YMCA of the Rockies , Estes Park, Colorado
YMCA of the Rockies
ProfileOverview
Do you believe that learning is more powerful when it happens outside—on trails, under star-filled skies, and in the heart of the Rocky Mountains? At YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center, we’re looking for passionate educators who want to make a real impact on young learners while living and working in one of the most stunning places on earth.
What You’ll Do
As an Environmental Education Instructor, you’ll bring science, adventure, and curiosity to life for thousands of visiting students. Your days might include:
Leading engaging 3-hour environmental education classes for elementary and middle school students
Guiding night hikes and campfire programs twice a week
Connecting with teachers and chaperones to ensure meaningful learning experiences
Supporting program development and organizational tasks
Helping prepare lodge rooms each week so students feel welcome and at-home
Applying your training in CPR, First Aid, and risk management to keep everyone safe outdoors
This role is perfect for educators, environmental science enthusiasts, outdoor leaders, and anyone who loves inspiring young minds in nature.
What You Bring
Pursuing or holding a degree in Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, Science, or similar — or equivalent relevant experience
Experience working with children
A passion for the outdoors and environmental learning
Willingness to work outside in all weather, hike up to 8 miles a day, and contribute to a collaborative team
Commitment to YMCA core values, safety, inclusivity, and positive community culture
Why YMCA of the Rockies?
When you join our team, you join a mission-driven community dedicated to healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. You’ll work on breathtaking grounds near Rocky Mountain National Park, surrounded by staff who care deeply about youth development, environmental stewardship, and creating meaningful experiences for our 150,000+ annual guests.
You’ll grow as an educator, develop leadership skills, and make an unforgettable impact—all while being part of a supportive, fun, values-based environment that welcomes all.
Work Environment
Spend up to 8 hours outdoors—in sunshine, rain, or snow
Walk uneven terrain and lift up to 30 lbs
Engage in hands-on, active teaching every day
Join a Community That Cares
We value collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, and the unique talents each staff member brings. Your work here doesn’t just support a program—it supports a mission.
What You’ll Do
As an Environmental Education Instructor, you’ll bring science, adventure, and curiosity to life for thousands of visiting students. Your days might include:
Leading engaging 3-hour environmental education classes for elementary and middle school students
Guiding night hikes and campfire programs twice a week
Connecting with teachers and chaperones to ensure meaningful learning experiences
Supporting program development and organizational tasks
Helping prepare lodge rooms each week so students feel welcome and at-home
Applying your training in CPR, First Aid, and risk management to keep everyone safe outdoors
This role is perfect for educators, environmental science enthusiasts, outdoor leaders, and anyone who loves inspiring young minds in nature.
What You Bring
Pursuing or holding a degree in Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, Science, or similar — or equivalent relevant experience
Experience working with children
A passion for the outdoors and environmental learning
Willingness to work outside in all weather, hike up to 8 miles a day, and contribute to a collaborative team
Commitment to YMCA core values, safety, inclusivity, and positive community culture
Why YMCA of the Rockies?
When you join our team, you join a mission-driven community dedicated to healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. You’ll work on breathtaking grounds near Rocky Mountain National Park, surrounded by staff who care deeply about youth development, environmental stewardship, and creating meaningful experiences for our 150,000+ annual guests.
You’ll grow as an educator, develop leadership skills, and make an unforgettable impact—all while being part of a supportive, fun, values-based environment that welcomes all.
Work Environment
Spend up to 8 hours outdoors—in sunshine, rain, or snow
Walk uneven terrain and lift up to 30 lbs
Engage in hands-on, active teaching every day
Join a Community That Cares
We value collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, and the unique talents each staff member brings. Your work here doesn’t just support a program—it supports a mission.
Employee Experience
Working at YMCA of the Rockies is less like a traditional job and more like being part of a close-knit mountain community rooted in purpose and service. Employees are connected to a mission that focuses on building healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, and many find deep fulfillment in knowing their work directly impacts families, guests, and fellow staff every day. The experience is highly community-driven, with coworkers often becoming friends through shared work, housing, meals, and outdoor adventures. The culture is values-based and supportive, emphasizing caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, with leaders who are approachable and mission-focused. Employees enjoy a unique mountain lifestyle with easy access to hiking, skiing, wildlife, and YMCA recreation facilities, along with opportunities to learn new skills, cross-train, and grow personally and professionally. While the work can be physically demanding and requires flexibility due to weather, altitude, and seasonal changes, many employees describe the experience as meaningful, memorable, and life-shaping—leaving with strong connections, valuable skills, and a lasting sense of purpose.
The Perfect Fit
The perfect fit for this position is someone who is mission-minded, genuinely caring about service, community, and making a meaningful impact rather than just earning a paycheck. They resonate deeply with the YMCA’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, and find fulfillment in helping others feel welcome, safe, and supported. People-centered in their approach, they enjoy working with guests, families, children, coworkers, and volunteers, demonstrating patience, friendliness, and calm under pressure, while feeling comfortable connecting with individuals from all backgrounds. Adaptable and team-oriented, they thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing environments and value collaboration, strong communication, and working together to achieve shared goals.
Perks & Housing
Job Perks
Employees at YMCA of the Rockies enjoy a unique set of perks that make mountain living both affordable and rewarding. Many positions offer access to on-site housing with utilities and Wi-Fi included, along with three meals a day in the dining commons, which removes much of the cost and stress of living in a resort mountain town. Employees receive free or discounted access to YMCA facilities such as fitness centers, climbing walls, trails, courts, and recreational programs, as well as opportunities to participate in seasonal activities like Nordic skiing, tubing, canoeing, hiking, and biking depending on location and time of year. Additional perks often include discounted lodging for friends and family, employee discounts on activities and gear, and access to corporate ski passes or reduced-rate lift tickets at nearby resorts. Beyond tangible benefits, seasonal staff gain a strong sense of community, participate in staff events and outings, and build transferable skills while working in a mission-driven environment surrounded by Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Housing Options
Rocky Mountain Living Package It’s not just a job; It’s an experience! What is included? • Housing in dormitory style rooms • Free utilities (electric, heat, water) • Free internet • Free laundry • Free cleaning supplies and vacuums • Housing lobbies feature o Refrigerators, microwaves, & Keurig’s o large screen TV’s o cable • 3 buffet style meals daily – eat in our dining halls or take your meals to-go. • Discounted lodge room nights for friends and family. • Access to all of YMCA of the Rockies facilities, free gear rentals, free or discounted tickets to local attractions, and the ability to sign up for free passes for skiing, indoor climbing and golf.
Meal Plan
Meals Included: 3 meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner). 7 days/wk
Things To Do In The Area
Estes Park Center -Rocky Mountain National Park -Fall River Visitor Center -Estes Park Aerial Tramway -Open Air Adventure Park -National Park Gateway Stables or Jackson Stables Snow Mountain Ranch -Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing -Winter Tubing & Ice Skating -Canoeing & Paddleboarding -Archery & Indoor Climbing -Whitewater Rafting
RV / CamperVan Space
RV/Camper Spots have limited availablabillity depending on season at Snow Mountain Ranch
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