Lead Instructor

Big City Mountaineers (BCM) provides transformative outdoor experiences that build life skills, belonging, and confidence for youth from communities historically underrepresented in the outdoors.

We serve youth ages 12–18 through free, fully outfitted, professionally led day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day backcountry expeditions across the country.

BCM is headquartered in Denver, CO and operates regional hubs in:

San Francisco Bay Area • Denver • Minneapolis • Seattle • Birmingham

About the Role

BCM youth are resilient, courageous, and curious — and many are stepping into the outdoors for the first time. BCM Instructors play a critical role in creating safe, joyful, inclusive, and empowering experiences in nature. Instructors lead programs with empathy, strong risk management, and youth-centered facilitation — supporting young people as they connect to nature, themselves, community, and joy.

Instructors work closely with BCM staff, volunteers, and Youth Agency Partners to deliver high-quality outdoor programs rooted in relationship-building, reflection, and shared challenge.

What You’ll Do

Program Leadership & Facilitation

• Lead day programs, 1–2 night overnights, and 5–7 day expeditions (backpacking or canoeing depending on the region)
• Facilitate outcomes-based curriculum focused on belonging, leadership, and connection
• Empower youth voice and leadership throughout the trip experience
• Integrate learning into everyday moments (meals, hiking, camp setup, reflection)

Group Development

• Co-create community agreements and support positive group dynamics
• Foster emotional safety, trust, and collaboration
• Support adult volunteers and partner staff in youth engagement

Risk Management & Safety

• Implement BCM safety policies and emergency protocols
• Assess environmental and group risks in real time
• Serve as in-field medical responder with frontcountry support from Regional Program Managers

Outdoor Skills Instruction

• Teach navigation, campcraft, Leave No Trace, cooking systems, and gear use
• Model responsible outdoor ethics and stewardship

Program Prep & Follow-Up (paid time)

• Pre-trip planning, food and gear prep, and adult team meetings
• Post-trip debriefs, evaluations, documentation, and gear cleaning

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with youth from racially, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse communities
• Documented experience leading groups in outdoor or backcountry settings
• Ability to complete virtual and in-person instructor trainings
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) — or willingness to obtain
• Ability to pass background check and driving record review
• Experience driving 10+ passenger vans (or willingness to train)
• Ability to carry up to 60 lbs
• Strong communication, professionalism, and teamwork skills
• Commitment to youth-centered, equity-driven outdoor education

BCM offers an Instructor Scholarship Program to support certifications when needed.

Preferred (Not Required)

• Trauma-informed or Mental Health First Aid training
• Multilingual skills (Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Amharic, Hmong, Somali, and more)
• Experience in outdoor education, adventure programs, or camps
• Cultural responsiveness and commitment to equity and belonging
• Water safety / lifeguard certification (canoe programs only)

Work Expectations

• Seasonal commitment: April 1 – Labor Day (exact dates depending on region)
• Instructors typically commit to 1–10 complete trip series per season
• Each trip series includes a day hike → overnight → expedition with the same youth cohort
• Mandatory paid training: Virtual National Orientation, In-person regional training (dates vary by region)

Program Locations

• San Francisco Bay Area, CA – Backpacking
• Denver, CO – Backpacking
• Seattle, WA – Backpacking
• Minneapolis, MN – Canoeing (Boundary Waters)
• Birmingham, AL – Backpacking, Canoeing

Priority given to instructors living within 100 miles of hub cities.

Our Commitment

BCM is committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applicants whose lived experience and identities have been historically underrepresented in outdoor spaces.