Outdoor Recreation Assistant Overnight Guide

Mountain Recreation Outdoor Programs offer a fun, exciting environment to our participants and staff alike; one that fosters opportunities for expanding our outdoor knowledge, learning new skills, and enjoying the outdoors! Applicants must be enthusiastic and love working outdoors with children, enjoy being part of a team-focused environment, and have strong communication and group management skills.

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

Overnight Guides must be passionate about working with youth of varied ages and from diverse backgrounds. As a role model for positive growth, instructors 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.

See Outdoor Recreation Day Camps Lead application on the website if interested in leading day camps programs for youth.

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POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Outdoor Recreation Assistant Overnight Guide

Location: Eagle County, Colorado

Schedule: Part-Time; Seasonal 

• Option 1: Early-May – Late-September
• Option 2: Early June – Mid-August
• Option 3: A combination of Option 1 and 2

Work Environment: Works indoors and outdoors. Work hours will vary, including evening hours, weekends, and holidays. 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. Work schedule is varied and may require evenings, weekends, and multi-day trips. 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. Nature of the position is physically demanding and may be 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 volunteers, guides in training, program instructors, and campers.

Salary: $15.50/hour, Opportunity for overtime pay on overnight trips. Staff in this position are eligible for a $1/hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test. Eligible seasonal employees in good standing have the opportunity to earn an end-of-season bonus of up to $200. WFA/WFR Incentive Program – partial reimbursement of funds given towards certifications (eligibility requirements apply).

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, pro deals on outdoor industry brand-named gear through ExpertVoice, 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: Assist the Overnight Lead Guide in leading groups of youth ages 7-10 and 11-14 years old in outdoor recreation activities including backpacking, camping, environmental education, and rock climbing. Overnight programs range from 3 days, 2 nights to 4 days, 3 nights. Group sizes are 10-12 youth.

Examples of Duties:

• Assist the Lead Guide in facilitating and supervising multi-day camping and backpacking trips for youth in front and backcountry settings, including preparation, implementation, cleanup, and debriefing with other field staff.
• Help campers attain confidence in outdoor recreation skills and abilities such as campsite set-up, wilderness travel, camp cooking, group decision-making, etc.
• Refer to weekly program folders for schedule, designated activities, rosters, and Risk Management documents.
• Teach Leave No Trace principles and responsible recreation to youth.
• Explain and uphold rules and expectations for youth and facilitate team bonding activities.
• Manage risk in the field to provide a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for campers and fellow staff.
• Teach 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.
• Drive 15-passenger vans, transporting participants to various sites.
• Drive truck and trailer combination to transport equipment 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.
• Attend staff training prior to the start of programming to receive important tools for working with youth, how to lead outdoor recreation activities safely and enjoyably, and take part in team bonding with fellow staff members.
• Act as a mandatory reporter and complies with mandatory reporting guidelines.
• Maintain and care for program facilities, equipment, and supplies.
• May assist with special events for partner organizations to serve mixed age groups.
• Instruct various recreational classes as needed or directed by Mountain Recreation and in partnership with SOS Outreach.
• Other duties as assigned.

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COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of:

• Child development and age-appropriate activities
• Outdoor Recreation experience and/or program risk management
• Facilities and equipment in assigned program area.
• A desire to make a positive difference in the community.

Skills and abilities:

• Demonstrate strong 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
• Comfort and passion for 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 18 years of age or older; AND
• 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.
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles and practices.
• Comfort with camping, hiking, wilderness travel, and team building experience.
• Preference given to applicants studying or graduated in a related Outdoor Rec field.
• Spanish language proficiency and cultural literacy (preferred).

Certifications

• Valid First Aid and CPR certification (required)
• Preference will be given to those with a current Wilderness First Responder (WFR), then preference to an active Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR, or the ability to obtain one of these certifications prior to beginning employment.

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.