Catamount Institute is a nonprofit dedicated to connecting kids to the outdoors through engaging outdoor environmental educational programs. For the past 29 years, we’ve served tens of thousands of children in the Pikes Peak Region, engaging 5,057 youth in 2025 alone. We’re seeking a full-time Mountain Campus Programs and Operations Manager who is passionate about outdoor education programming, committed to excellence, detail-oriented, and adaptable. The ideal candidate is highly organized, calm under pressure, and skilled at communication, logistics, and building strong relationships with youth, families, partners, and rental clients.

Summary:

The Heather Campbell Chaney Fellow will support Catamount Institute summer day camps as a full-time seasonal employee at the Sondermann/Beidelman Campus. This role focuses on delivering high-quality outdoor education experiences for youth through hands-on lessons, nature exploration, and supportive group leadership. The Fellow will teach from existing curriculum, help refine activities, and work closely with the Environmental Education team to ensure engaging, safe, and inclusive camp experiences for youth. The Fellow will also collaborate with another Fellow from Palmer Land Conservancy to help design and deliver an environmental education lesson. 

The fellowship is awarded in memory of Heather Campbell Chaney, a beloved teacher and naturalist whose work with Catamount Institute and Palmer Land Conservancy left a lasting impact on our community. Each summer since 2001, Heather’s family has helped select one Fellow who exemplifies Heather’s passion and enthusiasm for connecting young people with the outdoors and champions environmental values. 

Pay: $17 per hour

Location: Primary – Sondermann/Beidleman Campus, 740 W Caramillo St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Secondary – Mountain Campus , 3168 Co Rd 28, Woodland Park, CO 80863

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM

Employment Dates: Must be available to work Monday, May 18, 2026, to Friday, August 7, 2026. Weekends are off, and the candidate has the option to take unpaid days off between Monday, June 29 to Friday, July 3, 2026.     

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):

Program Delivery & Instruction 

• Facilitate outdoor summer camp programming for youth ages 5-16. 
• Teach from established lesson plans and assist with activity preparation. 
• Support nature-based play, environmental learning, and group exploration throughout camp days. 
• Accompany campers on local field trips as part of camp programming, ensuring safety and positive engagement. 

Camper Safety & Support 

• Supervise campers at all times and maintain a safe camp environment 
• Respond to behavioral or emotional needs; communicate concerns to lead staff. 
• Follow organizational emergency and safety procedures. 

Team Collaboration & Operations 

• Collaborate with the education team, interns, and volunteers. 
• Collaborate with Palmer Land Conservancy Fellow to design and implement an environmental education lesson. 
• Attend all required trainings, staff meetings, and orientations. 
• Assist with camp logistics, including setup/takedown of outdoor learning spaces. 

Communication & Engagement 

• Engage professionally with families and community partners. 
• Support program documentation through photos, observations, and simple reporting. 
• Maintain contact with the Campbell family throughout the summer. 
• Maintain contact with the network of former HCCF fellows. 
• Write a reflection letter at the end of the season for Catamount Institute and the Campbell Family. 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• This position is primarily located at the Catamount Institute Sondermann Park/Beidleman Center Campus in Colorado Springs, CO., and occasionally at the Mountain Campus in Woodland Park, CO. 
• Work takes place in both indoor and outdoor environments, including natural areas, school settings, and community locations.   
• Outdoor programs occur year-round and in varying weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and cold.   
• Programs may involve hiking, setting up outdoor learning spaces, and physically active facilitation. Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.   
• Regularly required to walk, stand, and engage with youth for extended periods. May also stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit on the ground as part of instruction.   
• Sensory demands include visual supervision and auditory response in indoor and outdoor spaces.   
• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. Monday through Friday from 8:15am to 4:45pm.  
• May be exposed to insect bites, allergens, uneven terrain, and cleaning materials.   
• Emotional resilience and a calm, professional demeanor are required in dynamic youth program settings.   

Required Qualifications:

• Passion for Catamount Institute’s mission to connect kids to the outdoors 
• Experience working with children in outdoor or educational settings 
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions 
• Strong communication and teamwork skills 
• Adaptable, dependable, and able to take initiative 
• Ability to professionally engage with youth, families, and community partners.  
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity in education and the workplace.   
• Ability to pass a background check 
• Minimum age 18 
• Reliable transportation.  
• U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.  
• Must be available to work Monday, May 18, 2026, to Friday, August 7, 2026. Weekends are off and the candidate has the option to take unpaid days off between Monday, June 29 to Friday, July 3, 2026.   

Preferred Qualifications:

• College junior, senior, or bachelor’s degree preferred  
• Coursework or background in environmental science, education, biology, recreation, or a related field 
• Experience with nature-based teaching or camp programs 
• CPR/First Aid certification 
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record and at least 25 years of age (for van insurance eligibility).  

Diversity and Equal Opportunity: Catamount Institute shall not discriminate against any employee, volunteer, or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any employee organization. We provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities.