Climbing Instructor (Part-Time, On-Call/Temporary)

Description

WHERE PASSION MEETS PURPOSE—AND DREAMS BECOME REALITY

At Mountain Recreation, we believe that everyone deserves to live a happy, healthy life—and that includes our employees. Join a team that dares to dream big and envisions a stronger, more connected community every single day.

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.

Come grow with us as we continue to dream boldly and build a healthier, happier tomorrow.

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.

If you are interested in leading broader outdoor programming such as youth backpacking or camping experiences, please also see the Outdoor Recreation Day Camps Lead position at http://mountainrecreation.org. 

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POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Climbing Instructor

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

Employment Type: Part-Time, On-Call/Temporary

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Overtime Eligible)

Schedule: Work schedules may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and multi-day trips. Flexibility is required to successfully fulfill job responsibilities. 

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 other seasonal employees, volunteers, chaperones, instructors, and campers.

Work Environment and Physical Demands: This position is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, with schedules that vary based on operational needs. Outdoor work may involve exposure to varying and potentially extreme weather conditions.

The role requires the ability to maintain sustained mental and visual attention and to perform physical activities such as walking, standing, bending, and lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds. Additional physical tasks may include pushing, pulling, reaching, and kneeling to move equipment and supplies.

This position may involve a fast-paced environment that requires consistent attention to safety and the ability to effectively respond to participants with diverse needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Salary: $50.00/hour; staff in this position are eligible for a $1/hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test.

Benefits: 

• 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.

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 groups of youth, ages 7–10 and 11–14, in rock climbing activities as part of Mountain Recreation’s Outdoor Recreation camps and programs. Responsibilities include teaching climbing techniques, promoting safe practices, and fostering teamwork, confidence, and respect both on and off the climbing wall. Climbing Instructors collaborate with an Assistant Guide to provide a positive, supportive, and engaging experience for groups of 10–12 youth.

Examples of Duties:

• Program Facilitation & Supervision: Lead and supervise multi-day camping, backpacking, and climbing trips for youth in front-country and backcountry settings, alongside a co-guide or Assistant Guide, including preparation, implementation, cleanup, and post-trip debriefs.
• Skill Development: Help campers build confidence in outdoor recreation skills, including campsite setup, wilderness travel, camp cooking, climbing techniques, and group decision-making.
• Program Logistics & Documentation: Follow weekly program schedules, activity plans, rosters, and risk management documents; maintain field 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.

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Requirements

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:

Education and experience:

• 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.
• 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.
• Spanish language proficiency and cultural literacy (preferred).

Certifications:

• Valid First Aid and CPR certification (required)
• AMGA Single Pitch instructor (SPI) (required) 
• AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) (preferred)
• AMGA Multi-Pitch Instructor (MPI) (preferred)
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR, or the ability to obtain these certifications prior to beginning employment.  Preference will be given to candidates with an active WFR 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.

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.

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.