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!
Rock Climbing Specialist (SPI) – Summer 2025
Colorado Mountain Club (CMC)
Location: Golden, CO & Lakewood, CO
Position Overview
Are you passionate about rock climbing and eager to share your expertise with youth? Join the Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Education Program as a Rock Climbing Specialist! In this role, you will lead rock climbing instruction for youth ages 6-18, while fostering an engaging, fun, and safe environment for learning. This is an exciting opportunity to work with young adventurers, teach climbing techniques, and guide them on outdoor experiences in beautiful mountain settings.
You will have the chance to lead youth on day and overnight programs, including rock climbing, teambuilding, environmental education, and more. Through experiential learning, you'll inspire youth to develop important outdoor skills, teamwork, and confidence.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Climbing Programs: Facilitate indoor and outdoor climbing lessons for youth ages 6-18, using hands-on teaching methods such as games, models, and props. Use Single Pitch Instructor qualifications to set up and lead outdoor climbing lessons.
Climbing Instruction: Belay, coach, and teach youth climbing techniques, including knot tying, belaying, climbing safety, and other technical climbing skills.
Outdoor Adventures: Lead participants on day and overnight climbing programs, including hiking, rock climbing, and teambuilding activities in both front and backcountry settings.
Program Support & Preparation: Prepare materials, equipment, and assist with the setup and breakdown of climbing sites and other program areas.
Create a Positive Learning Environment: Foster a fun, safe, and engaging atmosphere by using effective communication, behavior management, and teaching methods.
Collaborate on Curriculum: Provide feedback and contribute ideas for program improvements in collaboration with the program design team.
Customer Service: Engage with parents and community partners to ensure excellent communication and customer service.
Additional Duties: Assist the Coordinator and Manager in scheduling, logistics, and gear maintenance as needed.
Position Requirements
Age Requirement: Minimum of 21 years old.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) or equivalent certification required at time of hiring. Current Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or higher certification required. Current CPR certification required.
Experience: Prior experience working in wilderness programs, outdoor education, or summer camps, especially in rock climbing or adventure education.
Physical Requirements: Ability to carry loads up to 60 pounds.
Transportation: Reliable transportation to and from the CMC offices in Golden, CO.
Health & Safety: Full COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the CDC. Submission of a criminal background check.
Position Competencies
Passion for Education: A genuine passion for working with youth and teaching rock climbing and outdoor skills.
Outdoor Enthusiasm: Strong interest in outdoor activities, particularly rock climbing, environmental science, and natural history.
Climbing Expertise: Proven experience and expertise in rock climbing skills (e.g., belaying, knot tying, climbing safety).
Cultural Awareness: Strong cultural awareness and experience working with diverse groups of students and colleagues.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Commitment to expanding access and inclusion for underrepresented groups in the outdoors.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to build relationships with youth, parents, and team members.
Adaptability: Self-motivated, flexible, and a problem-solver who thrives in dynamic environments.
Positive Attitude: A fun-loving, positive approach with a great sense of humor and enthusiasm.
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Associate’s degree or higher in Adventure Education, Outdoor Education, Recreation, Wilderness Leadership, or related fields.
Wilderness Certifications: Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), or Wilderness EMT certification preferred.
Bilingual: Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus.
Time Commitment & Compensation
Position Duration:Part-time, seasonal position from May 19 to August 13, 2025 with potential to extend into Fall. Full- time (32-40hrs/week) opportunities if desired.
Compensation: $23/hour, with additional benefits including workers’ compensation insurance, a Colorado Mountain Club membership, pro-deals with select outdoor gear manufacturers, and 32 hours of paid-time-off (PTO).
Overnight Rate: $250 per overnight day.
Training: Mandatory training from May 19-30.
Schedule:24-40 hours a week with a minimum of 24 hrs each week, within 8am-5pm Monday-Friday, but will be agreed upon with the Youth Program Manager.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience, interest in the role, and career goals via email to youth@cmc.org. Preference will be given to applications received by March 21, 2025. Interviews and hiring will take place on a rolling basis.
For more information about the Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Education Program, visit our website at www.cmc.org/youth.
Equal Opportunity Employer
CMC is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, age, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or any other status protected by law.
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