Program Overview

Balarat Outdoor Education is a part of Denver Public Schools and offers a range of programs that provide a balance of hands-on science activities, living history units, field-based exploration, and adventure programming. We operate throughout the school year, offering two and three-day student residential programs, in addition to day trips. Balarat excursions have become an integral part of the Denver Public Schools’ curriculum. Balarat serves over 430 classes, or approximately 10,000 students, each year and has been part of Denver Public Schools since 1969.

Job Summary

Balarat Outdoor Education is hiring educators for next school year. The position is a full time, 40 hour a week, salary, school-year position, with summers off. Benefits included through Denver Public Schools.The Balarat Facilitator is part of a collaborative team which works together to meet program objectives, including instruction, and provide students with positive outcomes and a welcoming experience. Working with Denver Public Schools 3rd and 5th graders as well as high school students, they are responsible for facilitating a wide variety of program activities. The position involves working with a classroom teacher to lead 5th grade students on overnight environmental education excursions at the Balarat Outdoor Education Center near Boulder, CO, as well as working with 3rd grade students and their teachers at Genesee Mountain Park outside of Denver.

General Responsibilities: 

• Manage groups of up to 35 elementary students in an outdoor setting
• Cultural competency working with urban and/or diverse populations
• Collaborate with other Balarat educators in evaluating programs and developing activities
• Enthusiasm in and knowledge about the outdoors
• Give and receive feedback
• Walk an average of six miles per day
• Willing and prepared to work outdoors in extreme weather
• Work continuous periods of 2 to 3 days at the facility on a weekly basis and supervise students overnight

Required Qualifications:

• Must be able to lift and carry at least 20 pounds
• Experience in facilitation (briefing, debriefing etc.)
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Ability to work on diverse teams and with a diverse range of people
• Ability to take initiative and produce results
• Dedicated and committed to the mission of Balarat and Denver Public Schools
• Up-to-date computer skills and an understanding of how to utilize Google Drive
• Understanding of the myriad relationships youth may have with the outdoors and outdoor program based on class, race, and gender