Summer Rock Climbing & Logistics Coordinator

Description

Position Overview
The Seasonal Rock Climbing & Logistics Coordinator is a summer programs position responsible for the successful implementation of Keystone Science School’s Adventure Programs and rock climbing activities across all summer programs. This role involves staff training, rock climbing skills assessments, gear management, and the programmatic execution of climbing activities.

As part of the Programs team, the coordinator will organize and develop rock climbing curriculum, teach climbing curriculum to staff and participants, serve as a point of contact for clients with support from the Adventure Manager, collaborate with administrative staff to support overall program needs, and provide coaching and mentorship to seasonal staff.

The Seasonal Rock Climbing & Logistics Coordinator will uphold high standards of safety and excellence in KSS climbing programming across all program areas. Additionally, this role includes participation in an on-call system to serve as an instructor when necessary to ensure successful programming.

Job Duties

The main areas of focus for this position are:  

• 45% Instruction
• 45% Logistics, planning and curriculum building
• 10% Staff Oversight

Instruction

• Collaborate with the Adventure Manager to plan and implement a scaffolded climbing training program for Climbing Instructors and Site Managers.
• Provide ongoing climbing program oversight and evaluate staff performance in the field.
• Verify staff competency by assessing and approving required skills.
• Partner with all Summer Programs Managers to deliver safe, well-organized, and high-quality climbing programming for all summer programs.
• Maintain the Keystone Science School (KSS) Climbing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to meet or exceed industry safety standards, including those set by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), the American Camp Association (ACA), and Colorado state licensing requirements.
• Provide direct coaching and mentorship to Instructors on the implementation and management of climbing programming.
• Support climbing programs in the field as needed and offer ongoing education and supervision to field staff.
• Lead stand-up paddleboarding activities with campers on a weekly basis.

Logistics and Planning

• Uphold high standards of health and safety and adhere to Risk Management policies in all program activities.
• Collaborate with the Adventure Programs Manager to oversee, plan, and enhance logistics and systems for Adventure programs.
• Work with the Camp Chef to create menus using the KSS menu system and pack food for all Adventure trips.
• Support Instructors in preparing for trips, including outfitting students with the necessary gear for safe and successful programming.
• Manage the use, maintenance, and tracking of climbing gear across three concurrent program areas throughout the summer.
• Develop and lead staff training sessions with guidance from the Program Manager.
• Maintain professional relationships with external contractors and vendors.
• Serve as a point of contact for clients and staff on trip opening and closing days to address logistics.
• Partner with the Customer Experience team to ensure client needs are effectively communicated to staff and met by the program.
• Communicate directly with guardians and other program leads to align on and achieve program goals.

Staff Oversight

• Provide direct coaching to Adventure Instructors on effectively implementing program logistics.
• Act as a liaison between seasonal staff and administrative staff to support and maintain a positive KSS staff culture.
• Serve as an on-call staff member, stepping into an instructor role in the field as needed.
• Coordinate logistics during emergencies in collaboration with the Programs Managers.

Qualifications

  Professional Performance  

• Adhere to all Personnel Policies and Procedures for the organization.
• Maintain professional standards of performance, demeanor, and appearance at all times; act as a “role model” both at and away from the organization.
• Maintain a creative, team-building approach to job performance and seek to bring a constructive, problem-solving orientation to all tasks.
• Perform all tasks and responsibilities with attention to detail and in a complete and timely manner, complying with organization policies and standards and conforming to the scheduling requirements of the job and program.
• Maintain an awareness of the organization’s mission and work to promote the positive individual and social change goals it embodies.
• Exercise discretion and professional judgment at all times keeping with the responsibilities carried personally and by the organization for the care and welfare of the clients; act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of organization business.
• Actively strive to upgrade professional skills through engaging in appropriate professional training and experience.
• Actively strive to create and maintain a culturally sensitive, justice-centered and appropriate environment through communication and interaction that demonstrates respect for diversity, socio-economic and cultural differences and that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.

Other duties as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – Minimum Requirements  

• Have an understanding of mobile adventure trip logistics systems, and the ability to adapt systems to the program goals as necessary; 
• Experience with risk management as it pertains to outdoor education;  
• Strong work ethic and will work until the job is complete;   

• Motivation to contribute positively to the KSS at-large community;   
• Effectively interact with people of diverse backgrounds and different levels of experience;  
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and to assess and change priorities based upon organization needs;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, nights, and weekends;  

• Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, show initiative, and exercise personal judgment in a fast-paced environment with a strong sense of humor and integrity.

Required education, experience, and certifications:  

• AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Certification is a requirement for this position;
• Equipment familiarity with all aspects of outdoor sport climbing, and industry standards of equipment life, appropriate use, maintenance requirements, and storage best practices
• A strong ability to manage groups of youth in climbing situations is a requirement for this position; 
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications, from an approved vendor before the start of employment;
• Ability to stand up paddle board on flat water with intermediate to advanced proficiency. Prerequisite skills to take the American Canoe Association SUP L1 certification course and exam. 
• Ability to use and repair front and backcountry camping equipment, and the ability to quickly learn how to repair KSS gear to ensure successful programming; 
• Minimum of 6 months experience with packing food for mobile trips and managing a menu in the field around student and staff dietary needs;

• Excellent driving record and a valid driver's license; Candidates age 20 with a minimum of 4 years driving experience will be required to participate in and pass Van Driver Training, and they will be required to drive a 15-passenger van;   
• Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check.  

Preferred Skills 

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree, or 2 years of college training 6 months of relevant experience; 
• Ability to properly inspect and maintain camping equipment and camping kitchen equipment, and repair when necessary;
• Ability to guide staff on decision-making regarding changing logistics in the field;

• Ability to lift 50 pounds and hike steep terrain with program equipment; 

• Familiarity with climbing crags associated with the KSS climbing program is a plus but not required;

• Previous experience driving with a trailer; 
• Proficiency with Google Drive; 
• Extensive experience on personal backcountry trips.

Work Schedule 

This is a full-time, seasonal position.  The typical work schedule will require a flexible schedule, including days, nights, and weekends. 

Work Environment

This position requires the employee to work in close contact with their teammates.  The office space is small and the employee must have the ability to stay focused while others are working in close proximity.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but varies seasonally due to programs and staffing on campus.  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee while performing the essential functions of this job. 

This position may require traveling to off-site programming locations. In most situations, KSS will provide transportation to off-site programming locations. However, staff may be asked to use personal vehicles to travel within Summit County. Any travel mileage in personal vehicles outside Summit County may be reimbursed.

Salary

$920 a week salary, with the opportunity for SPI course/exam reimbursement for candidates completing their SPI within 4 months of the position start date. SPI certification reimbursement is an end-of-season bonus, and will not be reimbursed for a partial programming season. 

Housing

Keystone Science School provides housing for this position. During the summer months KSS houses a large staff so employees can expect multiple roommates and shared living spaces (staff kitchen, bathrooms, showers, laundry, common spaces, etc.). Housing and food are provided at no additional cost. 

Physical Requirements 

• Able to work a majority of the time outside at high altitude in varying conditions including uneven and slick terrain and unpredictable weather and situations. 
• Physically able to assist participants with recreation equipment during activities.
• Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. with assistance.
• Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices.
• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with guests, students, clients on a daily basis.
• Able to successfully manage multiple, high priority tasks in a fast-paced and oftentimes crowded and noisy environment.

Salary : $920