Lead expeditions and days on the water, and spark a lifelong love of the outdoors!

Spend your summer guiding kids down some of the most beautiful rivers in Colorado, and help shape the next generation of confident, capable outdoor adventurers!

Telluride Academy is hiring a Lead Boating Specialist for summer 2027, running June 1 through August 13. This is a hands-on, on-the-water leadership role: you'll guide day programming and multi day river expeditions for campers ages 5 to 14, teaching paddling skills, river safety, and respect for the waterways we love. Some pre-season work may also be available, including river scouting and getting familiar with our boats, rigging, and trailers, depending on your river experience.

Telluride Academy has spent decades connecting youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship, based right here in the San Juan Mountains. Our staff culture runs on curiosity, resilience, responsibility, and connection, and our boating staff live that out daily. You're the person our campers and staff trust most when they're pushing past a fear or running a rapid for the first time.

Housing is available either at Big Billie's apartments in Mountain Village or at our staff house in Placerville, at a cost to staff. We don't run a meal plan during the regular season, but meals are provided on overnight expeditions.

Here's what we're looking for:

• Current Swift Water Rescue and/or River Rescue Technician certification, or willingness to obtain one

• WFA certification minimum, WFR or higher preferred, plus current CPR/AED certification

• Experience with a variety of watercraft, including SUPs, inflatable kayaks, canoes, and rafts

• A technical resume demonstrating flatwater and moving water experience, with river sections, class, and miles run

• Experience leading overnight or multi-day river expeditions, backed by a river trip log documenting trips, hours, and nights in the field

If you love rivers, love working with kids, and want a meaningful and unforgettable summer, we'd love to hear from you! Apply now, and come run rivers with us in Telluride!