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Manager Backcountry Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

At each destination our guided backcountry adventures await guests of all ages and skill levels ... Position Purpose The Snow Safety Manager is a member of the Irwin Guides leadership team with ...

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Manager Backcountry information

What are the roles and responsibilities of a manager backcountry?

A Manager Backcountry oversees operations related to outdoor and remote area activities, often in retail or adventure tourism settings. Their responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring customer safety, maintaining equipment, organizing expeditions or tours, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. They are also involved in training, customer service, and coordinating logistics for backcountry trips. This role requires strong leadership, outdoor skills, and knowledge of wilderness safety protocols.

What are some typical challenges faced by a manager backcountry, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Backcountry Managers often encounter challenges such as managing visitor safety, balancing conservation efforts with recreational use, and responding to unpredictable weather or emergencies. Effective communication with staff, clear protocols, and ongoing training are essential to address these challenges. Building strong relationships with local authorities, search and rescue teams, and environmental agencies also helps ensure a safe and sustainable backcountry environment. Adaptability and proactive planning are key traits for success in this dynamic role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager backcountry, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Backcountry, you need strong leadership abilities, knowledge of outdoor safety protocols, and experience in wilderness management, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like Wilderness First Responder. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, risk management software, and outdoor gear is typically required. Excellent communication, decision-making, and crisis management skills help you lead teams and ensure guest safety in remote environments. These competencies are crucial for overseeing safe, efficient operations and providing positive experiences in challenging backcountry settings.

What is the difference between Manager Backcountry vs Guide Backcountry?

AspectManager BackcountryGuide Backcountry
CertificationsWilderness First Responder, CPR, Backcountry Safety CertificationsWilderness First Responder, CPR, Backcountry Safety Certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees operations, manages staff, plans trips, administrative tasksLeads outdoor trips, instructs clients, ensures safety, direct outdoor activities
Employer & Industry UsageOutdoor adventure companies, resorts, guiding servicesOutdoor adventure companies, guiding services, resorts

While both roles require similar certifications and work in outdoor environments, the Manager Backcountry focuses on overseeing operations and managing staff, whereas the Guide Backcountry is directly involved in leading outdoor trips and instructing clients. The manager handles administrative and logistical tasks, while the guide is hands-on with clients in the backcountry setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backcountry jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Backcountry jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Manager Backcountry jobs in Colorado?

For Manager Backcountry jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manager Backcountry jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Manager Backcountry jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Manager Backcountry jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Manager Backcountry job openings:

Infographic showing various Manager Backcountry job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Backcountry Wilderness Area Equine Program Instructor

Highlands Ranch Community Association

Highlands Ranch, CO โ€ข On-site

$16 - $24/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Plan and instruct horseback riding lessons and equine programs for children and adults.

  • Oversee the daily well-being of horses, including feeding, watering, and basic care.

  • Maintain client records, coordinate lesson schedules, and communicate program rules to participants.


Job description

JOB TITLE: Backcountry Wilderness Area Equine Program Instructor FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
General Statement of Duties: Responsible for providing safe and engaging horseback riding lessons and equine education programs. This role includes ensuring the safety of guests, providing care for HRCA owned horses and barn yard animals, as well as communicating and scheduling riding lessons with students.
Supervision Received: Works under the supervision of the Backcountry Wilderness Area Equine Program Manager.
Supervision Exercised: None

JOB DESCRIPTION
Examples of Duties: The following examples of duties are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.
  • Plan and instruct horseback riding lessons and equine programs for children (ages 3-17) and adults.
  • Oversee the daily well-being of horses, including feeding, watering, basic care, and routine maintenance.
  • Maintain and organize tack and other equine equipment.
  • Keep staging and corral areas clean and organized.
  • Safely move horses to and from designated pastures, ensuring all fences and gates are properly secured.
  • Provide excellent customer service by educating participants about program rules and regulations.
  • Maintain client records and coordinate lesson schedules.
  • Collaborate with other instructors to ensure seamless equine programming.
  • Obtain signed liability waivers from all participants.
  • Monitor participant behavior to ensure discipline and safety.
  • Work collaboratively with Backcountry Wilderness Area staff to achieve program goals.
  • Respond effectively to emergencies and maintain a positive attitude in all situations.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical and Environmental Standards:
  • Work is performed outdoors, often in adverse weather conditions, including heat, humidity, sun, rain, snow, wind, cold and extreme temperatures.
  • Must be able to traverse uneven terrain and stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to walk, sit, crouch, bend, kneel, stoop, reach, push, pull, and lift or carry objects up to 60 pounds unassisted.
  • Vision requirements include near and far acuity.
  • Manual dexterity is needed for typing, writing, using a calculator, and operating a phone.
  • Effective communication is essential, including the ability to talk and hear clearly via phone and face-to-face interactions.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills amp; Abilities:
  • Minimum age of 18 years.
  • Thorough knowledge of horsemanship.
  • Preferred experience in teaching horseback riding.
  • Interest in working with children and adapting lessons for diverse learners.
  • Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
  • Strong work ethic, motivation, and ability to work independently.
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain certification prior to the first day of employment.

Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
Benefits: Benefits for part time employees include Paid Sick Leave, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts (30%) for Programs and Events, Referral Program, Recreation Center usage.
401k plus company match and Health Insurance, Telehealth and Flex Plans after one year if the minimum hours requirement is determined.
Education: Completion of High School preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 3 years of horse care and riding experience, with a preference for prior teaching experience in horseback riding.
Submittal Deadline: 9/17/2026
EOE