From 14,000-foot snow covered mountains to deep canyons carved by rivers millions of years ago, you will experience the unique and beautiful Southwest from many perspectives with Southwest Conservation Corps.
Crew Leaders, Trail Crew Members, Fire Training & Veterans Fire Corps
SCC is based out of the Four Corners region in Durango (located near the San Juan National Forest, Mesa Verde National Park, and all things Utah) and the Los Valles region in Salida (north of the San Luis Valley home of Great Sand Dunes National Park and south of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, home of several 14’ers).
Crews with the Southwest Conservation Corps blend team building with vital and meaningful conservation projects in beautiful Southwest locales throughout the year. From 14,000-foot snow covered mountains to deep canyons carved by rivers millions of years ago, you will experience the unique and beautiful Southwest from many perspectives with SCC. Travel places few people have been, places covered in history, beauty and true wild areas. Projects may include technical trail construction and maintenance, wildfire management and mitigation, wildlife habitat improvement, environmental restoration, disaster relief, GIS monitoring and campground improvement, and a special program for Veterans who have served in the U.S. military. Exciting, challenging, rewarding—there is no one word to describe participating in SCC projects. It’s about learning, working hard for the environment and communities, and giving something back. Benefits include a living allowance ranging from $400-$800/week, camping and meals provided in the field, uniforms, travel, the ability to live and work in the beautiful southwest region, and valuable training and field experience. AmeriCorps members are eligible for an AmeriCorps education award. If you are positive, motivated, hardworking, willing to work and participate as part of a team, don't mind a little dirt under your fingernails, and able to camp in all types of weather conditions, join now! Positions range from 10 weeks to 8+ months, with opportunities available year-round.
2025 Fire Mitigation Crews! • SCC is currently seeking 2025 Winter Fire Mitigation Crew Leaders & Crew Members (January 6th/13th–March 28th work term).
This is my commute. This is my office. This is my job!
• Four Corners Regional Office
Lane Tomassini
Program Coordinator
Southwest Conservation Corps
701 Camino del Rio, Suite 101
Durango, CO 81301 ltomassini@conservationlegacy.org
• Los Valles Regional Office Brittany LeTendre
Adult Program Manager
Southwest Conservation Corps
701 E. Hwy 50
Salida, CO 81201 bletendre@conservationlegacy.org
Conservation Corps Trails/Saw Crews, Youth Corps & Internships
Rocky Mountain Youth Corps engages young people in the outdoors throughout northwest Colorado, inspiring them to use their strengths and potential to lead healthy, productive lives.
Join Rocky Mountain Youth Corps for an immersive outdoor experience on public lands! Conservation Corps, Youth Corps, and Natural Resource Internship programs offer diverse skill-building opportunities all based within natural resource conservation. Work alongside the Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and more to complete meaning service aimed at conserving the Rocky Mountain’s public lands. One day you might help build a campground and the next you could be blazing a new trail in the wilderness. Expect to spend a ton of time camping outdoors, hiking, and exploring Northwest Colorado’s natural beauty on your weekends with your fellow crew members as well! Positions generally run from April through mid-October with varied start/end dates. Compensation varies by position or placement, with additional benefits that may include lodging, transportation, food, showers, laundry, gear stipends, and an AmeriCorps education award. Many positions are entry-level, so no experience is required—just a willingness to learn, get dirty, and work hard in the outdoors. Whether you are looking for a fun summer job or the next step in your career, RMYC provides an unforgettable experience filled with growth, adventure, and meaningful work. Explore current job openings »
2025 Crews—Applications Opening Soon! • Join Rocky Mountain Youth Corps in 2025 for an immersive outdoor experience on public lands! Applications for the upcoming year will be opening soon — check out 2024 position descriptions and view crew types here.
Ski Resort, Guest Services, Food & Beverage & Hospitality Jobs
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Copper Mountain is a vacation destination located 90 miles west of Denver. Three vibrant, pedestrian-friendly village areas host lodging, retail outlets, restaurants, bars, and family activities. During the winter months, Copper's world-class terrain spanning 2,527 acres offers skiing and riding for all ages and abilities. Each summer, the mountain transforms into a playground for hikers, mountain bikers, and anyone seeking a genuine Colorado experience.
Seeking passionate individuals who are excited to work and live at Copper—now hiring for the winter ski season! Whether you're wanting to spend a winter season working in the mountains or hoping to start a career in the ski resort industry, Copper Mountain has something to offer for all job seekers. From entry level to management level jobs, multiple position openings in various departments include Guest & Hospitality Services, Rental & Retail, Lodging, Food & Beverage, Base Operations, Ski & Ride School, Lift Operations, Transportation, and more! Summer options include inside/outside staff, and positions at the golf course and Woodward Copper's summer camps. Positions are available year-round, the winter season (November to mid-April), and summer (June to September), with flex start/end dates.Great perks include slope-side employee housing, FREE skiing/riding at 16+ nearby mountain resorts and access to the Woodward Copper Action Sports Facility. Check out current job openings online and review the basic requirements along with the preferred experience and special skills.
Pursue your passion this winter with housing available, free access to 16+ mountains, free Athletic Club membership, and more!
Stone Canyon Outdoor EdVentures is an outdoor education school, summer camp, and retreat facility. Located at 6,800 feet on the historic site of the Freedom School, Stone Canyon's 99-acre campus is just minutes from Larkspur, 50 minutes from Denver and 30 minutes from Colorado Springs. Because of their great location, you’ll have quick access to the mountains, Garden of the Gods, and tons of outdoor activities.
Stone Canyon Outdoor EdVentures has a young and energetic staff who are passionate and enthusiastic about working in the outdoors! Instructors teach 5th & 6th grade students in a variety of classes within the disciplines of science, outdoor education, and leadership development, as well as facilitate team building, high ropes, and zip lines. Instructors also have the unique opportunity to mentor High School Lead Volunteers from within the Douglas County School District and have cabin supervisory duties two nights per week. Positions are available during the spring (mid-January to mid-May) and fall season (early August to mid-December). Compensation starts at $490/week and includes on-site housing, meals during programming, WiFi access, paid training, pro-deals on outdoor gear, and easy access to great hiking, camping, climbing, and more! Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent life experience), prior experience working with school-aged youth, be at least 21 years of age, energetic, approachable, able to have fun with kids, and enjoy sharing their passion for the outdoors. If you are looking to deliver academic content in a memorable fashion, have a positive impact on the lives of young people, able to bring new ideas to continue developing the program, and ready to be a part of a close-knit, passionate team of outdoor educators, please send your resume and optional cover letter to Seanna Kautz.
Stone Canyon Current Hiring! • Stone Canyon is currently seeking Program Instructors for the spring 2025(January 13th–May 21st) season.
The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Junior Ranger Program has been engaging passionate and motivated teens to work on a variety of natural resource projects. Each summer, hardworking and dedicated Junior Rangers (ages 14-17) work outside, earn a paycheck, develop critical work skills, explore nature together, work as part of a team, and give back to their community! Projects include trail maintenance and construction, forestry, vegetation and ecological restoration projects in and around Boulder.
Join a legacy of service, stewardship, and fun in Boulder, Colorado! Junior Ranger Program staff are experienced and passionate outdoor leaders with a commitment to youth development, service learning and conservation. Summer Crew Leads (13 openings) will supervise a trail crew of 10 youth while building functional teams, supporting stewardship, developing job skills, and integrating environmental education lessons. Applicants must have accomplished outdoor leadership skills and experience working with youth (a background in environmental or outdoor education is a plus), minimum age of 19 years, and a valid driver's license and good driving record. Compensation ranges from $16.65-$20.35/hour, including three weeks of paid training. These seasonal, non-residential positions run from May 13th–August 15th, 2024 (MO-FR, 7:30am–4pm), with an unpaid holiday break around the 4th of July. Join a team of individuals who come from a variety of backgrounds in leadership, education, and conservation!
Summer 2025 Employment Update • Plan ahead for summer 2025—OSMP will begin accepting applications this January.
Connect with a mountain place, exciting people, and adventurous programs you’ll never forget! Enjoy the rewards of positive relationships with youth, peers, and nature. Reside in their camp community at 8,500 feet up from Boulder and near the historic mining town of Gold Hill, featuring vistas of the Rocky Mountain Front Range and overlooking the twinkling lights on the plains.
Come for the summer of a lifetime in the Colorado Rockies! Join the high-spirited, multi-talented and skilled Colorado Mountain Ranch staff. Live and work with 45 other outdoor educators and recreationists. Implement programs and activities with children and/or horses as a group counselor, activity instructor, wrangler, or driver. Help in the office with overall management, in the kitchen with homemade personalized food service, or on the grounds with construction projects and facility maintenance. Every job involves inspiring and guiding young people, participating enthusiastically in all daily activities, and embracing a philosophy of respect for self, others and nature. Most first year staff members earn $460/week (plus a completion-of-contract bonus, travel stipend, and optional week off), along with home-made, buffet style meals, housing, a mountain home for the summer, leadership training, and lifetime friends. Paid Internships are possible! The 2024 camp season begins on May 21st with a two-week orientation followed by ten weeks of children's programs through August 11th. To connect right away, call/email Lynn or JoJo OR complete the online application.
Family-owned Colvig Silver Camps is a residential, wilderness-oriented camp that blends traditional summer activities with overnight backcountry adventures in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. Camp activities include (but are never limited to) day hikes, field games, arts & crafts, western horseback riding, target sports, swimming, rock climbing, ropes/challenge course, environmental activities, campfires, songs, skits, cookouts and more! Wilderness trips include desert and alpine backpacking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, Anasazi ruin exploration, canoeing and rafting.
Creative. Tireless. Patient. Flexible. Positive Attitude. Fun-Loving Spirit. Sense of Humor. Responsible. Sound like you?Colvig Silver Camps seeks these key attributes in its summer staff. Summer job opportunities include Counselors, Trip Leaders, Program Coordinators, Expedition Coordinator, Arts & Crafts Coordinator, Climbing Coordinator, Range Instructor, Wranglers, Photographer, Videographer, Cooks, Nanny, and a Registered Nurse. Benefits include a summer salary ranging from $3,500–$5,100, travel reimbursement and bonuses, room and board, laundry, pro-deal purchases for outdoor gear, comprehensive staff training, and WFA certification. 2025 positions begin as early as May 11th with all staff training from May 26th–June 8th, a mid-summer break from July 7th–10th, and work through August 11th. At minimum, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have completed 1 year of college. If you have a passion for working with children in an outdoor setting and a commitment to the development of positive, meaningful relationships, read the staff FAQs, fill out the online application or connect with Tyler Dixon for more information.
Educating people to be environmentally responsible since its founding in 1968, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies offers hikes, nature classes and field study programs at Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, Aspen Mountain, the Maroon Bells, Snowmass, and at the ghost town of Ashcroft.
Summer Naturalists receive valuable education, training and experience while guiding natural history hikes, leading education programs, teaching bird of prey programs, and assisting with management of the Hallam Lake visitor center and 25-acre nature preserve. Naturalists will also gain knowledge of the local flora and fauna and have the opportunity to inspire the public in a beautiful natural setting. Compensation includes a $325 weekly stipend, shared housing within walking distance of ACES, a weekly food stipend from Rock Bottom Ranch, and free participation in one of ACES Field Classes. Preference is given to those who have studied the natural sciences or environment field, are enthusiastic about education, and enjoy working with the public (CPR/first aid certification is required). 12 Naturalists will be hired to work from June 3rd–September 1st, 2025 (June 3rd–13th mandatory staff training), with potential rehiring extending into the school year or winter. To apply, visit ACES Naturalist and submit your application by February 15, 2025.
• Click here to view some action shots of ACES Summer Naturalists.
As a summer outdoor adventure residential camp in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado, Sanborn offers staff and campers the opportunity to grow as young men and women while climbing the highest peaks in Colorado, horse packing for miles, canoeing for days, mountain biking incredible terrain, living together in the outdoors, and enjoying endless memories with amazing people.
Working at Sanborn Western Camps is a rewarding opportunity to impact youth, build relationships and experience countless adventures. The days are full, the energy is high, and the fun is contagious. The majority of summer staff include Counselors, Assistant Counselors and Wranglers, with program areas that focus on backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, natural sciences, water activities, arts & crafts, drama, film, sports, and so much more. Additional positions include Registered Nurses, Kitchen staff, and Program Coordinators that specialize in certain areas of camp. The base salary starts at $3,700 plus lodging, meals, laundry and discounts on outdoor gear & clothing. Staff will be trained in cutting edge youth development strategies, team building scenarios, facilitation skills, and leadership techniques. Applicants must have experience working with kids and a love for the outdoors. Experience in program areas and additional certifications are a big plus. All staff must make a commitment from May 28th to August 12th, 2025. Some staff may be asked to arrive earlier for specific trainings if available. If you are a positive role model, resilient, empathetic, hardworking, creative, selfless, flexible, adaptable and show initiative, apply today!
Friendship, adventure, personal growth, and amazing trips & activities make each day as unique as each of the campers, staff and alums who call Sanborn home!
Experience the extraordinary lands and cultures of North America (Alaska, British Columbia, Colorado, Florida Keys, Hawaii, Maine and Puerto Rico) and places around the world (Bali, Belize, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Laos, Norway, Spain, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam).
The Road Less Traveled is a life-changing educational travel experience—an extraordinary opportunity to join with others, explore humanity, build deep relationships, and develop an appreciation for our world’s vast adventurous scenery and its people. As a Trip Leader, you'll have the opportunity to share your knowledge and love of the wilderness, service learning, and cultural awareness with bright and enthusiastic young people; work with other highly motivated, qualified, committed professionals; and experience extraordinary lands and cultures around the world. Trip Leaders are genuine, friendly, active, educated, and well-traveled. They are not just educators and counselors, they are spirited mentors. They are responsible, committed, purposeful and bold! Trip Leaders begin their summer with ten days of paid staff training, then guide and engage participants in service-learning projects, language immersion programs, backpacking, rock climbing, biking, kayaking, trekking, SCUBA diving, whitewater rafting, and more from June through August. Compensations for first year Trip Leaders begins at $65/day and includes all food, lodging and transportation from the start of staff training through the end of your final trip, a stipend towards certifications, and the opportunity to work with world-renown and expert guides. RLT is always looking for motivated people with a passion for life-changing travel to join the team!
2025 Trip Leader Hiring!
The Road Less Traveled is now hiring Trip Leaders for the summer 2025 season. Apply early to ensure positions are still available!
A ten-day training is mandatory for all RLT summer staff. Check out staff training »
Guides (Educators) and Coordinators (Teacher & Manager)
Work options are available in the Bay Area (CA), Denver (CO), Portland (OR), and Seattle (WA). The By Area is the ideal place to blend outdoor skills with an urban environment; Denver offers access to stunning natural features to explore as well as adventure sports like climbing, kayaking, and hiking; Portland offers incredible natural areas and is one of the most fantastic cities to live and play outdoors; while Seattle puts you right on the Puget Sound, with waterways to explore and the Cascade Mountains looming in the distance!
With immersive programs filled with epic stories and adventure, Trackers Earth is a youth organization dedicated to igniting children's passion for real-life adventures while learning to navigate obstacles. Trackers believes empowering kids to tackle genuine challenges, fostering resilience by developing grit and character is essential for them to thrive. Educators/Guides and Coordinators are needed for summer youth camps to create thoughtful, challenging adventures in the outdoors. Prospective staff members must have the know-how (or a great willingness to learn) diverse skill sets such as wilderness survival and bushcraft, farm craft and homesteading, archery and bow making, kayaking, fishing and foraging, martial arts, rock climbing, and blacksmithing. Trackers pays more for day and overnight camps than comparable industry organizations. Training for the majority of teachers begins in early June with the summer season running through late August. If you maintain high professional standards, are able to set and communicate boundaries for youth in a positive way, think on your feet, and are creative in challenging situations, explore current job opportunities in the Bay Area, Denver, Portland and Seattle.