JMC Expeditionary & Hut Overnight Lead Instructor (non-student)

Position Summary:

Job Description:

Western Colorado University invites applications for the summer position of Junior Mountaineers Camp (JMC) Expeditionary & Hut Overnight Camp Lead Instructor. Full-time summer positions are available. Work hours will be Sunday at 1pm through Friday at 5pm per overnight weekly camp.

Responsibilities:  The position reports to the Junior Mountaineers Camp Director and is responsible for leading groups of youth (4th-6th grade, 6th-8th grade, 7th-9th grade, 10th-12th grade) in outdoor recreation activities including, but not limited to: hiking, backpacking, camping, nature-based art, outdoor survival skills, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, environmental stewardship projects, and outdoor education with a JMC Expeditionary & Hut Camp Instructor. Lead Instructors will coach campers on outdoor recreation skills, manage risk/emergencies (illness, injury, weather) in the backcountry and frontcountry, manage individual and group behavior, and coordinate the safe preparation/cooking/cleaning up of meals. This is an on-campus, in-person position running from late May through August.

Qualifications: Valid driver’s license that meet WCU’s driving requirements, CPR/AED, First Aid, and Medication Administration (will be provided), and WFR Certification. Must be at least 21 years of age.

State Licensing Requirements:

• Ability to pass state-licensed required CBI, FBI, Trails background checks
• Complete and submit annual health history
• Twelve months (1820 hours) of leadership experience with groups of youth ages 5 and older, since the age of 18 years OR six months (910 hours) of leadership experience with groups of youth ages 5 and older, since the age of 18 years and a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree in Outdoor Education or Recreation.
• Eight (8) hours of documented experience indicating knowledge and skill in backpacking and camping instruction and documented experience of backpacking and camping within the past two (2) years
• Red Cross lifeguard certification or eight (8) hours of documented experience indicating knowledge and skill in watercraft instruction and documented experience of engaging in the activity within the past two (2) years
• Three (3) hours of mountain biking experience

Willingness to work long, irregular hours. Leadership and staff supervision experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience leading/guiding outdoor recreation trips, teaching science/physical education/elementary education to youth ages 5-18. Six hours of documented experience indicating knowledge and skill in hiking instruction and documented experience of hiking within the past two years. Knowledge of CDHS State Licensing Rules & Regulations.

Compensation:  $18.50 per hour, approximately $1400 per overnight weekly camp

To Apply:  Please go to http://www.western.edu/jobs and use our online application.  Required attachments to your application include a cover letter, resume, and a list of three employment references.

The start date for this position is May 18, 2026.

Please direct any questions to Bree Hare at [email protected] or (970) 943-2109.  

Application Deadline: February 20th, 2026 at 11:59pm (MST).

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of which reside on the campus and in the community.  With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity,  equity, and inclusivity and promotes participation in DEI initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and the community. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEI Committee charge.

The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world class ski community.  K-12 students are served by the award-winning Gunnison Watershed School District. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wrap around services for children and adults, and continued personal growth and learning opportunities. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities including summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and camping… all within minutes of the campus.

Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets

Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEII Committee charge.

 
ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] or (970) 943-3140.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS