Intern

TELLURIDE ACADEMY

Connecting youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Job Title: Intern

Reports To: Program Director 

FLSA Status: Seasonal, non-exempt

Dates: Flexible - Summer operations dates are June 7 - August 13, 2027

Compensation: DOE - Starting at $16.00/hour

Position Summary

Telluride Academy is looking for organized, motivated individuals to join our team as summer interns. Interns keep our summer programs running smoothly by providing administrative, programming, and logistical support. The role offers hands-on experience in office operations, gear preparation, and event coordination, and a front-row seat to the work that makes Telluride Academy's programs succeed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monday Morning Registration: Support registration set-up, greet families (with a smile!), distribute t-shirts, and handle last-minute needs for Field Instructors and camp participants.
• Telluride Academy Store: Prepare and manage store materials, including table set-up, hats, t-shirts, and other branded merchandise.
• Administrative Support: Assist with office tasks such as answering phones, collecting mail, data entry, printing, shredding, and preparing/deconstructing program packets. Help set up and break down fundraising events.
• Gear Management: Organize, inventory, clean, and maintain outdoor equipment (kitchen kits, activity kits, tents, boating gear, and climbing gear) to keep it program-ready.
• Logistics Coordination: Support parent drop-off/pick-up and prepare materials for staff meetings and trainings.
• General Organization: Help keep the workspace clean, orderly, and efficient to support program operations.
• Thursday Afternoon Camp Return: Help unload vans (camper bags, TA materials/gear), clean and store gear, and clean classrooms and TA vans.
• Provide weekly feedback that is timely, constructive, professional, and respectful.
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration to support the organization's goals and operations.

Qualifications

• At least 14 years old by the start of employment.
• Strong “can-do” work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn and work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a positive attitude.
• Interest in outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and youth programming.
• Previous administrative or logistical experience is a plus.
• Able to be present, attentive, and cell phone-free while at work.
• Able to pass a child abuse and neglect background check.

Working Conditions

• Able to work indoors or outdoors for prolonged periods across desert, mountain, river, lake, and alpine weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain.
• Willing to work in remote, wilderness, or high-altitude environments with limited facilities.
• Comfortable with exposure to insects, wildlife, and natural elements as part of outdoor programming.
• Able to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and extended shifts, based on program needs.
• Able to travel to and from program locations, including remote trailheads or campgrounds.

Additional Requirements

• Able to safely lift and carry up to 45 lbs repeatedly throughout the workday.
• Able to communicate clearly, positively, and professionally with TA staff, administrators, campers, and parents.
• Able to stand, walk, and stay physically active for extended periods (up to 8–10 hours per day).
• Able to kneel, bend, stoop, and perform other physical tasks.

Schedule

• Seasonal position running June 7 – August 13, with a flexible Monday–Thursday schedule (8:00 am – 5:00 pm).
• Interns can expect 10–20 hours per week on average, with busier periods in July and lighter weeks in June and August. Interns may occasionally be asked to attend staff meetings or training on Fridays.

Why Telluride Academy

Working at TA means spending your summer outside in some of the most beautiful country in the West, with a team that takes the work seriously and still has a lot of fun doing it. We invest in our staff the same way we invest in our campers.

• Real growth. Our roles build on each other, from Intern and Field Instructor In Training through Junior Field Instructor, Field Instructor, specialist and leadership team positions. Many of our staff come back and take on more each summer.
• Training and mentorship. Every season starts with staff training. From there you get weekly feedback, one-on-one check-ins, and leaders who want to see you succeed.
• Variety you won't find elsewhere. Our programs run from alpine trails and high lakes to desert canyons and rivers. You'll lead hiking, camping, boating, climbing, art and more across the San Juans and the Four Corners region.
• A staff community that sticks. Our team is made up of educators, guides, artists and outdoor people who look out for each other on and off the trail.
• Work that matters. You'll help kids build confidence, resilience and a real connection to the outdoors, and you'll see it happen week to week.
• Perks that add up. Staff housing is available at cost, at the Big Billies apartments or at our staff house in Placerville (21+). We also offer gear pro deals, a staff scholarship program that covers certification costs, raises for returning staff, and an end-of-season bonus.

About Telluride Academy

Telluride Academy's mission is to connect youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Based in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride Academy is Telluride's premier summer camp and has been inspiring youth through outdoor education and adventure for over 45 years. Join us in creating unforgettable memories for the next generation of adventurers!

Learn more at www.tellurideacademy.org.

Core Values

• Resilience
• Curiosity
• Responsibility
• Connection

Hiring Policy

Telluride Academy (TA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service or veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

TA will make reasonable accommodations for an otherwise qualified applicant or employee related to a physical or mental disability, sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, or any other reason required by applicable law, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on TA's operations.