Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Field Institute is always looking for exceptional instructors with expertise in a wide range of disciplines to develop new and exciting courses. If you have an idea for a course, let’s talk!
Field Institute courses offer a unique, in-depth educational experience for adults, with a focus on spending time outdoors in Rocky Mountain National Park’s diverse learning environments. We provide world-class courses, led by talented instructors with a variety of professional and educational backgrounds. We work with artists, scientists, educators, writers, rangers, outdoor professionals, and expert “amateurs” who are committed to sharing their knowledge, skills, and expertise with others who love Rocky Mountain National Park and wild lands.
Single day Field Institute courses are typically four to eight hours long. Multi-day courses usually happen over two or three consecutive days. Some courses begin or end with a classroom session, while others take place entirely outdoors in Rocky Mountain National Park and other public lands.
Sample course topics include:
- Cultural and natural history of Rocky Mountain National Park and the neighboring communities, including Grand Lake and Estes Park
- Outdoor skills: birding, tracking, fly-fishing, plein air arts, and beyond
- Ecology and wildlife of RMNP and the surrounding region
- Physical science topics related to RMNP: geology, botany, etc.
Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Responsibilities:
The Field Institute Coordinator will work with potential instructors to set an agenda and develop a syllabus for each course. We will handle all the logistics, including:
- Marketing via the Conservancy website, Eventbrite, social media, print media, and other channels
- Managing participant registration and communication, including sending course information and updates to participants
- Securing entry permits and fee waivers for Rocky Mountain National Park or other public lands as necessary
- Reserving classroom space in Estes Park or Grand Lake and providing presentation technology
- Providing transportation (including a driver) for participants and the instructor
- Providing safety equipment for the group
- Printing and distributing course materials to participants
- Collecting feedback from participants and Conservancy staff, and sharing relevant feedback with instructors
Instructor Responsibilities:
Field Institute Instructors are responsible for developing and delivering the course content, with support from Rocky Mountain Conservancy. Instructors are expected to:
- Outline learning objectives and course activities
- Provide a list of required equipment for participants
- Develop a thorough and engaging lesson plan for adult learners
- Communicate any material needs, such as a screen and projector or field equipment, to the Field Institute Coordinator
- Obtain or maintain valid CPR certification
- Deliver high-quality educational programming to the group
- Participate actively in the course evaluation process and be responsive to feedback
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Sample Course Agenda:
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. – Check in at the Visitor Center and travel together to the first field location or classroom
8:30 – 8:45 a.m. – Introductions and course expectations
8:45 – 10:30 a.m. – Field session OR Illustrated classroom lecture
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Break, travel to the next location
10:45 a.m. – 12 noon – Field session
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch break in the field (full-day courses) OR Wrap up and return to the Visitor Center (half-day courses)
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Field session
2:00 – 2:15 p.m. – Break, travel to the next location
2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Field session
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Wrap up and return to the Visitor Center