Staff FAQ's
How many staff do you hire?
Typically, 13-16 seasonal staff are hired for each fall and each spring to facilitate the outdoor education program. These Outdoor Education Instructors work in conjunction with the group of around 20 core year-round staff, creating a unique working and living community.
Where do staff live?
A number of staff cabins are located near the main campus area, all of which include multiple individual rooms, shared bathrooms, and central heat. Staff share these living spaces, and Directors assign housing arrangements each season based on a variety of factors.
Do I need a personal vehicle?
No. Although having your own car at HTOEC can be useful, it is not necessary. All Staff housing is located within one mile of main campus, and HTOEC can provide a commuter bicycle for the season (bring your own helmet). People with cars often go to town for supplies and it's easy to catch a ride or jump in with a group of folks for a weekend adventure.
How far are we from the nearest town?
Florissant is the closest 'town' (gas, coffee, basic convenience store amenities, Subway, public library) about 10 minutes down the road. Woodland Park, a 30-minute drive, hosts a few grocery and hardware stores, movie theater, several decent restaurants, coffee shops, microbrewery, library and cultural center, and a fantastic ice-cream/donut shop with a view of Pikes Peak.
Do I need formal teaching experience?
No. We look for candidates with a variety of experiences working with kids and a passion for the outdoors, and provide specific training for the Outdoor Education Instructor position during Staff week. It can help to have teaching credentials or experience in the classroom, but many Staff are introduced to teaching and the outdoor classroom for the first time here.
What if my educational background isn't science-based?
That's OK. The basis of the HTOEC curriculum is Earth Science. However, we look for academic and experiential diversity when building a cohesive staff, and our curriculum emphasizes role-playing, hands-on learning. Individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds comprise each season's staff, and all bring their knowledge to the program in different ways.
What kind of training will we receive?
We have a formal staff training for a week and a half after arrival. During staff week we model the HTOEC teaching methods, orient new staff to the 6000 acre property, support staff in designing curricular units, get the facilities ready for students, and enjoy a lot of good food and fun!
Do we get time off?
Yes, weekends days are free. (see next question for more detail)
Are there other opportunities to work?
Yes, some weekends will be very busy at COEC. We often host leadership groups who need extra facilitation support or kitchen help, as well as camp reunions, teacher conferences, open house events, and collaborative events with the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
Is there computer access at High Trails?
Yes. Most staff bring along their laptop contraptions to get work done, look for jobs, gear and browse the web. One main staff computer (the mainframe) is also available. Cell phone reception is improving for certain providers.
