Group Leader Positions
The Group Leader is the senior instructor for each expedition. As such, they lead a staff team of 3-4 instructors; they provide accountability for the safety, program, and experience of each Trekker; and they are ultimately in charge of decisions made for the group when it is in the field. Group Leaders are inspiring educators who make life long impacts on all their students in each of our expeditions.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Cottonwood Gulch Foundation is looking for experienced outdoor educators to lead its summer wilderness courses in the Southwest. Expeditions explore the mountains, canyons, and high deserts of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado on camping, backpacking, and canoe trips. Each group also stays at our 540-acre nature preserve and permanent base camp in the Zuni Mountains of New Mexico. Program centers on adventure, personal growth, fun, and hands-on learning in disciplines such as ecology, archaeology, and traditional Native American art.
OUR MISSION
Since 1926, The Cottonwood Gulch Foundation has sponsored educational wilderness expeditions and outdoor programs in the American Southwest that promote personal growth, scientific, historic, and cultural discovery as well as a knowledgeable environmental ethic among all those who participate. Cottonwood Gulch is an educational non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in the state of New Mexico.
RESPONSIBILITIES
This is an extraordinary opportunity for seasoned educators to craft the course and experience they have always wanted. Group Leaders take responsibility for all elements of course when it is in the field, from group morale to personal safety and risk management to reaching educational objectives. Group Leaders and their staff teams have considerable leeway to tailor the activities, itineraries, and projects in the field to the needs, interests, and talents of their groups. Risk assessment, planning backpacks, mentoring all students, and leading custom hands-on projects are shared jobs for the entire staff. Group Leaders are solely in charge of communications with parents and the Director, evaluating students, leading the staff team, and accounting for all finances. Balancing fun, learning, and group responsibility is a priority.
QUALIFICATIONS
Successful applicants will have solid experience working with students, either in or outside of the classroom, and a strong record of making decisions for groups while in the field. Applicants should show significant passion for an area of instruction within the general outlines of the expedition and have experience leading projects in that area. All jobs require a driver’s license and record in good standing and advanced certification in wilderness medicine. Priority given to creative and energetic career educators and those with a profound curiosity for their surroundings.
BENEFITS
Salary dependent on experience (typically between $2,000-3,000). Full room and board, transportation to and from New Mexico, health care coverage, laundry facilities, a rotation of time off, an exceptionally fun working environment, and stars to sleep under every night. Become part of this long-standing community of educators, where 70% of our instructors return each summer.
HOW TO APPLY
Download an application at www.cottonwoodgulch.org/jobs or email a cover letter and resume to the Executive Director at mike@cottonwoodgulch.org. All positions open until filled with priority given to early applicants.