Outdoor Recreation Lead Overnight Guide Seasonal

Overview

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

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Job Title: Outdoor Recreation Lead Overnight Guide

Location: District-wide

Schedule: Part‑time;
Seasonal

• Option 1:
  Early May – Late September
• Option 2:
  Early June – Mid August
• Option 3:
  Combination of Options 1 and 2

Work Environment: Work will be both indoors and outdoors with hours that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and multi‑day trips. The role requires continuous mental and visual attention, physical exertion such as frequent walking, bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, and carrying equipment. It may involve extreme weather conditions and requires constant safety awareness.

Supervision

Required:

Works under the general guidance and direction of the Outdoor Recreation Supervisor and Outdoor Recreation Coordinator.

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

Salary: $16.80 per hour; DOE. Opportunity for overtime pay on overnight trips. Staff eligible for $1 per hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual skills upon passing a language competency test. Seasonal employees in good standing may qualify for an end‑of‑season bonus up to $200. Eligible employees can receive partial reimbursement for certification costs through the WFA/WFR Incentive Program (eligibility applies).

• 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 plus 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 professional 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—affordable healthcare for employees and 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 .

General Statement of Duties: Lead groups of youth, ages 7–10 and 11–14, in outdoor recreation activities—including backpacking, camping, environmental education, and rock climbing—alongside an Assistant Guide. Overnight programs range from 3 days, 2 nights to 4 days, 3 nights, with group sizes of 10–12 youth.

Examples Of Duties:

• Program Facilitation & Supervision:
  Lead and supervise multi‑day camping and backpacking trips for youth in front‑country and back‑country settings alongside a co‑guide or Assistant Guide, including preparation, implementation, cleanup, and debriefing with field staff.
• Skill Development:
  Help campers build confidence in outdoor recreation skills such as campsite setup, wilderness travel, camp cooking, and group decision‑making.
• Program Logistics:
  Refer to weekly program folders for schedules, activity plans, rosters, and risk‑management documents.
• Camper & Family Engagement:
  Greet and engage with families professionally during camper check‑in and check‑out.
• Outdoor Ethics & Recreation:
  Teach Leave No Trace principles and promote responsible recreation.
• Group Management & Team Building:
  Explain and enforce program rules and expectations while facilitating team bonding activities.
• Risk Management & Safety:
  Manage risk in the field to ensure a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for campers and staff.
• Environmental
  
  Education:
  
  Provide cultural and natural history…