Outdoor Recreation Programs Lead

FIND YOUR PURPOSE AT MOUNTAIN RECREATION!

Job Overview

Mountain Recreation Metropolitan Recreation District

Outdoor Recreation Lead –Day Camps

Full Time and Part Time options, Seasonal

Description

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’re looking for talented individuals to fill a leadership role in our Outdoor Recreation department and its various programs including: camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, paddle sports, hiking, and backpacking for the 2023 summer season. This position will work as a part of the Outdoor Recreation Programs Team to facilitate recreation programs in an assigned area, providing high quality recreation opportunities for the community in partnership with SOS Outreach.

Position Details

• Schedule: Seasonal; Hourly
  • Option 1: Mid-April – Late-September
  • Option 2: Early June – Mid-August
  • Option 3: A combination of Option 1 and 2
• Salary: $19.50-29.24/hour; DOE
• Location: Eagle County, Colorado
• Reports To: 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.
• 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. 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.

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:

• Safely lead outdoor recreation activities for youth such as mountain biking, camping, rock climbing, paddle sports, nature art, survival skills, environmental stewardship projects, BMX, skateboarding, and hiking.
• Responsible for a group of 10-12 youth as the Lead Instructor in conjunction with an Assistant Instructor and/or Guide in Training for the duration of the program.
• 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.

• Drive district van to transport participants to various field sites.

• Implement risk management practices as the point contact/leader of respective program(s).
• Oversee the safety, comfort, and progress of participants and fellow staff in various activities.
• In programs, supervise assistant Instructors and Guides in Training by coaching and mentoring these younger and/or less experienced staff.
• May assist with special events for partner organizations to serve mixed age groups.
• Communicate with other program staff regarding facility, equipment, and supply needs.
• Manage the safety of staff and participants while providing experiences in outdoor based sports and activities.
• Provide exemplary customer service to internal and external guests
• Implement new programs and services that are consistent with District and SOS Outreach mission and goals and meet community needs and interests.
• Work with other organizations not limited to: Recreation Departments, School Districts, Towns, Counties, Special Districts, Non-Profits, and Sport Associations.
• Inspect program spaces and equipment as needed to ensure a safe and positive experience for participants.
• Plan, organize, and implement curriculum based upon program specialty, objectives, and guidelines.
• Sets up, take down, clean-up after programs as required.
• Responds to accidents and incidents according to procedures and acts as Incident Commander in emergencies.

Other Duties & Functions:

• 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.
• Instruct various recreational classes as needed or directed by Mountain Recreation and in partnership with SOS Outreach.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Knowledge & Skills

Considerable knowledge of:

• Child development and age-appropriate activities
• Outdoor recreation experience
• Leadership experience in group facilitation in a camp/outdoor education setting
• Recreation program risk management
• Facilities and equipment in assigned program area
• Working as a team player

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
• 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

Education and Experience

• Be 18 years of age or older (strong preference given to those ages 21+)

• Currently studying recreation or related field; OR
• Recently graduated from a recreation program or related field; OR
• 1-3 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.
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR, or the ability to obtain these certifications prior to beginning employment. (Required for any explorer camp programs leads and certain sports programs leads).  Preference will be given to candidates with an active WFR certification.
• Physically fit: Day hiking involves 2-4 miles and up to 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 Practices.
• Prior experience working with youth and youth outdoor adventure programs.
• Rock climbing, hiking, wilderness travel, and team building experience (Preferably in the Rocky Mountain Region).
• Spanish language proficiency and cultural literacy (preferred).

Benefits:

• • 75% contribution to 401a account and accrued sick leave according to the HFWA.
  • Free membership to all Mountain Recreation facilities – full gym, aquatics center, gymnastics area, climbing towers, showers/locker rooms, and 20% Mountain Recreation programming for you and your family.
  • Eligible for a $1/hr incentive if they are Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test.
  • Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification partial reimbursement program offered for eligible employees.
  • Pro Deals on outdoor industry brands.
  • Opportunity to receive a $200 End of Season Bonus if:
  1. a) Work at least the following hours in the 13-week period that begins end of May to early September or 8 Overnights for Outdoor Rec Guides
  2. b) Achieve a “Meets” or above on their End of Season performance appraisal for the period; AND
  3. c) Incur no written warning(s) during the period

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’s in our differences that we will find the power to keep revolutionizing the way we PLAY.

Special Benefits

• 75% contribution to 401a account and accrued sick leave according to the HFWA.
• Free membership to all Mountain Recreation facilities – full gym, aquatics center, gymnastics area, climbing towers, showers/locker rooms, and 20% Mountain Recreation programming for you and your family.
• Eligible for a $1/hr incentive if they are Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification partial reimbursement program offered for eligible employees.
• Pro Deals on outdoor industry brands.
• Opportunity to receive a $200 End of Season Bonus if:

1. a) Work at least the following hours in the 13-week period that begins end of May to early September or 8 Overnights for Outdoor Rec Guides
2. b) Achieve a “Meets” or above on their End of Season performance appraisal for the period; AND
3. c) Incur no written warning(s) during the period

Minimum Requirements

Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification strongly preferred.

Must have a current CPR/First Aid certification prior to starting work.