Mountain Recreation provides a dynamic and engaging environment for both participants and staff—one that promotes skill development, movement, life skills, and fun! We’re looking for enthusiastic applicants who excel in teamwork, demonstrate strong communication, and exemplify our core values in every interaction.

We’re looking for passionate and skilled individuals to take on a leadership role in our Outdoor Recreation department, overseeing our diverse Day Camps Programs. Activities include mountain biking, rock climbing, nature art, survival skills, environmental stewardship projects, outdoor education, skateboarding, hiking, and stand-up paddleboarding throughout the summer season. This position will be part of the Outdoor Recreation Programs Team, working to deliver high-quality recreational opportunities for the community in partnership with SOS Outreach.

See Outdoor Recreation Overnight Guide on https://mountainrecreation.org  if interested in leading youth backpacking and camping programs.

POSITION DETAILS
Job Title: Outdoor Recreation Lead Program Instructor – Day Camps
Location: District-wide • Edwards Field House (Edwards, CO), Eagle Pool & Ice Rink (Eagle, CO), Gypsum Recreation Center (Gypsum, CO)
Schedule: Full-Time and Part-Time; Seasonal
o Option 1: Early-May – Late-September (involves overnight guiding)
o Option 2: Early June – Mid-August
o Option 3: A combination of Option 1 and 2

Work Environment: This position offers flexible hours to ensure the successful completion of duties. Work may be performed indoors or outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather conditions. The role requires sustained mental and visual focus for much of the time. Physical demands include frequent walking, bending, kneeling, and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted, as well as pushing and pulling equipment and supplies. Given its physically demanding and high-stress nature, this role requires constant safety awareness and attentiveness to a wide range of participant needs, often under continuous demand.

Supervision Required: Works under the general guidance and direction of the Mountain Recreation Outdoor Recreation Supervisor and Outdoor Recreation Coordinator.
Supervision Exercised: May directly supervise part-time and seasonal employees, volunteers, guides in training, Program Instructors, and campers.

Salary: $20.47 - $25.59/hour; DOE. Staff in this position are eligible for a $1/hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual skills upon passing a language competency test. Seasonal employees in good standing may also qualify for an end-of-season bonus of up to $200. Additionally, through the WFA/WFR Incentive Program, eligible employees can receive partial reimbursement for certification costs (eligibility requirements apply).

Benefits:

• Retirement Savings: 3.75% employer contribution to a 401(a)-retirement account.
• Paid Time Off: Accrued sick leave in accordance with HFWA.
• Facility Access & Memberships: Complimentary access to all three Mountain Recreation facilities and a free membership to the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Program Discounts: 20% off facility programs for employees and immediate family members.
• Family Discounts: Discounted punch cards for immediate family members at the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Outdoor Gear Perks: Access to pro deals on top outdoor industry brands through ExpertVoice.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Student scholarship programs available.
• Healthcare Options: Opportunity to enroll in Vail Valley Partnership’s One Valley Healthcare Plan—an affordable healthcare program for employees and their families.

Mountain Recreation believes that everyone, including our staff, deserves to be healthy and happy. We foster a culture of accountability and flexibility while offering world-class benefits.

For more details on employee benefits, visit: https://mountainrec.org/benefits-overview/ 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Statement of Duties: Lead groups of youth, ages 7-10 and 11-14, in outdoor recreation activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, nature art, survival skills, environmental stewardship projects, outdoor education, skateboarding, hiking, and stand-up paddleboarding, alongside an Assistant Instructor. Day Camps consist of 3-5 full-day or half-day programs, with group sizes of 10-12 youth.

Examples of Duties:

• Lead Outdoor Recreation Activities: Safely lead outdoor recreation activities for youth in wilderness and front-country settings.
• Program Documentation: Refer to weekly program folders for schedules, designated activities, rosters, and risk management documents.
• Teach Skills and Facilitate Team Bonding: Teach outdoor recreation skills and facilitate team bonding activities for youth.
• Behavior Management: Uphold rules and expectations for youth; responsible for individual and group behavior management.
• Family Interaction: Greet and interact with families during camper check-in and check-out in a friendly and professional manner.
• Risk Management: Manage risk in the field to provide a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for campers and staff.
• Transportation: Drive district van to transport participants to various field sites.
• Supervise and Mentor Staff: Supervise Assistant Instructors and Guides in Training by coaching and mentoring younger or less experienced staff.
• Assist with Special Events: May support partner organizations by assisting with special events for mixed-age groups.
• Communication with Staff: Communicate with other program staff regarding facility, equipment, and supply needs.
• Customer Service: Provide exemplary customer service to internal and external guests.
• Collaborate with Organizations: Work with partner organizations, including Recreation Departments, School Districts, Towns, Counties, Special Districts, Non-Profits, and Sport Associations.
• Inspect Facilities and Equipment: Inspect program spaces and equipment to ensure a safe and positive experience for participants.
• Plan and Implement Curriculum: Plan, organize, and implement curriculum based on program specialty, objectives, and guidelines.
• Program Setup and Cleanup: Set up, take down, and clean up after programs as required.
• Respond to Incidents: Respond to accidents and incidents according to procedures and act as Incident Commander in emergencies.
• Staff Training: Attend staff training prior to the start of programming to receive important tools for working with youth and leading outdoor activities safely.
• Mandatory Reporting: Act as a mandatory reporter and comply with reporting guidelines.
• Maintain Program Facilities and Supplies: Maintain and care for program facilities, equipment, and supplies.
• Instruct Recreational Classes: Instruct various recreational classes as needed or directed by Mountain Recreation and in partnership with SOS Outreach.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of:

• Knowledge of child development and the ability to facilitate age-appropriate activities for youth.
• Experience in outdoor recreation and familiarity with various outdoor activities.
• Leadership experience in facilitating groups in a camp or outdoor education setting.
• Understanding of recreation program risk management and the ability to manage risks effectively.
• Knowledge of facilities and equipment within the assigned program area, ensuring safe and effective use.
• Ability to work as a team player, collaborating with colleagues to achieve program goals.
• A desire to make a positive difference in the community through recreation and youth development.

Skills and abilities:

• Demonstrate strong organizational, leadership, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Possess effective communication skills.
• Exhibit customer service skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment while paying attention to detail.
• Maintain a positive attitude, good sense of humor, and strong communication skills.
• Have experience, comfort, and passion for working with youth in outdoor settings.
• Establish and maintain positive, respectful, and cooperative relationships with all program contacts.
• Ability to lift, restrain, and run after participants when necessary.
• Lift and carry equipment and supplies.
• Work cooperatively with others and create positive relationships with staff and the public.

Requirements:
Education and experience:
• Be 18 years of age or older (strong preference for ages 21+).
• Currently studying recreation or a related field; OR
o Recently graduated from a recreation or related field; OR
o Have 1-3 years of experience in outdoor recreation and/or youth-serving programs; OR
o Any satisfactory combination of experience and education that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties outlined above.
• Physically fit: day hiking involves 2-4 miles and up to 2,000’ elevation gains. Must be able to carry 30lbs. guide pack.
• Ability to pass federal background and motor vehicle checks.
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace practices.
• Rock climbing, hiking, wilderness travel, and team building experience (preferably in the Rocky Mountain Region).
• Prior experience working with youth and in youth outdoor adventure programs
• Spanish language proficiency and cultural literacy (preferred).

Certifications:
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications, or the ability to obtain them prior to employment, are required for Explorer Camp Lead Program Instructors and certain sports program leads. Preference will be given to candidates with an active WFR certification.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
You are welcome at Mountain Rec for who you are, no matter where you come from, what you look like, or what keeps you active. Recreation is for everyone—and so is our workplace. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our organization, the more we will all thrive, contribute, and be forward-thinking! So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It is in our differences that we will find the power to keep revolutionizing the way we PLAY.

Colorado Residents: We are committed to fair hiring practices. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. This position will require the applicant to verify the meeting of a minimum age requirement of 18 years old as such requirement is a bona fide occupational qualification pertaining to public safety and required by law.