Outdoor Recreation Lead Program Instructor - Specialty Camps: Mountain Bike (Part-Time; Seasonal)

Description

Mountain Recreation provides a dynamic and engaging environment for both participants and staff—one that promotes skill development, movement, life skills, and fun! We’re looking for enthusiastic applicants who excel in teamwork, demonstrate strong communication, and exemplify our core values in every interaction. 

Mountain Recreation is seeking talented individuals to take on a leadership role in our Outdoor Recreation department, overseeing specialty programs such as mountain biking, archery, stand-up paddleboarding, and other day camp opportunities. This position is part of the Outdoor Recreation Programs Team and is responsible for facilitating high-quality recreation programs in an assigned area to serve the community. 

See Outdoor Recreation Overnight Guide on https://mountainrecreation.org if interested in leading youth backpacking and camping programs.

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POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Outdoor Recreation Lead Program Instructor – Specialty Camps (Mountain Bike)

Location: District-wide • Edwards Field House (Edwards, CO), Eagle Pool & Ice Rink (Eagle, CO), Gypsum Recreation Center (Gypsum, CO)

Schedule: Part-Time; Seasonal; Early June through mid-August

Work Environment: This position offers flexible hours to ensure the successful completion of duties. Work may be performed indoors or outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather conditions. The role requires sustained mental and visual focus for much of the time. Physical demands include frequent walking, bending, kneeling, and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted, as well as pushing and pulling equipment and supplies. Given its physically demanding and high-stress nature, this role requires constant safety awareness and attentiveness to a wide range of participant needs, often under 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 part-time and seasonal employees, volunteers, guides in training, Program Instructors, and campers.

Salary: $20.47 - $25.59/hour; DOE. Staff in this position are eligible for a $1/hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual skills upon passing a language competency test. Seasonal employees in good standing may also qualify for an end-of-season bonus of up to $200. Additionally, through the WFA/WFR Incentive Program, eligible employees can receive partial reimbursement for certification costs (eligibility requirements apply).

Benefits: 

• Retirement Savings: 3.75% employer contribution to a 401(a) retirement account.
• Paid Time Off: Accrued sick leave in accordance with HFWA.
• Facility Access & Memberships: Complimentary access to all three Mountain Recreation facilities and a free membership to the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Program Discounts: 20% off facility programs for employees and immediate family members.
• Family Discounts: Discounted punch cards for immediate family members at the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Outdoor Gear Perks: Access to pro deals on top outdoor industry brands through ExpertVoice.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Student scholarship programs available.
• Healthcare Options: Opportunity to enroll in Vail Valley Partnership’s One Valley Healthcare Plan—an affordable healthcare program for employees and their families.

Mountain Recreation believes that everyone, including our staff, deserves to be healthy and happy. We foster a culture of accountability and flexibility while offering world-class benefits.

For more details on employee benefits, visit: https://mountainrec.org/benefits-overview/

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

General Statement of Duties: Lead and oversee Mountain Bike camps for youth while assisting with various outdoor recreation programs as needed, ensuring high-quality experiences for the community.

Examples of Duties:

• Lead & Supervise: Safely lead a Mountain Bike camp for 12-15 youth alongside an Assistant Instructor, ensuring engaging and educational experience.
• Ensure Safety & Instruction: Conduct gear checks, teach basic bike riding techniques, and trail etiquette while maintaining group cohesion and safety.
• Engage with Families: Greet and interact with families during camper check-in and check-out in a friendly, professional manner.
• Follow Program Plans: Refer to weekly program folders for designated activities, schedules, rosters, and Risk Management documents.
• Teach & Facilitate: Instruct outdoor recreation skills, lead team-building activities, and oversee individual and group behavior management.
• Transport Participants: May drive a district van to transport campers to field sites.
• Manage Risk & Safety: Implement risk management practices, act as the program’s primary leader, and ensure the safety and progress of participants and staff.
• Supervise & Mentor: Coach and mentor Assistant Instructors and Guides in Training (GITs) to develop their skills and confidence.
• Coordinate Logistics: Communicate program needs regarding facilities, equipment, and supplies.
• Deliver High-Quality Experiences: Provide exemplary customer service to both internal and external guests.
• Lead Additional Activities: May also oversee programs such as camping, rock climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, nature art, and environmental stewardship projects.
• Collaborate with Partners: Work with various organizations, including recreation departments, school districts, towns, counties, special districts, non-profits, and sports associations.
• Maintain Equipment & Spaces: Inspect and maintain program spaces and equipment to ensure a safe and positive participant experience.
• Plan & Organize: Develop and implement a curriculum based on program objectives and guidelines.
• Set Up & Clean Up: Handle setup, takedown, and cleanup duties as needed.
• Respond to Emergencies: Follow accident and incident procedures, acting as Incident Commander when necessary.
• Attend Staff Training: Participate in pre-program training to develop skills in youth engagement, outdoor recreation leadership, and team building.
• Follow Reporting Guidelines: Serve as a mandatory reporter, adhering to all reporting requirements.
• Support Special Events: Assist with events for partner organizations serving mixed-age groups.
• Teach Additional Classes: Instruct recreational classes as directed by Mountain Recreation in partnership with SOS Outreach.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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Requirements

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of: 

• Knowledge of child development and experience leading age-appropriate activities
• Experience in outdoor recreation and adventure-based programs
• Leadership skills in group facilitation, particularly in camp or outdoor education settings
• Understanding of recreation program risk management and safety best practices
• Familiarity with facilities and equipment related to assigned program areas
• A passion for making a positive impact in the community

Skills and abilities: 

• Strong organizational, leadership, planning, and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and customer service skills
• Ability to perform well under pressure in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail
• Positive attitude, a good sense of humor, and strong interpersonal skills
• Comfortable, experienced, and passionate about working with youth in outdoor settings
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, respectful, and cooperative relationships with program contacts
• Physical ability to lift, restrain, and chase participants when necessary
• Ability to lift equipment and supplies
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to foster positive relationships with staff and the public

Requirements:

Education and experience:

• Be 18 years of age or older (strong preference for ages 21 ).
• Currently studying recreation or a related field; OR
• Recently graduated from a recreation or related field; OR
• Have 1-3 years of experience in outdoor recreation and/or youth-serving programs; OR
• Any satisfactory combination of experience and education that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties outlined above.
• Ability to pass federal background and motor vehicle checks.
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace practices.
• Prior experience working with youth and in youth outdoor adventure programs.

Certifications:

• Current CPR Certification or the ability to obtain it within 30 days of employment (required).
• Preference given to applicants with an active Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.

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. 

Salary : $20 - $26