Outdoor Recreation Coordinator (Full-Time; Exempt)

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. 

We are seeking a talented individual to help support our Outdoor Recreation department and its operations, as well as oversee various programs such as camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, paddle sports, hiking, backpacking, and natural science education. The Outdoor Recreation Coordinator must be passionate about working with youth of various ages and diverse backgrounds. As role models for positive growth, this position must have a strong desire to serve our community through high quality, safe, and inclusive programming.

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POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Outdoor Recreation Coordinator

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

Schedule: Full-Time; Exempt

Work Environment: Work will be both indoors and outdoors, with hours varying to meet the demands of the position. This may include evening hours, weekends, holidays, and multi-day trips. Flexibility is required to successfully complete duties. Much of this position is dedicated to detail-oriented computer work in the office regarding program preparation and implementation, staffing needs, and communicating with partner organizations, participants, and team members.

Outdoor work may involve extreme weather conditions. The position requires continuous mental and visual attention, along with physical exertion such as frequent walking, bending, and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted. The nature of the role will at times require physical exertion, such as frequent walking, bending, and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted. The position requires constant safety awareness and attention to diverse participant needs under continuous demand.

Supervision Required: Works under the general guidance and direction of the Mountain Recreation Outdoor Recreation Supervisor.

Supervision Exercised: May directly supervise part-time and other seasonal employees, volunteers, chaperones, instructors, and campers.

Salary: $55,145 – $68,931 annually DOE; staff in this position are eligible for a $1/hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test.

Benefits: 

• Health Benefits: Member of the Colorado Employer Benefit Trust (CEBT); up to 100% employer paid medical and dental insurance plans, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, mental health resources, and more!
• Employee Assistance Programs: Access to support for personal and work-related concerns.
• Bonus Programs: Opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
• Retirement Plans: 401(a) Social Security replacement plan with employer match; 457(b) retirement plan with up to 10% employer match after one year of employment.
• Wellness Program: Access to wellness resources, programs, and activities to support physical and mental well-being.
• Paid Time Off: Paid sick and vacation time, up to 4 weeks paid parental leave, and 14 paid holidays a year.
• Cell Phone Stipend: Monthly allowance for your cell phone.
• Family Benefits: Free access to facilities and programs for immediate family members.
• Outdoor Gear Perks: Access to pro deals on top outdoor industry brands through ExpertVoice and other platforms. 

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: Work collaboratively with the Outdoor Recreation Supervisor, Mountain Recreation staff, and partner organizations to coordinate, develop, and implement high quality year-round recreation programs for camping field trips with local school groups to Colorado National Monument, Summer Camps for youth, climbing programming and climbing wall maintenance, “off-season” Programming, and Outdoor Gear Library supervision.

Examples of Duties:

• Coordinate & Lead Outdoor Recreation Activities: Collaborate with the Outdoor Recreation Supervisor and Seasonal Coordinator to plan, coordinate, supervise, and conduct high quality outdoor recreation programs that meet departmental and community service goals.
• Colorado National Monument Excursion Planning: Assist overseeing program development, implementation, and coordination — including curriculum design, trip logistics, permit applications, campground and museum scheduling, school/chaperone communications and pre-trip info sessions, as well as guide hiring and training, and program delivery.
• On-Site Coordination – Colorado National Monument Excursions: Lead Monument Excursions, oversee staff training, maintain itineraries, manage chaperones and seasonal staff, and support student behavior management.
• Staff Training & Scheduling: Collaborate with the Outdoor Recreation Supervisor and Seasonal Coordinator to plan and lead staff training for seasonal overnight guides and day camp instructors, emphasizing teamwork and efficiency; assist with schedule creation for staffing programs.
• Camp Supervision & Planning: Support and oversee field guides for overnight and day camp programs — including route planning, menu creation, equipment needs, supply purchasing, and conducting pre- and post-trip briefings with guides and participant’s families as needed.
• Hiring: Work with the Outdoor Recreation Supervisor to review job descriptions, conduct interviews, and hire seasonal staff. 
• Guiding: Fill in as needed to lead programs and teach skills related to camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, SUPing, hiking, and backpacking and demonstrate high level of group management skills for any age group. 
• Partner Collaboration: Initiate and engage in high level of communication with partner organizations and contractors to plan, schedule, and implement programs.
• Program Innovation: Develop new programs aligned with Mountain Recreation’s mission that meet community needs and risk management standards. 
• Maloit Park Challenge Course: Facilitate low ropes challenge course programs and assist with program scheduling, planning, and preparation. 
• Program Evaluation: Review and assess programming to maximize impact, service quality, and staff productivity.
• Logistics & Scheduling: Arrange locations, partners, instructors, necessary program equipment, and other resources; ensure logistical support for all programs.
• Facility & Equipment Care: Inspect program spaces and maintain program facilities, equipment, and supplies to ensure safety and quality experiences.
• Program Documentation: Create and maintain weekly program folders and schedules.
• Outdoor Gear Library Operations: Manage gear inventory, maintenance, and procurement, update website platform, host weekly equipment check-out timeslots and interact with members of the public, supervise part-time staff/volunteers, and assist with outreach events to increase participation. 
• Indoor Climbing Programs: Lead a variety of climbing programs, including intro-to-climbing sessions for the public, after school series, and toddler + parent programs.
• School’s Out Camps: Plan, coordinate, and lead camps for children ages 7–12. 
• Facility Coordination: Work with Facility Supervisors to schedule space, file permits, and ensure proper use of facilities. 
• Public Relations & Customer Communication: Manage cancellations, changes, and class additions; process refunds; respond to correspondence. 
• Program Registration Support: Develop program information and input registration data. 
• Inventory Management: Maintain accurate inventory and track equipment condition, assisting with gear maintenance and repair. 
• Risk Management: Ensure participant and staff safety through proactive risk management practices.
• Emergency Support: Provide field-based emergency response and safety oversight; may act as Incident Response Coordinator in the event of a high-level emergency.
• District Vehicles: drive a truck and trailer combo; drive 15-passenger vans of participants; assist in checking off seasonal staff members to pass driving tests. 
• Mandatory Reporting: Comply with all mandatory reporting requirements. 
• Program Instruction: Lead recreational classes as needed — including summer day camps, overnight camps, indoor programs, and teaching environmental education lessons.
• Meeting Participation: Attend staff trainings, district meetings, collaborative partner meetings, and board/community sessions. 
• Climbing Tower Operations: Oversee maintenance and operations in collaboration with Facility Supervisors, following industry standards. 
• Customer Service: Provide outstanding service to both internal and external customers. 
• Partnership Collaboration: Work with municipalities, school districts, nonprofits, and other organizations to deliver programs.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Support department with other objectives and tasks as assigned.

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COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of: theory, development, practices, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor recreation programming, age- activity-appropriate program planning risk management in recreation programs; and knowledge of necessary equipment and supplies.

Skills and abilities: 

• Effectively communicate in both verbal and written form. 
• Exercise independent initiative, judgment, and decision-making, as well as actively collaborate with team members.
• Demonstrate strong leadership, organization, planning, and problem-solving skills. 
• Effectively supervise and motivate staff. 
• Work well with a wide demographic of people including diverse age groups, varying cultural backgrounds, and varying physical and mental abilities. 
• Establish and maintain positive, respectful, and cooperative relationships with all contacts. 
• Lift and transport equipment and supplies. 
• Work cooperatively with others and create a positive, constructive relationship with staff and the general public. 
• Be proficient in the use of office equipment, including computers. 
• Maintains a growth mindset personally and for the department.
• Strong desire to water seeds of self- and group-efficacy through adventure and environmental education.
• Team focused and collaborative mentality, though also works well independently.
• Diligence, positivity, and high attention to detail in working long hours with a wide variety of activities, locations, participants, and team members, including computer work and systems thinking.
• Highly patient, creative, adaptable, and act as a strong role model for staff and participants. 

Requirements:

Education and experience:

• Be 18 years of age or older; AND
• Two years of college with an emphasis in related field; AND
• Two years of progressive work experience in closely related recreation position; OR
• Any satisfactory combination of experience and education which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the above-described duties.
• 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.
• Ability to pass federal background and motor vehicle check.
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace practices.
• Comfortable with camping, hiking, wilderness travel, and team building experiences.
• Prior experience working with youth and youth overnight outdoor programs.
• Rock climbing, hiking, wilderness travel, and team building experience (preferably in the Rocky Mountain Region).
• Spanish language proficiency and cultural literacy (preferred).

Certifications

• Current Wilderness First Responder* (WFR) or WEMT* (required)
• Current CPR* + Epinephrine Auto-injector* (required)
• Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) (preferred)

*Or ability to obtain these certifications prior to beginning employment. Preference will be given to candidates with an active WFR/WEMT and CPR certification.

FORWARD TOGETHER

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.