Fountain Valley School, a selective and diverse boarding school, educates 250 students in grades 9–12 on a beautiful 1,100-acre campus in Colorado Springs, CO. Founded in 1930, the School provides a rigorous, global curriculum in academics, arts, athletics, and the outdoors.
The Opportunity:
Fountain Valley School seeks experienced and dynamic Land Steward responsibility for the care and maintenance of conservation lands and easements, ensuring their ecological health and access. This often involves monitoring properties, implementing restoration projects, managing public access, and engaging with landowners and the community. In addition, there is an educational component with classroom teachers to instill values of ecological stewardship. This is a full time, 12 month position. Housing or a housing stipend is provided.
Key Responsibilities and duties:
- Lead the care, cultivation, and sustainable management of the school’s natural campus areas, including ranch and horse facilities and paddocks, the prairie, fields, gardens, trails, and outdoor learning spaces. (For 2025-2026- Assist in Leading)
- Develop and implement long-term land stewardship and ecological restoration plans in alignment with the school’s educational mission and strategic plan
- Collaborate with faculty to integrate environmental literacy, sustainability practices, and place-based learning into the academic curriculum across grade levels.
- Supervise and mentor students in hands-on land-based projects such as composting, gardening, trail building, invasive species removal, and citizen science.
- Manage seasonal maintenance of campus landscapes and natural habitats in coordination with facilities staff and external partners.
- Coordinate with the Director of Experiential learning and weekend activities supervisor to develop outdoor opportunities, including fieldwork, service projects, and seasonal observances of the natural world.
- Foster partnerships with local environmental organizations, land trusts, and indigenous communities to enhance programming and stewardship practices.
- Promote a culture of sustainability across campus, helping to lead initiatives related to waste reduction, regenerative practices, and climate resilience.
- Maintain tools, equipment, and safety protocols necessary for land-based learning and conservation work.
- Serve as a visible ambassador of the school’s American West ethos, inspiring a deeper connection between people and place.
- Regular and reliable in person attendance
- Other Duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Demonstrate a passion for conservation and preservation
- Find joy in working with adolescents and in school life
- Engage with energy, kindness, and a sense of humor
- Demonstrate skills in communication and interpersonal relations within and across multiple constituencies
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and/or obtain a Colorado license within 30 days of hire
Working Conditions :
- Environment: indoor and outdoor work
- Physical demands: able to sit and stand for at least 8 hours per day; must be able to lift 40 lbs.
- Proficiency in LMS Blackbaud OnCampus and Google Educational Suite Apps preferred
Salary: $45,000 - $50,000
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, EAP, Short and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 403b Retirement with 8% match, Use of campus facilities.
Application Deadline: August 5, 2025