"Outdoor Education Instructor"

Outdoor Education Instructor

Company: Red Rocks Community College

Job Location: Lakewood, 80228

Category: Recreation and Leisure Studies

Type: Adjunct/Part-Time

Salary: See Position Description

Location: Lakewood, CO

Job Number: 00909

Division: Academic Affairs

Department: Outdoor Education

Closing Date: 9/1/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

To Apply

All applicants must submit:

• Resume
• Detailed letter of interest (cover letter) addressing the job announcement.

Red Rocks Community College exemplifies extraordinary. We are dedicated to our Vision and Mission, which promote student achievement, staff empowerment, and community engagement. We live our values: Integrity, Collaboration, Learning, Inclusiveness, and Communication.

RRCC seeks applicants who understand and have first-hand experience working with diverse populations, which may include but are not limited to, historically marginalized populations such as people of color, LGBTQ+ community members, veterans, first generation graduates, and people with disabilities.

Summary of Position

The Outdoor Education program at RRCC is seeking an Instructor to teach a range of classes in the Outdoor Education department each semester. Courses range from in-person expedition style classes to fully remote/online classes. Instructors provide instructional duties for the College in their respective areas of expertise. They report to the department chair within the discipline and do not have any supervisory responsibilities. Responsibilities include instruction, student assessment, and other related instructional duties.

The instructor must be patient and respectful, while also providing their expectations for what is considered acceptable work. The instructor must display dedication to the class as well as the goals of the program. This posting will be used to fill multiple part-time instructor vacancies.

This position reports to Department Chair. The work schedule for this position varies based on courses assigned. May require hours outside of normal work schedule.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to teach using an equity-minded framework and learner-centered teaching philosophy.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate technology into the classroom where appropriate.
• A strong commitment to effective teaching at the community college and an understanding of its mission, philosophy and role in higher education.
• Knowledge of local Colorado resources, and experience managing local, state, and federal Special Use Permits.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with diverse communities and supporting individuals from diverse populations, which may include but are not limited to, racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds that are underrepresented.

Current Licenses and Certifications for all positions:

• Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Adult CPR Certification
• Wilderness Anaphylaxis

Licenses and Certifications for specific positions:

• LNT Trainer and LNT Master Educator Class
• Leave No Trace Master Educator
• WFR/WFA Classes - Desert Mountain Medicine WFR/WFA Instructor
• AIARE Level 1 - AIARE Instructor Course

At least three (3) years of work experience in the outdoor recreation industry. Familiarity with managing outdoor education field trips and experience leading the specific course type you will teach. Ability to maintain safety while working in the back country with groups of up to twelve (12) students.

Required Qualifications

• Associates degree in Outdoor Education, Recreation, Environmental Education, or a closely related field with 2,000 hours of related experience in the field OR Associates degree and 4,000 hours of related experience in the field

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Outdoor Education, Recreation, Environmental Education, or a closed related field. Membership in or experience working in diverse communities and supporting the success of individuals from racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds that are underrepresented.

Current Licenses and Certifications:

• Leave No Trace Master Educator*
• AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
• AIARE PRO 1*
• Wilderness First Responder Instructor*
• ACCT Level 1

*Required for certain courses (See courses above)

Demonstrated expertise in outdoor education or in park ranger industries. Experience teaching in alternative formats/non-traditional programs. One year of successful full-time teaching experience at the college level or equivalent. Involvement with professional organizations such as the AORE, NIRSA, AMGA, ACA, AEE, WEA, and instructor training courses or certifications related to the following areas: rock climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, map and compass, mountaineering, ice climbing, skiing, snowboarding, winter/summer back country travel, mountain biking, outdoor leadership and group development, avalanche safety. Ability to repair, organize, and manage outdoor equipment.

Physical & Cognitive Demands

The following are some of the physical and cognitive demands commonly associated with this position.

• Occasionally moves, positions, and transports files and office materials weighing up to 10 lbs.
• This is largely a sedentary role. This position operates in an office environment and constantly uses a computer, and routinely uses standard office equipment including phones, copiers, etc.
• The person in this position constantly communicates with internal and external constituents and students. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Cognitive demands include comparing, copying, computing, compiling, analyzing, coordinating, synthesizing, negotiating, communicating, instructing, and interpersonal skills.

Advertised Pay

The pay for this position is $1,149.00 - $1,207.00 per credit hour, commensurate with education and experience. This is a part-time, FLSA exempt position and may work up to 28 hours per week, depending on budget and need.