Job Description

Description

Mountain Recreation offers a fun, exciting environment to our participants and staff alike; one that fosters skill building, movement, life skills and fun! Applicants must be enthusiastic, have strong skills in working as a team with coworkers and show strong communication and class management skills.

We are looking for qualified individuals interested in introducing youth to outdoor leadership skills, natural science education, and outdoor recreation in remote outdoor settings during our overnight youth programs that take place in the Colorado National Monument.

Overnight Guides must be passionate about working with youth of varied ages and from diverse backgrounds. As a role model for positive growth, guides will provide the support, safety, and guidance needed for youth to foster an appreciation for nature, learn the skills necessary to participate in overnight outdoor experiences, and become part of a group learning atmosphere.

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POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Outdoor Recreation Lead Overnight Guide

Location: Eagle County, Colorado

Schedule: Part-Time; Seasonal – Fall

Work Environment: Works indoors and outdoors. Hours will be flexible to successfully accomplish the duties of the position. Duties may be performed either indoors or outdoors, which may include working in extreme weather conditions. The flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all the time. Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted, pushing, pulling, and kneeling to deliver equipment and supplies. The nature of the position is physically demanding and stressful, requiring constant safety awareness and attending to a wide variety of participant needs with periods of 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: $15.10/hour, overtime included and will be incurred for overnight trips. Staff in this position are eligible for a $1/hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test.

Benefits: 3.75% employer contribution to a 401(a) retirement account, accrued sick leave in accordance with HFWA, access to all three Mountain Recreation facilities and complimentary membership for employee to Gypsum Recreation Center, 20% off discount for employee and immediate family for facility programs, discounted punch cards for immediate family members to Gypsum Recreation Center, student scholarship opportunities, opportunity to sign up for Vail Valley Partnership’s One Valley Healthcare Plan—an affordable healthcare program providing medical coverage for employee’s and their families.

Mountain Recreation believes everyone, including staff, deserves to be healthy and happy through creating a culture of accountability, flexibility, and providing world-class benefits. For more information on employee benefits, check out our website https://mountainrec.org/benefits-overview/

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Statement of Duties: Deliver and supervise outdoor recreation programs in desired area, providing high quality opportunities for the community in partnership with SOS Outreach.

Examples of Duties:

• Lead multi-day camping field trips for local school groups (4th and 5th graders) to Colorado National Monument including preparation, implementation, cleanup, and debriefing with other field staff. Programs are 3-day or 4-day overnight programs
• Teach students pre-written environmental education lessons and teach the basics of camping, hiking, and climbing.
• Uphold Leave No Trace principles and outdoor recreation desert stewardship practices for you and your group of students.
• Supervise participants in outdoor programs and perform guide duties, including setting up tents, camp cooking for groups, and belaying students.
• Collaborate with parent chaperones, co-guides, teachers, and on-site coordinators to provide a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for campers and fellow staff.
• Manage the safety of all participants around-the-clock while delivering programming focused on introductions to camping, outdoor recreation, wilderness travel, and natural science education. Courses include a variety of activities including hiking, rock climbing, team building, and other outdoor adventure sports.
• Refer to weekly program folders for designated activities, schedule, rosters, and Risk Management documents.
• Teach outdoor recreation skills and abilities to youth and facilitate team bonding activities.
• Explain and uphold rules and expectations for youth; responsible for individual and group behavior management.
• Provide environmental education – cultural and natural history interpretation when appropriate.
• Maintain field records, trip reports, and accident/incident reports.
• Communicate effectively with participants and the public, including providing accurate information related to the program and responding to patron and parent questions and concerns.
• Provide logistical support and assist with purchasing materials and supplies for programs as needed.
• Set up and break down equipment and supplies.
• Assist with the general upkeep and care of equipment, vans, and facilities used.
• May drive 15-passenger vans, transporting participants to various sites.
• Respond to accidents and incidents according to policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership, role modeling and direction to other staff and/or volunteers.
• May assist with special events for partner organizations to serve mixed age groups.
• Act as a mandatory reporter and complies with mandatory reporting guidelines.
• Instruct various recreational classes as needed or directed by Mountain Recreation and in partnership with SOS Outreach.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

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Requirements

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of:

• Child development and age-appropriate activities
• Outdoor recreation experience
• Leadership experience in group facilitation in an outdoor setting
• Recreation program risk management
• Facilities and equipment in assigned program area

Skills and abilities:

• A desire to make a positive difference in the community
• Demonstrate strong organizational, leadership, planning and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work as a team player
• Customer service skills
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment while paying attention to detail
• Have a positive attitude and good sense of humor and strong communication skills
• Experience, comfort, and passion in working with youth outdoors
• Establish and maintain positive, respectful, and cooperative relationships with all program contacts
• Lift, restrain, and run after participants.
• Lift equipment and supplies
• Work cooperatively with others and create positive relationships with other staff and the public

Requirements:

Education and experience:

• Be 20 years of age or older (strong preference given to those ages 21+); AND
• Currently studying recreation or related field; OR
• Recently graduated from a recreation program or related field; OR
• 1-2 years of experience in outdoor recreation and/or youth serving programs; OR
• Any satisfactory combination of experience and education which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the above-described duties.
• Physically fit: Backpacking trips in the summer average 5 – 8 miles per day at altitudes between 8,200’ – 13,000’ in varied weather. Must be able to carry 70lbs. guide pack. Day hiking involves 2-4 miles and 2,000’ elevation gains. Must be able to carry 30lbs. guide pack.
• Pass Federal background check and Motor Vehicle check.
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles and practices.
• Prior experience working with youth and youth overnight outdoor programs.
• Spanish language proficiency and cultural literacy (preferred).

Certifications

1. Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR, or the ability to obtain these certifications prior to beginning employment. Preference will be given to candidates with an active Wilderness First Responder (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.

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