Year-Round Positions

The High Mountain Institute is seeking a Mathematics Faculty, a full-time teaching position in the HMI Semester, starting July 29, 2024. Responsibilities include teaching three to four sections of math (Algebra II, Precalculus, and/or AP Calculus), leading wilderness expeditions, and residential life duties. 

Primary Job Responsibilities:

  • Teach 3-4 sections of math each semester  
  • Co-lead wilderness expeditions in the Rocky Mountains and canyons of southern Utah
    (7 weeks per year) 
  • Participate in weekly residential life responsibilities 
  • Mentor a math apprentice each semester 
  • Advise 4-6 students per semester

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field
  • Willingness to acquire and maintain current WFR & CPR certifications
  • Prior math teaching experience
  • Prior experience in wilderness settings
  • Fluency with and ability to embody principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Enthusiasm for working with teenagers in a residential setting
  • Criminal and driving background check required

Position Salary & Benefits: 

  • Health, dental, and vision benefits
  • 4%-9% matching retirement benefits after 1 year
  • Summer vacation, early June to early August
  • Wilderness leadership training opportunities
  • Annual professional development opportunities
  • Competitive salary, $29,000 – $43,455 depending on experience + on-campus housing (stipend if a campus residence is unavailable)
  • On-campus housing is a condition of employment if available

About the High Mountain Institute Semester

Founded in 1995, HMI is a nonprofit independent school with a focus on outdoor, experiential, and place-based education. HMI serves approximately 175 students per year across its high school, summer, and gap programming. About 30% of students receive financial aid and a similar percentage identify as people of color. All HMI students participate in extended wilderness expeditions lasting from 10-21 days. HMI is not a rehabilitative or wilderness therapy program. HMI students are high-achieving, healthy students seeking challenge, a strong community, and a deeper connection to nature. HMI has nearly 30 year-round staff, about half of whom live on campus. Learn more at: www.hminet.org.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion at HMI

The High Mountain Institute is committed to building a more diverse and affirming school and outdoor industry. HMI is an equal opportunity employer that strives for diversity by honoring the differences of each member of our community. We seek to build a community (of faculty, staff, students, and trustees) that is ethnically, socio-economically, and geographically diverse and that brings a diversity of experience, background, talent, and perspective. People of color, LGBTQ and gender nonbinary people, and people with other historically-marginalized identities are encouraged to apply. Learn more at: www.hminet.org/dei.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to Administrative Coordinator & Registrar Molly Lovett at math@hminet.org and fill out the HMI Prospective Employment Form online. We will immediately begin our initial review of applications and will continue reviewing applications until the position is filled. Correspondence via e-mail is preferred.

The High Mountain Institute is seeking a Spanish Faculty, a full-time teaching position in the HMI Semester, starting July 29, 2024. Responsibilities include teaching three to four sections of Spanish (Intermediate through Advanced – AP equivalent), leading wilderness expeditions, and residential life duties. 

Primary Job Responsibilities:

  • Teach 3-4 sections of Spanish each semester  
  • Co-lead wilderness expeditions in the Rocky Mountains and canyons of southern Utah
    (7 weeks per year) 
  • Participate in weekly residential life responsibilities 
  • Mentor a Spanish apprentice each semester 
  • Advise 4-6 students per semester

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field
  • Willingness to acquire and maintain current WFR & CPR certifications
  • Prior Spanish teaching experience
  • Prior experience in wilderness settings
  • Fluency with and ability to embody principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Enthusiasm for working with teenagers in a residential setting
  • Criminal and driving background check required

Position Salary & Benefits: 

  • Health, dental, and vision benefits
  • 4%-9% matching retirement benefits after 1 year
  • Summer vacation, early June to early August
  • Wilderness leadership training opportunities
  • Annual professional development opportunities
  • Competitive salary, $29,000 – $43,455 depending on experience + on-campus housing (stipend if a campus residence is unavailable)
  • On-campus housing is a condition of employment if available

About the High Mountain Institute Semester: 

Founded in 1995, HMI is a nonprofit independent school with a focus on outdoor, experiential, and place-based education. HMI serves approximately 175 students per year across its high school, summer, and gap programming. About 30% of students receive financial aid and a similar percentage identify as people of color. All HMI students participate in extended wilderness expeditions lasting from 10-21 days. HMI is not a rehabilitative or wilderness therapy program. HMI students are high-achieving, healthy students seeking challenge, a strong community, and a deeper connection to nature. HMI has nearly 30 year-round staff, about half of whom live on campus. Learn more at: www.hminet.org.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion at HMI:

The High Mountain Institute is committed to building a more diverse and affirming school and outdoor industry. HMI is an equal opportunity employer that strives for diversity by honoring the differences of each member of our community. We seek to build a community (of faculty, staff, students, and trustees) that is ethnically, socio-economically, and geographically diverse and that brings a diversity of experience, background, talent, and perspective. People of color, LGBTQ and gender nonbinary people, and people with other historically-marginalized identities are encouraged to apply. Learn more at: www.hminet.org/dei.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to Administrative Coordinator & Registrar Molly Lovett at spanish@hminet.org and fill out the HMI Prospective Employment Form online. We will immediately begin our initial review of applications and will continue reviewing applications until the position is filled. Correspondence via e-mail is preferred.

The High Mountain Institute seeks an Admissions & Alumni Engagement Associate, a full-time position at the school, ideally joining our team in winter/spring 2024. The Admissions & Alumni Engagement Associate is charged with overseeing and expanding the scope of alumni relations at HMI and supporting admissions, development, and communications at the school. This position is based on HMI’s campus in Leadville and is not eligible for remote work. 

Alumni Relations & Development Office Responsibilities:

  • Advance HMI alumni engagement:
    • Promote alumni philanthropic support
    • Collaborate with HMI Alumni Council
    • Plan successful HMI reunions and other events on campus and regionally 
    • Create and coordinate alumni college and regional networks
    • Actively engage alumni through in-person meetings, group events, and social media
    • Collect and analyze data regarding HMI’s alumni body 
    • Coordinate the alumni sections of the bi-annual school newsletter
  • Assist with communications and development activities of HMI
    • Assist advancement office in all capacities, including database management and mailings
    • Assist with the planning, implementing, and debriefing of development events
    • Co-manage HMI’s social media networks and outreach
    • Assist with other marketing and communications tasks as appropriate
  • Up to 3 weeks of alumni and development-related travel annually

Admissions Office Responsibilities: 

  • Increase visibility of HMI brand and high school programs, focusing on Semester & Summer Term
  • Manage logistics for admissions travel
  • Assist with developing avenues to meet priorities for student-body diversity & belonging
  • Up to 3 weeks of HMI promotional travel annually
  • Process applications and enrollment information
  • Primary responder to admissions inquiries
  • Read and score applications; assist with admissions decisions
  • Communicate with interested and accepted families
  • Assist with social media for HMI marketing 
  • Serve in a key support role for the admissions team

Position Salary & Benefits:

  • Dependent on experience: $34,000-$40,000 annual total compensation 
  • On-campus housing and/or cost of living stipend
  • On-campus residents receive free utilities, snow removal, and internet
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid parental/FAMLI leave benefits
  • 4-9% retirement benefits match after 1 year
  • 3-5 weeks vacation annually
  • Wilderness leadership training opportunities
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Sabbatical program

Qualifications

BA or higher. Highly motivated and organized with a passion for the High Mountain Institute mission. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, comfort with and enthusiasm for public speaking and making presentations to large audiences. Enthusiasm for working with teenagers in a residential setting. Criminal and driving background check required.

Highly competitive applicants will have prior experience in marketing, communications, and social media as well as a demonstrated passion for advancing issues relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

About the High Mountain Institute

Founded in 1995, HMI is a nonprofit independent school with a focus on outdoor, experiential, and place-based education. HMI serves approximately 175 students per year across its high school, summer, and gap programming. About 30% of students receive financial aid and a similar percentage identify as people of color. All HMI students participate in extended wilderness expeditions lasting from 10-21 days. HMI is not a rehabilitative or wilderness therapy program. HMI students are high-achieving, healthy students seeking challenge, a strong community, and a deeper connection to nature. HMI has nearly 30 year-round staff, about half of whom live on campus. Learn more at: www.hminet.org.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion at HMI

The High Mountain Institute is committed to building a more diverse and affirming school and outdoor industry. HMI is an equal opportunity employer that strives for diversity by honoring the differences of each member of our community. We seek to build a community (of faculty, staff, students, and trustees) that is ethnically, socio-economically, and geographically diverse and that brings a diversity of experience, background, talent, and perspective. People of color, LGBTQ and gender nonbinary people, and people with other historically-marginalized identities are encouraged to apply. Learn more at: www.hminet.org/dei.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Molly Lovett, Administrative Coordinator for the HMI Semester, via e-mail at admissionsassociate@hminet.org and fill out the HMI Prospective Employment Form online. Your application will not be considered complete without all three of these items. Correspondence via email is preferred. 

We will begin our initial review of applications in February 2024 and will continue reviewing applications until the position is filled. Finalists will be invited to HMI for a formal interview. 

The High Mountain Institute is seeking an English Faculty–Sabbatical Coverage, a ten month teaching
opportunity in the HMI Semester. The ideal job candidate would be experienced in classroom teaching,
wilderness instruction, and have residential life experience. Responsibilities include teaching English
classes, leading extended wilderness expeditions, and various residential life duties.

About the High Mountain Institute

HMI seeks to connect our students to the natural world and teach them essential leadership and communication skills through participation in a rigorous academic program, extended wilderness trips, and a community of shared responsibility.

Job Responsibilities

● Teach 3-4 sections of English each semester, with guidance from the English Faculty
● Co-lead 5-6 student wilderness expeditions and serve in an emergency support capacity for other
semester expeditions
● Mentor an English apprentice each semester
● Participate in residential life responsibilities

Suggested Qualifications


● Current WFR
● Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with multiple constituent
groups
● Prior backcountry wilderness leadership experience
● Experience teaching or working with high school-aged students
● Excellent organizational and planning skills, including multitasking and delegating
● Computer Skills (Google Suite)
● Passion for the outdoors and education
● Willingness to work a flexible schedule
● Total Compensation: $38,000. On-campus housing included.
● Health, dental, vision and mental health benefits
● Start date: July 29, 2024
● End date: June 1, 2025

Physical Requirements

● Must maintain a valid drivers’ license
● Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
● Must be able to stand for long periods of time and perform frequent squatting and reaching
● Must be able to backpack for 10-18 days at a time

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to Molly Lovett, Administrative Coordinator for the HMI Semester, at englishsabbatical@hminet.org and fill out the HMI Prospective Employment Form online. Your application will not be complete without all three of these items.

We will begin our initial review of applications the week of March 4th and will continue reviewing applications until the position is filled. Finalists will be invited to HMI for a formal interview. Correspondence via e-mail is preferred.

The High Mountain Institute is an equal opportunity employer that strives for diversity by honoring the differences of each member of the community. We seek to build a community (of trustees, faculty, staff, and students) that represents ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity and that brings a diversity of experience, background, talent, and perspective.

Management reserves the right to change or add to this job description at any time.

The High Mountain Institute is seeking a Science & Residential Life Fellow, a one-year fellowship in the
HMI Semester. The ideal job candidate would be interested in developing skills in the areas of classroom
teaching, wilderness instruction, and residential life experience. Responsibilities include teaching Science
classes, coordinating residential life activities, leading extended wilderness expeditions, and
programmatic residential life duties.

About the High Mountain Institute

HMI seeks to connect our students to the natural world and teach them essential leadership and communication skills through participation in a rigorous academic program, extended wilderness trips, and a community of shared responsibility.

Job Responsibilities

● Teach 1 section of Science each semester, with mentorship from the Science Faculty (Semester)
● Coordinate residential life activities and support the residential life curriculum (Semester)
● Possible: teach 1-2 sections of HMI’s weekly environmental ethics seminar, with mentorship from
the environmental ethics teaching team (Semester)
● Co-lead 5-6 student wilderness expeditions (two per Semester, one or two in Summer) and serve
in an emergency support capacity for other semester expeditions.
● Participate in residential life responsibilities (Semester and Summer Term).
● Provide Summer Term program support as needed

Suggested Qualifications

● Current WFR
● Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with multiple constituent
groups
● Prior backcountry wilderness leadership experience
● Experience teaching or working with high school-aged students
● Excellent organizational and planning skills, including multitasking and delegating
● Computer Skills (Google Suite)
● Passion for the outdoors and education
● Willingness to work a flexible schedule
● Total compensation: $26,000. On-campus housing included.
● Health, dental, vision and mental health benefits
● Start date: July 29, 2024
● End date: July 28, 2025

Physical Requirements

● Must maintain a valid drivers’ license
● Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
● Must be able to stand for long periods of time and perform frequent squatting and reaching
● Must be able to backpack for 10-18 days at a time

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to Molly Lovett, Administrative Coordinator & Registrar for the HMI Semester, at sciencefellowship@hminet.org and fill out the HMI Prospective Employment Form online. Your application will not be complete without all three of these items.

We will begin our initial review of applications the week of March 4th and will continue reviewing applications until the position is filled. Finalists will be invited to HMI for a formal interview. Correspondence via e-mail is preferred.

The High Mountain Institute is an equal opportunity employer that strives for diversity by honoring the
differences of each member of the community. We seek to build a community (of trustees, faculty, staff,
and students) that represents ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity and that brings a diversity
of experience, background, talent, and perspective.

Management reserves the right to change or add to this job description at any time.

Interested in HMI but don’t see a job listed? Fill out this General Inquiry form so we can reach out when something opens up!

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Seasonal Positions

The High Mountain Institute is seeking to hire four Summer Term Interns and two Summer Programs Interns for the summer of 2024 to support HMI Summer Programs. All interns will help lead wilderness expeditions, facilitate our residential life program, and assist with a variety of tasks related to summer program logistics and campus operations. Specific responsibilities will vary by the internship.

Position Responsibilities:

Work closely with Summer Programs Director and Staff to support summer programs by:

  • Serving as an instructor-in-training on backpacking expeditions 
  • Helping lead afternoon and evening activities
  • Helping prepare and clean up community meals
  • Participating in campus maintenance and cleaning

Additional Responsibilities of Summer Term Interns:

  • Serving as a cabin-head (which includes overnight supervision) to help mentor students and facilitate community building
  • Helping facilitate the writing seminar

Additional Responsibilities of Summer Programs Interns:

  • Assisting with wilderness program administrative duties, including: Gear issue, food rationing, and gear repair
  • Working with Summer Programs Director to support the Lake County Backingpacking Trip and Educator’s Expedition 

Dates:

June 15, 2024 – July 29, 2024

Position Benefits: 

  • Work with experienced outdoor educators and receive coaching in trip leading and student mentorship
  • Room and board provided
  • Reimbursement for travel (and other internship relevant expenses) up to $1000

Required Qualifications: 

  • 21 years of age by June 15, 2024
  • Able to pass criminal and driving background checks

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Prior leadership experience
  • Enthusiasm for working with teenagers 
  • Interpersonal skills, ability to interact appropriately with a diverse array of students, parents, and colleagues
  • Outstanding communication skills, ability to write and speak in an articulate manner
  • Awareness of the various dimensions of diversity, including gender, race, and ethnicity
  • Personal competency in the outdoors; able to take care of self and assist beginners
  • Physical fitness sufficient to participate in the outdoor portions of the program 
  • Strong work ethic and ability to work independently 
  • Highly organized 
  • Current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification
  •  

Diversity, equity, and inclusion at HMI

The High Mountain Institute is committed to building a more diverse and affirming school and outdoor industry. HMI is an equal opportunity employer that strives for diversity by honoring the differences of each member of our community. We seek to build a community (of faculty, staff, students, and trustees) that is ethnically, socio-economically, and geographically diverse and that brings a diversity of experience, background, talent, and perspective. People of color, LGBTQ and gender nonbinary people, and people with other historically-marginalized identities are encouraged to apply. Learn more at: www.hminet.org/dei.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume clearly stating the applicant’s preferred internship to Madeline Short, Director of Summer Programs, via email at mshort@hminet.org by February 15, 2024. 

We will begin our initial review of applications after February 15, 2024 and will continue reviewing applications until the positions are filled. Due to the amount of inquiries received, we are not able to respond to all submissions. Correspondence via e-mail is preferred. 

HMI Apprentice Program

Are you a recent college graduate, or about to graduate college?

The HMI Apprentice Program offers the opportunity to gain experience teaching in the classroom, facilitating wilderness expeditions, and participating in our vibrant residential life. 

The HMI Staff in August, 2023

Hear From Our Employees

I love working with a community of individuals who inspire me to be more intellectually curious, culturally competent, and kind. The same could be said for our student population. I am compelled to be a better educator and instructor by the caliber of our students. They are a uniquely wonderful group of beautiful nerds.
Dave Clark-Barol
Dean of the Apprentice Program

Benefits Available to all Full-Time HMI Employees:

  • 403(b) retirement savings plan; 4-9% matching contributions starting after one year
  • Health & dental insurance; vision and mental health reimbursement
  • On-campus housing available by seniority–typically available after 0-2 years
  • On-campus residents do not pay for utilities or internet. Electric vehicle owners can charge for free on-campus.
  • 4-8 weeks paid vacation for staff positions
  • Short term and long term disability insurance, life insurance
  • Pro-deals (steep discounts on outdoor gear for outdoor professionals) 
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Paid parental leave 
  • Free meals on campus when school is in session 
  • 4-month paid sabbatical available after ten years

Non-Discriminatory Statement

HMI admits students and employs faculty and staff of any gender, race, color, religion, disability-status, sexual preference, national and ethnic origin, and accords them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students, faculty and staff of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, sexual preference, national and ethnic origin or disability status in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school administered programs.