Outdoor Recreation Programs Instructor (Assistant)

Mountain Recreation Metropolitan Recreation District

Outdoor Recreation Program Instructor

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 help support our Outdoor Recreation department and it’s various programs including: camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, paddle sports, hiking, and backpacking. 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; Early June – Mid-August; Hourly
• Salary: $17.88 - $26.83/hour; DOE
• Location: Eagle County, Colorado
• Reports To: Works under the general guidance and direction of the Mountain Recreation Outdoor Recreation Supervisor and Coordinator.
• Supervision Exercised: May directly supervise volunteers, other PT staff, and participants during programming times.
• 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. The 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: Assist other program staff to facilitate and implement outdoor recreation programs in desired area, providing high quality opportunities for the community in partnership with SOS Outreach.

Examples of Duties:

• Assist Program Leads with instructing outdoor recreation programs for youth such as mountain biking, camping, rock climbing, paddle sports, nature art, survival skills, environmental stewardship projects, BMX, skateboarding, and hiking.
• Support Lead Instructors with a group of 10-12 youth 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 assisting the Program Lead to maintain individual and group behavior management.
• Implement risk management practices and support the Program Lead to provide safe and effective programs.
• Help implement curriculum based upon program specialty, objectives, and guidelines.
• Assist in overseeing the safety, comfort, and progress of participants in various activities.
• Communicate with other program staff regarding facility, equipment, and supply needs.
• May assist with special events for partner organizations to serve mixed age groups.
• Provide for the safety of fellow staff and participants while providing experiences in outdoor based sports and activities.
• Provide exemplary customer service to internal and external guests.
• Assist with implementing new programs and services that are consistent with District and SOS Outreach mission and goals and meet community needs and interests.
• Support implementing risk management practices.
• Work with other organizations not limited to: Recreation Departments, School Districts, Towns, Counties, Special Districts, Non-Profits, and Sport Associations.

• Set up, take down, clean-up after programs as required.
• Assist with responding to accidents and incidents according to procedures.

Other Duties & Functions:

• 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
• Working as a team player.

Skills and Abilities:

• A desire to make a positive difference in the community.

• Have a positive attitude and good sense of humor and strong communication skills.
• Customer service skills.
• 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:

• High school graduation or equivalency, or currently attending high school; AND
• Previous experience working or volunteering with children/youth; OR
• 1-2 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 Aid (WFA) (preferred) or First Aid and CPR, or the ability to obtain these certifications prior to beginning employment preferred.
• Spanish language proficiency and cultural literacy (preferred).

Benefits:

• 75% contribution to 401a account and accrued sick leave according to the HFWA.
• Eligible for a $1/hr incentive if they are Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test.
• 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.
• 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.
• Eligible for a $1/hr incentive if they are Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test.
• 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.
• 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

Requirements

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

Why work here

FIND YOUR PURPOSE AT MOUNTAIN RECREATION!

Where passion meets purpose and dreams become reality. Mountain Recreation believes everyone deserves to be happy and healthy, and that includes our employees! Become a part of a team that dreams big and sees a community better than yesterday. Regardless of your role at Mountain Rec, you will be a part of a team who is taking recreation, community and service to the next level.

We’re just getting started! Join us as we continue to expand our partnerships and build a healthy and happy community.