Mountain Recreation Metropolitan Recreation District

Outdoor Recreation – Overnight Programs Assistant Guide

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 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.

Position Details

• Schedule: Seasonal
  • Option 1: Mid-April – Late-September
  • Option 2: Early June – Mid-August
  • Option 3: A combination of Option 1 and 2
• Salary: $150/day
• Location: Eagle County, Colorado
• Reports To:Works under the general guidance and direction of the Mountain Recreation Outdoor Recreation Coordinator and Outdoor Recreation Supervisor.
• Supervision Exercised:May directly supervise part-time and other seasonal employees, volunteers, chaperones, instructors, and campers.
• 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.

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:

• Assist the Lead Guide in leading multi-day camping and backpacking trips for groups of 10-12 youth per group (8 – 18 years old) in front and backcountry settings with 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 4 days/3 nights. 
• Help supervise participants in outdoor programs, helping to provide for 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, backpacking, 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.
• Communicate effectively with public including providing accurate information related to the program and responding to patron and parent questions and concerns.
• Assist with logistical support and assists with purchasing materials and supplies for programs as needed.
• Assist with set up and break down equipment and supplies.
• Assist with the general upkeep and care of equipment, vans, and facilities used.
• Respond to accidents and incidents according to policies and procedures.
• 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.

Required Knowledge & Skills

Considerable knowledge of: 

• Child development and age-appropriate activities
• 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 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

Education and Experience:  

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Minimum current First Aid and CPR training.
  • Preference will be given to those with a current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR, or the ability to obtain these certifications prior to beginning employment.
• 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.
• 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:

• 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
• Achieve a “Meets” or above on their End of Season performance appraisal for the period; AND
• 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.