Evening Program Coordinator

Cal-Wood Mission & Philosophy: Cal-Wood Education Center is on a mission to facilitate positive nature experiences for all - especially those who haven't yet spent time in the mountains. Cal-Wood has provided residential environmental and outdoor education programs to hundreds of thousands of Coloradans since 1982 at our 1,200-acre classroom located west of Boulder, Colorado. Through these school programs, summer camps, and family camps, we provide access for kids and adults from underrepresented communities to have life-changing experiences outdoors. We believe that no matter where you live or what language you speak, you deserve to feel safe and welcome outside. We strive to grow our programs so that we can enable more and more people from all walks of life to find a connection with nature.

Cal-Wood has received several national and local awards because of our quality programs and our service to linguistically diverse audiences. Our field instructors receive training in sheltered instruction and other skills to help them effectively teach and connect with all students who visit Cal-Wood, from Commerce City to Aurora to Boulder and beyond. Instructors provide dynamic, hands-on science education in the field so that all students can explore, learn, and see themselves as scientists.   

Position Overview: The Evening Program Coordinator (EPC) will facilitate dinners and evening programs during Cal-Wood school programs, in collaboration with instructors, kitchen staff, and teachers. Evening programs include campfires, night hikes, egg drop, and team building activities. This position will be responsible for providing fun, engaging, and educational evening experiences for students and adults, as well as prompt problem-solving and ensuring the safety of all participants. The EPC is a part-time role, averaging 20-22 hours per week.

Dates of Employment: Most Monday - Thursday evenings (4:00 pm - 9:15 pm) from August 13 through December 18, 2025. (Additional work opportunities may be available, and there is a possibility to extend employment for additional seasons.)

Fall staff training will be held during the month of August, so the EPC should ideally be available for some daytime trainings in order to feel comfortable moving into this role.

Responsibilities:

• Give clear and loud announcements for meals and fire drills.


• Effective group management and supervision during meals and evening programs.


• Communicate professionally with lead teachers and adult chaperones. Be ready to answer questions and problem-solve as needed.


• Make sure all participants feel welcome and included. Make accommodations for accessibility needs when necessary. 


• Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for students and staff.
  


• Be consistent and fair when enforcing policies and procedures.
  


• Facilitate and oversee dinners, ensuring that all participants have enough food and understand how meals run at Cal-Wood.


• Prepare for evening programs, including re-stocking or organizing supplies, setting up a campfire or indoor space, and planning individually or with other evening staff.
  


• Lead safe, engaging, and fun evening programs for students, in collaboration with other instructors. Evening programs include campfires, night hikes, egg drop, and team building activities.


• Make sure Lodge is closed down for the night at the end of your shift.
  


• Mentor and coach part-time evening instructors to help them lead safe, engaging, and fun evening programs and provide excellent customer service to our students, teachers, and parent chaperones.


• Check in regularly with the school programs manager regarding any challenges, materials needed, and feedback received.
  

Qualities and Qualifications:

• Bilingual (Spanish-English) strongly preferred


• Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply!


• High level of personal motivation for continued learning, personal responsibility for positive attitude, and flexibility are necessary to meet the demands of a dynamic residential work schedule
  


• Excellent communication and people skills, professionalism, and customer service


• Experience working with youth and managing groups


• Experience in risk management and emergency response


• Desire to work with a small team of other motivated and passionate staff to support operations of a small non-profit organization 


• Reliable team member - we need to be able to count on you


• Ability to pass background checks


• Ability to hike up to 2 miles on uneven terrain, lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs for short periods of time), and maintain a positive attitude outdoors in all weather conditions


• Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to get certified required (Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certifications a plus)


• Reliable high-clearance vehicle (4WD/AWD is ideal) for steep dirt road commute

Compensation:

• $23/hr (paid once a month)


• Paid sick time (1 hr sick time accrued per 30 hrs worked)


• Meals provided during programs


• Lifelong memories of silly songs and skits around the campfire, stargazing with kids, and facilitating amazing outdoor experiences for students!