Environmental Educator

Catamount Institute is a nonprofit dedicated to connecting kids to the outdoors through engaging outdoor environmental educational programs. For the past 28 years, we’ve served tens of thousands of children in the Pikes Peak Region—engaging 5,824 youth in 2024 alone—and aim to reach 6,000 in 2025. We’re seeking a full-time Environmental Educator who is passionate about youth development, committed to excellence, detail-oriented, and adaptable. Ideal candidates will have experience in education, outdoor instruction, and working as part of a high-performing team. You’ll join a fast-paced, innovative, and mission-driven organization focused on growth and impact.

Colorado focuses on increasing environmental literacy for PreK-12 students and implementing the goals outlined in the Colorado Environmental Education Plan. The Environmental Educator works directly with teachers, schools, and environmental education providers to support them in expanding the reach and increasing the impact of EE programming while providing access to equitable learning experiences for all students.

Summary: The Environmental Educator will lead and support programs including field trips, after-school programs, multi-week in-school experiences, summer camps, community events/programs, weekend events, teen leadership experiences, and more. Lesson plan development, communication, and collaboration with education staff are required to prepare for all programs. The Environmental Educator will work closely with a team of educators, including full-time staff, seasonal staff, fellows, and interns. This Environmental Educator position will serve as the primary facilitator and point of contact for our middle school Elevate after-school program with District 2 in Colorado Springs. They will report directly to the Director of Environmental Education through the vision and guidance of the Executive Director.

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities): Environmental Educators develop, implement, and enhance programs, projects, and activities that will create progress for Catamount Institute’s goals. The Environmental Educator will:

• Facilitate and lead year-round outdoor education programs, including summer camps.
• Serve as the primary facilitator for middle school Elevate after-school programs in partnership with District 2 schools.
• Support school programs, including field trips, in-school, after-school, weekend, and occasional 2-6 day overnight programs.
• Effectively collaborate with Catamount Institute staff to meet organizational goals.
• Develop and improve program resources, including lesson plans, activities, and materials.
• Regularly meet with the Environmental Education Manager, Director of Environmental Education, and Executive Director to review educational programs, goals, and performance.
• Track progress and collect evaluation data for the program’s performance measures.
• Attend all required orientations, meetings, and trainings.
• Collaborate with Catamount Institute staff to evaluate and report on youth programs.
• Assist with the photography and videography program portfolio.
• Prepare marketing plans for existing programs, which include flyers, timelines, and contacts.
• Attend fundraising and tabling events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• This position is primarily located in Colorado Springs, CO, at the Catamount Institute, with some responsibilities and programs 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.
• Occasional overnight programs (2–6 days) are required.
• Driving a 15-passenger van to transport youth and materials is required.
• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. Work days are often 10:00am – 6:30pm, unless assigned programs are on days with no after-school programs or on weekends.
• 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.
• Use of a computer and other office equipment is required for lesson planning, communication, and program tracking.

Required Qualifications:

• 2 – 5 years of education experience with middle and/or high school audiences.
• High school diploma or GED required. A bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred (education, environmental science, biology etc.).
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including overnights.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; computer literate.
• Adaptable, dependable, and able to take initiative in changing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to professionally engage with youth, families, school staff, and community partners.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity in education and the workplace.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record and at least 25 years of age (for van insurance eligibility).
• Reliable transportation.
• U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.