgrounds. Ability to work effectively in a busy environment with frequent distractions. Dedication to completing tasks thoroughly and efficiently. Excellent customer service

skills:

with a professional demeanor. Ability to think quickly and respond to ever-changing outdoor conditions. Current First Aid, AED, and CPR certifications, or the ability to obtain them before the first day of employment. Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Benefits:

Benefits:

for part time employees include Paid Sick Leave, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts (30%) for Programs and Events, Referral Program, Recreation Center usage. 401k plus company match and Health Insurance, Telehealth and Flex Plans after one year if the minimum hours requirement is determined.

Education:

Working towards, or completion of, bachelor's degree in a related field such as natural resources, science

education:

, outdoor recreation, early childhood

education:

, elementary

education:

, or a human services field is preferred.

Experience:

Childcare,

education:

, or outdoor recreation

experience:

is preferred. Application Submittal Deadline: 3/27/2026 $16-$18/hour – Entry level, minimum previous childcare or environmental

education:

experience:

$18-$22/hour – 3 months to a years’

experience:

of professional childcare $22-$25/hour – All of the above

qualifications:

plus college degree and/or 1+ years professional

experience:

$25-28/hour – All of the above

qualifications:

plus college degree and or 5+ years professional

experience:

EOE