Mountain Kids! Summer Field Instructor Opportunity
About Mountain Kids!
Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Mountain Kids is a 17-year-old outdoor education and adventure program for children ages 5-16. We aim to connect kids with nature, themselves, and each other through personal challenges, outdoor exploration, learning, and fun. We offer small group sizes and a low adult-to-child ratio, allowing us to provide a quality outdoor learning experience. Here at Mountain Kids, we believe that outdoor experiential exploration and play allow kids to build confidence, inspire personal growth, and develop a love for the natural world. Throughout each day, campers will participate in various experiential, hands-on activities, including hiking, team-building, nature awareness games, arts & crafts, imaginative play, learning & practicing wilderness skills, and much more! Field Instructors are an integral part of all of our programming. They are dedicated professionals who aim to build and maintain a safe, inclusive, encouraging, and meaningful experience for all participants. In the summer, field instructors supervise, facilitate, and support campers through various daily activities and adventures. Each week, instructors play a vital role in encouraging kids to discover the natural world through fun, explorative outdoor activities, games, and experiences. Check out our website for more information!
Summer Field Instructor Opportunity (Seeking Multiple Candidates)
We are looking for caring, responsible, outgoing, and fun outdoor educators who love the natural world, enjoy working with children, and care about their development. Field instructors are outdoor enthusiasts who understand outdoor risks, hazards, and preparedness. They should be experienced team players who can demonstrate excellent judgment and flexibility. Field instructors are problem-solvers who can maintain a positive attitude throughout the day.
As a Summer Field Instructor, you will
- Co-lead a new group of campers each week, building a close-knit community.
- Be in charge of the health and well-being of your group every day.
- Help your campers build confidence and inspire personal growth.
- Help them learn to communicate clearly and solve problems independently and as a team.
- Model respectful behavior toward people, property, and the natural world.
- Facilitate epic outdoor adventures.
- Participate in weekly staff meetings, helping to create a supportive, cohesive environment where all staff can learn and grow together.
Ideal candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Experienced outdoors person with knowledge of hazards, preparedness & safety, or willingness to learn
- Experience (and love for) working with children (ages 5-16)
- Have excellent group management skills
- Ability to maintain a high energy level and positive attitude
- Have strong communication and organization skills
- Be a team player, able to implement camp curriculum alone or with others
- Excellent problem-solving skills, flexibility, and willingness to take initiative
- Clean driving record, able to drive a 15-passenger van
- Excellent judgment and concern for the safety of children
- Ability to work the entire summer season, including staff training (see dates below)
- Ability to speak Spanish
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Current Wilderness First Aid/CPR Training
- Have a clean driving record (must be 21 + to drive vans)
- Able to pass a background check
Mountain Kids! Summer Staff Training: May 19-23, 2025
Summer Camp (Full-Time)
- Dates of Employment: May 19 - August 8, 2025 (with possible extension beyond summer)
- Hours: Full Time - Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (40 hours/week)
Hotel Guide (Part-Time)
- Dates of Employment: May 19-Aug 30, 2025
- Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Compensation and Benefits:
- $17 - $22/hour (based on experience)
- Training in Outdoor Education and Wilderness Survival Skills
- Pro Deals on Outdoor Gear
- 1-Week Off Paid (for those who commit to the entire summer)
To Apply:
- Please complete our online application (https://sfmountainkids.com/employment-opportunities/), including uploading a cover letter and resume.
