Youth Summer Program Rock Climbing Specialist, SPI Required (Part Time)

Youth Summer Program Rock Climbing Specialist, SPI Required (Part Time)

The Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Education Program provides active learning through outdoor and adventure education. We use an experiential approach to connect youth with their local surroundings, making learning relevant and fun by utilizing Colorado’s greatest natural resource: the mountains!

Position Responsibilities 

  • Facilitate and provide indoor and outdoor climbing instruction for participants ages 5-18 in the Youth Education Program. Lessons are experiential, using models, props, and games. Additional topics may include teambuilding, environmental science, survival skills, snowshoeing, slacklining, and more.  
  • Lead youth on day and overnight programs in backcountry settings. 
  • Facilitate teambuilding activities and support youth development. 
  • Assist the Coordinator and Manager in scheduling and logistics for various summer camps and courses. 
  • Maintain gear inventory and upkeep. 
  • Facilitate a positive, fun learning environment through appropriate behavior management, communication, and teaching methods. 
  • Prepare activities, materials, and equipment for programs as needed.  Set up and break down climbing sites and other program areas. 
  • Provide feedback and ideas on the curriculum to the program design team. 
  • Provide professional and excellent customer service to parents and community partners. 
  • Assist in training instructors and volunteers and certifying wall leaders. 
  • Work with Youth Programs Manager to oversee wall operations. 
  • Act as manager on duty when Youth Program Manager, and/or Coordinator are unavailable.  
  • Additional duties and responsibilities may be required. 

Position Qualifications 

  • Minimum 21 years of age. 
  • AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) or equivalent certification required. 
  • Current Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or higher certification.  
  • Current CPR certification. 
  • Prior experience working in wilderness programs, outdoor education, summer camps, or related field. 
  • Experience teaching youth from diverse backgrounds in environmental education and/or adventure education.  
  • Full COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the CDC. 
  • Submit and pass a criminal background check.  
  • Able to carry loads up to 45 pounds. 
  • Ability to provide personal transportation to and from the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO. 

Position Competencies 

  • Passion for working with youth. 
  • Self-directed, innovative thinker.  
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
  • Demonstration of cultural awareness and responsiveness. 
  • Experience working respectfully with colleagues and students from a variety of ages, cultural, and economic backgrounds. 
  • Understanding and application of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and interest in furthering this work personally and within the organization. 
  • Commitment to expanding access, relevance, and belonging for traditionally underrepresented groups in the outdoors. 
  • Positive attitude and sense of humor. 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

  • Associate’s degree or higher in adventure education, outdoor education, recreation, wilderness leadership or related degree. 
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English.  

Time Commitment & Compensation 

  • The compensation is $23/hour. 
  • Additional benefits include workers compensation insurance, a Colorado Mountain Club membership, pro-deals with some outdoor gear manufactures and retailers.
  • The part-time seasonal position starts May 28, 2024 and goes until August 12, 2024. Summer camps and courses take place June 3 – August 9. Hours will vary, but typically take place 2-3 days/week within 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. Scheduling and hours will be agreed upon by you and the Youth Program Manager.   
  • A variety of specialized training are offered to employees throughout the season. A mandatory week-long training will take place May 28-June 7 in preparation for summer programs. 

How to Apply 

  • Submit a resume and a cover letter with your goals and expectations of the position via email to staceyh@cmc.org by May 7, 2024. 

For more information about the Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Education Program, visit our website at www.cmc.org/youth  

The CMC provides equal employment opportunities to all people regardless of race, age, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or any other basis protected by law.