Position Summary:

Job Description:

Western Colorado University invites applications for the summer position of Junior Mountaineers Camp (JMC) Day Camp Lead Instructor. Both part-time and full-time summer JMC Lead Instructor positions are available. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Responsibilities:  The position reports to the Junior Mountaineers Camp Director and is responsible for leading, supervising, and educating youth ages 5–18 through hands-on STEAM learning, outdoor recreation, and physical activity. Lead Instructors work with JMC Instructors to design, plan, and facilitate engaging lessons and activities aligned with weekly camp themes, support a safe and inclusive camp environment, communicate with families during drop-off and pick-up, and manage camper behavior. This is an on-campus, in-person position running from late May through August.

Qualifications: Valid CPR/AED, First Aid, and Medication Administration Certifications (will be provided). Must be at least 18 years of age.

State Licensing Requirements:

• Ability to pass state-licensed required CBI, FBI, Trails background checks
• Complete and submit annual health history
• Must have at least three (3) months (455 hours) of full-time or equivalent part-time satisfactory and verifiable experience with school-age children or a current early childhood professional credential level one or higher
• Three hours of biking experience

Full time college student pursuing in a degree program related to a STEAM, Outdoor Recreation / Education, Parks & Recreation, Kinesiology, Sports Management, Education, or other related field. GPA of 3.0 or higher (if currently pursuing a degree) OR extensive experience leading/teaching youth and/or adults.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in STEAM, Outdoor Recreation / Education, Parks & Recreation, Kinesiology, Sports Management, Education, or other related fields. Experience working in a youth camp, teaching science/physical education/elementary education to youth ages 5-18. Red Cross lifeguard certification or eight (8) hours of documented experience indicating knowledge and skill in watercraft instruction and documented experience of engaging in the activity within the past two (2) years. Knowledge of CDHS State Licensing Rules & Regulations

Compensation: $22 per hour

Application Procedure:  Please go to www.western.edu/jobs and use our online application.  Required attachments to your application include a cover letter, resume, and a list of three employment references.

Application Deadline: February 20th, 2026 at 11:59pm (MST).

The start date for this position is May 18, 2026.

Please direct any questions to Bree Hare at [email protected] or (970) 943-2109.  

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy in skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEII Committee charge.

 
ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] or (970) 943-3140.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS