Edwards, CO

Position Title: Overnight Programs Guide

Organization: Mountain Recreation

Location: Edwards, CO

Organization Overview: Mountain Recreation Outdoor Programs offer a fun, exciting environment to their participants and staff alike; one that fosters opportunities for expanding 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.

Position Overview: Mountain Recreation is looking for qualified individuals interested in introducing youth to outdoor leadership skills, natural science education, and outdoor recreation in outdoor settings during their 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.

Duties:

• Deliver and supervise programs in assigned area, providing high quality recreation opportunities for the community in partnership with SOS Outreach.
• Supervise participants in outdoor programs, helping to provide for a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for campers and fellow staff.
• Lead multi-day trips for groups of up to 13 youth (8 – 18 years old) in front and backcountry settings with or without a co-guide, including preparation, implementation, cleanup and debriefing with other field staff. Programs range from 1-day programs to overnight programs as long as 3 days/2 nights.
• Manage the safety of all participants around-the-clock while delivering programming focused on introductions to camping, outdoor recreation, backpacking, wilderness travel, and natural science education. Courses include a variety of activities including hiking, rock climbing, team building, and other outdoor adventure sports.
• Provide environmental education, cultural and natural history interpretation when appropriate.
• Maintain field records, trip reports, and accident/incident reports.
• Communicate effectively with public including providing accurate information related to the program and responding to patron and parent questions and concerns.
• Provide logistical support and assists 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.
• 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.

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience:
  • Be 21 years of age or older.
  • Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or 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 WFR or WFA certification.
  • 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.
  • Rock climbing, hiking, wilderness travel, and team building experience.
  • Spanish language proficiency and cultural literacy (preferred).
• Considerable knowledge of:
  • Child development and age-appropriate activities.
  • Leadership experience in group facilitation in an outdoor setting.
  • Recreation 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 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.

Start/End Date: Summer seasonal

• Option 1 – Late April – Early June; (Monument Trips only)
• Option 2 – Late April – Mid-August; (Monument Trips and Summer Camp)
• Option 3 – Early June – Mid-August; (Summer Camp only)

Salary/Pay: $165 per day (30-40 hours per week)

How to Apply: Apply on Mountain Recreation’s website. For more information about this position please contact Kaili Schroeder at kschroeder@mountainrec.org or via phone at 970-688-7333.