Outdoor Recreation Lead Program Instructor - Specialty Camps: Rock Climbing (Part-Time; Seasonal)

Position Details

No matter what your role, you’ll be part of a dynamic team redefining what recreation, community, and service can look like. We’re elevating experiences, building partnerships, and making meaningful change—and we’re just getting started.

Mountain Recreation is seeking passionate Climbing Instructors who enjoy working with youth of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Instructors serve as positive role models, creating a supportive and engaging environment while teaching climbing techniques, building confidence, and fostering respect for the outdoors and one another.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Program Facilitation & Supervision: Lead and supervise climbing programs – including afterschool climbing, youth camps, adult belay clinics, and toddler programs.
• Skill Development: Help participants develop safe climbing practices and techniques.
• Climbing Wall Maintenance & Route Setting: Assist the Outdoor Programs Team with developing and setting new climbing routes at the Gypsum Rec Center and Edwards Field House climbing facilities. Additionally, check equipment and perform repairs as instructed.
• Program Logistics & Documentation: Follow weekly program schedules, activity plans, rosters, and risk management documents; maintain program records, trip reports, and accident/incident reports.
• Camper & Family Engagement: Greet and engage with families professionally during camper check-in and check-out, addressing questions or concerns as needed.
• Outdoor Ethics & Recreation: Teach Leave No Trace principles and promote responsible recreation practices.
• Group Management & Team Building: Facilitate team bonding activities, explain program rules and expectations, and manage group dynamics effectively.
• Risk Management & Safety: Ensure a safe and positive experience for campers and staff by managing field risks and responding to emergencies according to policies and procedures.
• Environmental Education: Provide interpretation of cultural and natural history when appropriate.
• Communication & Public Relations: Maintain professional and clear communication with participants, families, and the public.
• Logistical & Equipment Support: Assist with purchasing, setting up, breaking down, and maintaining program equipment, facilities, vans, and trailers.
• Transportation: Drive 15-passenger vans for participant transport and operate trucks and trailer combinations to move program equipment.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Serve as a role model and provide guidance, leadership, and mentorship to staff and volunteers.
• Training & Professional Development: Participate in pre-program staff training to gain essential skills for youth engagement, outdoor recreation instruction, and team building.
• Mandatory Reporting: Comply with all reporting guidelines as a mandatory reporter.
• Other Duties: Perform other tasks as assigned.

Competencies and Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of:
• Child development principles and the ability to design and implement age-appropriate activities.
• Outdoor recreation, including camping, backpacking, climbing, and adventure-based activities.
• Leading and facilitating youth groups in outdoor settings, fostering teamwork and skill development.
• Recreation program risk management and best practices to ensure participant safety.
• Maintaining and managing facilities, equipment, and supplies for outdoor programs.
• Skills and abilities:
• Passion for making a positive impact in the community and working with youth in outdoor settings.
• Strong organizational, leadership, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage participants, families, and staff.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work collaboratively and foster positive relationships.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, maintaining professionalism in all interactions.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Positive attitude, adaptability, and a good sense of humor.
• Physical capability to lift and carry equipment, manage supplies, and actively supervise participants.
• Commitment to building respectful, cooperative, and inclusive relationships with all program contacts.
• Requirements:
• Be 18 years of age or older; AND
• Currently studying recreation or related field; OR
• Recently graduated from a recreation program or related field; 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.
• Prior experience of route setting (strongly preferred).
• Prior experience instructing rock climbing programming (strongly preferred).
• Spanish language proficiency and cultural literacy (preferred).

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $21.50 – $26.87; staff in this position are eligible for a $1/hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test.
• Retirement Savings: 3.75% employer contribution to a 401(a)-retirement account.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to mental health resources, life coaching, financial and legal consultation, and more through AllOne Health.
• 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.
• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mountain Recreation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Mountain Recreation is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.