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Outdoor Recreation Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Created by Outfits and guides in Colorado. Otter Waiver's powerful features were built to save you ... Having knowledge in Outdoor Recreation, Risk Management, Insurance and Law is a plus. We are ...

Created by Outfits and guides in Colorado. Otter Waiver's powerful features were built to save you ... Having knowledge in Outdoor Recreation, Risk Management, Insurance and Law is a plus. We are ...

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Outdoor Recreation Guide information

What does an outdoor recreation guide do?

An Outdoor Recreation Guide leads individuals or groups on outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, or camping. They are responsible for planning and organizing trips, ensuring participant safety, providing instruction on equipment and techniques, and sharing knowledge about the local environment and wildlife. Guides often tailor experiences to suit the skill levels and interests of participants, and they may also handle emergency situations if they arise. Their goal is to create a memorable and safe outdoor experience for everyone involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an outdoor recreation guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Outdoor Recreation Guide, you need strong outdoor skills, first aid certification, and in-depth knowledge of local environments and safety protocols. Familiarity with GPS devices, emergency communication systems, and specialized equipment like climbing or paddling gear is typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help guides manage groups and respond effectively to challenges. These abilities are crucial to ensure participant safety, deliver memorable experiences, and adapt to dynamic outdoor conditions.

What is the difference between Outdoor Recreation Guide vs Outdoor Activity Instructor?

AspectOutdoor Recreation GuideOutdoor Activity Instructor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, outdoor activity certificationsCPR, First Aid, activity-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, parks, wilderness areasOutdoor or indoor activity centers, parks
Employer & IndustryTour companies, outdoor recreation businessesRecreation centers, adventure parks

Both roles involve guiding outdoor activities, requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Outdoor Recreation Guides typically work in broader outdoor environments and may oversee multiple activities, while Outdoor Activity Instructors often focus on specific activities within structured settings. Both roles are essential in the outdoor recreation industry and share overlapping skills and certifications.

What are some common challenges outdoor recreation guides face in the field, and how can they prepare for them?

Outdoor Recreation Guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, varying group skill levels, and ensuring safety in remote environments. Preparing for these situations involves thorough pre-trip planning, staying updated with weather forecasts, and maintaining strong communication and leadership skills. Guides should also be well-versed in first aid and emergency protocols to address unforeseen incidents, and adaptable in adjusting activities to suit the group's abilities and comfort levels.
What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Recreation Guide jobs in Colorado? For Outdoor Recreation Guide jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Outdoor Recreation Guide jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Outdoor Recreation Guide job openings:
Infographic showing various Outdoor Recreation Guide job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Title: Outdoor Recreation Instructor

Position Type: Instructor

College: Front Range Community College

Division: Academic Affairs

Department: FRCC Sciences

Campus: Larimer Campus

Location: Fort Collins

Salary Range: Varies by course. Please see Additional Information below.

Who We Are:

With three campuses along Colorado’s Front Range, FRCC is the state’s largest community college. We enroll close to 28,000 students annually from our diverse service area, which offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities.

Each year approximately 5,000 FRCC students transfer to four-year universities and FRCC offers more than 36 career training programs that prepare students for immediate employment and rewarding careers. Last year, more than 5,000 high school students took concurrent enrollment classes with us, earning college credit without having to pay college tuition. And we were recently ranked as one of the “Top Online Colleges” in the country by Newsweek.

One of FRCC’s main goals is to offer educational excellence for everyone. The college’s strong commitment to student success means we start by creating an inclusive and equitable environment—one where both students and employees feel they belong and are supported. FRCC’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of our college conversations and decision-making processes. We are actively seeking to hire a workforce that reflects the diversity of our student body.

The college is also an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. For us, becoming an HSI is an intentional commitment to being a college where our Latinx (and other historically marginalized) students thrive.

FRCC employees and leaders work hard to create a culture of collaboration, innovation and pride. We’re looking to hire people who share these values—along with our commitment to student success, equity and excellence.

Job Summary:

As a part-time instructor in the Outdoor Recreation department, you provide instruction in all levels of outdoor recreation, leadership, and recreation management, including certificate and/or transfer levels. You work individually, as well as in collaboration with colleagues, to develop an innovative curriculum which meets the needs of our diverse population of students. Student retention and success are your top priority. You utilize technology and effective teaching strategies to develop students’ critical thinking skills.

You may be asked to teach at different times, locations and modalities to meet the needs of the College.

This position requires a strong on-campus presence and may require occasional travel to all three FRCC campuses.

Please note: You need to be a Colorado resident on your first day of employment. Also, Front Range Community College is an E-Verify employer.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A related associate degree (or relevant current industry license or certification) and 4000 verified occupational/industry hours with seven years.

OR

  • A related Bachelor’s or any Master’s degree with 18 discipline related credits and 2000 verified occupational/industry hours within seven years.

Related Degree, Credential, and/or Occupational Experience: Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, Recreation Management, Parks and Recreation, demonstrated experience with risk management and leading groups in the back country, 5 years minimum working as a guide.

CTE Credential: This instructor position will be teaching Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. In addition to the qualifications listed above, the selected candidate must have a current CTE credential or the ability to obtain one within one year to teach. For more information, please see the Colorado Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education website.

Selection Process:

The selection process for this instructor position will be conducted through a competitive, merit-based evaluation of all qualified applicants. Preliminary screening will be based on the completed application package submitted by the candidate.

This is an open talent pool. Applicants will be contacted based on the needs of the College. Open talent pools close on May 1 and reopen based on the needs of the College.

This posting may be used to fill multiple or similar positions.

Application Procedures:

A completed application package includes:

  • A resume or CV;
  • A cover letter or letter of interest;
  • A copy of your academic transcripts or related licenses/certifications;
  • A one-page statement of your teaching philosophy; and
  • A list of courses and the semesters you have taught (if applicable).

The application will ask for you to provide three references. We ask that they are all professional references and at least one is a current/recent supervisor.

Additional Information/Benefits:

Transcript Note: While unofficial copies are accepted at the application stage, the following information must be included: your name, institution name, degree achieved (subject and degree type), date of degree achieved, and courses completed. If selected to move forward, official copies will be required.

Salary Information: The pay range for Part-Time Instructors varies, depending on the type of course, the contact ratio and contact hours. Please refer to our Part-Time Instructor Pay Matrix for detailed information.

Benefits Information: For information about benefits for Instructors and Hourly Employees, please see the Front Range Community College Benefits page.

Welcoming. Respectful. Inclusive. Together, we are FRCC.