Skills
- Ability to work with and create an inclusive environment for diverse campers.
- Experience in risk management for outdoor and environmental education.
- Strong group management skills, especially with youth in outdoor settings.
- Creativity, adaptability, and flexibility in managing children in various situations.
- Outdoor recreation experience (e.g., hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing).
- Knowledge of science-based curriculum (e.g., ecology, geology, biology).
- Desire to contribute positively to the KSS community.
- Rock Climbing Skills:
- Teach climbing safety, belaying, and basic techniques.
- Manage top rope climbing sites and inspect/maintain climbing gear.
- Tie essential knots and hitches for sport climbing.
- Provide hands-on coaching for campers of all skill levels.
- Lead belay and ensure high safety standards.
- Experience with sport/trad climbing (5.8+), lead climbing (5.9+ preferred).
- Ability to set up/clean top rope climbs and manage institutional climbing.
- Familiarity with rappel safety and basic rescue techniques (e.g., belay transfers).
- Knowledge of KSS climbing crags (preferred but not required).
- Professional climbing certifications (e.g., SPI) are a plus.
Education, Experience and Certifications
- Be over the age of 18 by the start date of employment.
- Preferred - Age 20+ with an excellent driving record and a valid driver’s license.
- Awareness of outdoor climbing safety practices.
- Experience leading youth in outdoor recreation excursions.
- Familiarity with climbing gear (harnesses, helmets, ropes, belay devices, slings, quickdraws).
- SPI or other climbing certifications are a plus.
- 460 hours of experience working with school- age children (verification of hours required).
- Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications, from an approved vendor, or the ability to obtain before the first day of employment (KSS does offer an on-site WFA course before staff training in May at the expense of the individual).
Physical Requirements
- Able to work a majority of the time outside at high altitude in varying conditions including uneven and slick terrain and unpredictable weather and situations.
- Physically able to assist participants with recreation equipment during activities.
- Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. with assistance.
- Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices.
- Auditory and visual acuity to interact with guests, students, clients on a daily basis.
- Able to successfully manage multiple, high priority tasks in a fast-paced and often times crowded and noisy environment
Keystone Science School: Who We Are
Keystone Science School (KSS) ignites curiosity and critical thinking through hands-on, nature-based learning. Nestled at 9,200 feet in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, our 23-acre campus serves as a hub for immersive, inquiry-driven experiences. Since 1976, we have combined outdoor adventure with STEM education, empowering students, teachers, and communities. Our programs—including summer camps, school-based learning, and outdoor education—promote scientific exploration, leadership, and environmental stewardship. With log-style dorms, a dining hall, an outdoor amphitheater, and an observatory, KSS provides an inspiring setting for discovery.
Benefits for Seasonal Staff
At KSS, our staff are essential to our mission. We are proud to offer rewarding benefits including professional development opportunities and those listed below.
- Free meals and housing maybe provided depending on position.
- Up to 32 paid sick hours.
- Paid holidays.
- Access to medical, dental, and vision benefits after four months of employment.
- Sick time, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) are offered.
- Discounts to outdoor retailers and discounted ski pass opportunities.
Work Schedule and Environment
This position primarily operates in a high-altitude outdoor environment. Day Camp programs run five days a week, from Monday through Friday, with Saturdays and Sundays off. Additional hours are required on Thursdays for the weekly campus reset. Programming takes place both on campus and at remote off-site locations. Employees will work closely with teammates and campers in this highly collaborative role.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Keystone Science School is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
