Summer Instructor

Position Start Date: June 4, 2025

Position Description: Embark on an unforgettable summer adventure in Jackson Hole, Wyoming! Join our passionate team at Teton Science Schools, where you’ll help inspire 1st-7th grade campers through immersive, nature and play-based outdoor programs. 

As a Summer Instructor, you’ll co-lead engaging, place-based lessons and activities, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship. You’ll guide groups of up to 13 campers each week, taking them on outdoor experiences across Grand Teton National Park, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and our Jackson Campus. 

Imagine: 

• Leading students on canoeing excursions at String Lake
• Teaching about wildlife and ecology through exploration, games, and crafts
• Camping under the stars with your field group in Grand Teton National Park
• Working alongside a collaborative, fun-loving team in one of the most beautiful National Parks

If you’re excited to inspire young adventurers while spending your summer outdoors, this is the role for you! 

*Although TSS offers summer programs for various age groups, this position is specifically for 1st-7th grade summer day camp programs*

Responsibilities:

• Create a safe, engaging, and positive camp culture that is fun, respectful, and curiosity-driven.
• Facilitate outdoor lessons, activities, and team-building experiences for 1st-7th graders.
• Ensure participant well-being and safety, managing risk and responding to emergencies per TSS policies and support structures.
• Interact professionally and empathetically with camper families, providing clear communication and support.
• Co-teach with fellow educators, collaborating on lesson planning, feedback, and mentorship.
• Co-create outlines of weekly teaching plans with your co-educator ahead of time, ensuring participant families receive clear schedules and expectations.
• Lead outdoor experiences including hiking, canoeing, front-country camping, and team-building on our low ropes challenge course.
• Drive 15-passenger vans or mini buses with trailers for camper transportation.
• Support daily operations of Field Education, including facilitating mealtimes, organizing student cleanup, and maintaining teaching spaces, equipment, and supplies.
• Take care of yourself to stay energized, motivated, and engaged throughout a dynamic season
• Learn about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and incorporate science-based content into lessons.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with youth (1st-7th grade) in outdoor or experiential education settings, such as summer camp, coaching, or teaching.
• Strong interpersonal skills– friendly, patient, adaptable, and clear in communication.
• Ability to co-plan and co-facilitate lessons and activities, adjusting to campers’ needs and interests.
• Problem-solving mindset– responding to camper behavior and group dynamics with empathy and creativity.
• Comfort working in an outdoor setting for full days– hiking, canoeing, and front-country camping.
• Commitment to fostering a welcoming space for campers and fellow staff.
• Desire to play outside, facilitate meaningful experiences, foster connection to nature, and get nerdy and silly with kids!

Requirements:

• Valid Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• Successful applicants must pass a criminal history background check and driving record review prior to start date.

Benefits:

• Daily rate of $141.65/day for 1st year Instructors.
• $500 reimbursement for WFR certification. (If obtained within 4 months of start date)
• Limited employee housing available at locally competitive rates. Commuting is likely.
• Pro Deals from brand name outdoor companies.
• Proximity to Jackson, Wyoming and Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

This job description is not meant to state or imply that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their manager in compliance with federal and state laws.

Application Deadline: Applications reviewed and instructor positions filled on a rolling basis, preference given to those received before March 15, 2025.

Application Requirements: Please submit the online application, which includes uploading a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. Position questions can be directed to feemployment@tetonscience.org.