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 Mountain Campus Summer Camp Counselor supports Catamount Institute’s summer programs at the Mountain Campus in Woodland Park. This role centers on place-based outdoor education, stewardship, ecology-focused learning, and active engagement with youth in a rustic, high-elevation environment. Counselors help lead day camps and may also support occasional overnight camp sessions or retreat groups, providing supervision, programming, and logistical assistance as needed. When programming is not occurring, Counselors may be asked to assist with campus maintenance projects, including, but not limited to, trail maintenance, building cleaning, organizational projects, and other tasks as assigned.

Pay: $17-$19 per hour

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

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 camp programming for youth ages 5–16. 
• Teach from established lesson plans and assist with creating place-based, Mountain Campus–specific activities. 
• Lead nature hikes, outdoor skills, stewardship lessons, and ecology-focused experiences. 
• Participate in and supervise field trips with campers, including off-site excursions. 
• Support overnight camp sessions or retreat programs when scheduled (housing provided during these sessions). 

Camper Safety & Support 

• Maintain a safe environment in wilderness and high-elevation settings. 
• Monitor camper behavior and provide supportive intervention when needed. 
• Follow Catamount Institute’s emergency procedures and safety guidelines. 

Stewardship & Campus Engagement 

• Model and teach stewardship values connected to the Mountain Campus’ conservation history. 
• Help maintain outdoor learning spaces, trail-use areas, and gear. 
• Support the integration of Palmer Land Trust stewardship values into programming. 

Team Collaboration & Operations 

• Work collaboratively with seasonal staff, interns, and the Environmental Education team. 
• Assist with program logistics such as daily setup/takedown, gear organization, and materials preparation. 
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, and orientations. 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• This position is primarily located at the Catamount Institute Mountain Campus near Woodland Park, CO, with some work at the Catamount Sondermann Park/Beidleman Center Campus in Colorado Springs, 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.  
• Occasionally use hand tools and power tools (e.g., rakes, shovels, pruners, saws, cleaning equipment) with required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and sturdy footwear. 
• Work on uneven, slippery, or rugged terrain. 
• Perform repetitive motions with hands and arms. 
• 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. Some evening and weekend hours are required to support programs, events, or community engagement activities. May include occasional overnight camp or retreat sessions 
• 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 high-elevation, variable-weather conditions. 
• Comfortable hiking and facilitating active outdoor programs. 
• 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 29,2026  to Friday, July 3, 2026.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record and at least 25 years of age (for van insurance eligibility).  
• Coursework or background in environmental science, education, biology, recreation, or a related field. 
• Experience with nature-based teaching or camp programs. 
• Experience with environmental, ecology, or conservation education. 
• Familiarity with Colorado ecosystems and high-elevation environments. 
• CPR/First Aid certification. 

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.