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Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities at Connections for Independent Living. 

For open positions, please send resume and brief cover letter with self-identification as a person with disability if applicable, as a single PDF to: jobs@connectionscolorado.org

Outdoor Recreation Coordinator – Youth Equity Program Job Description

Position Title: Outdoor Recreation Coordinator– Youth Equity Program (hiring 2 positions)
Program: Youth Equity Program
Organization: Connections for Independent Living
Status: Part-time, temporary / paid internship (summer)
Classification: Non-exempt
Hourly Rate: $21.00 per hour
Hours: Approximately 15 hours per week for 8 weeks (summer) + 4 weeks Spring for program preparation. April – July 2026. 

Deadline to Apply: March 13, 2026

Location: 1331 8th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631 (administrative); programming occurs at state and local parks across northern Colorado

About Connections for Independent Living

Connections for Independent Living (CIL) is a nonprofit Independent Living Center serving people with disabilities across seven counties in northeastern Colorado. CIL promotes independence, equity, and community inclusion for people with disabilities of all ages.

Position Purpose

The Outdoor Recreation Coordinator works directly with youth ages 14–17 with disabilities to support inclusive, accessible outdoor recreation experiences. This temporary, grant-funded position may be filled by a student or a professional seeking a meaningful, hands-on opportunity.

The Youth Equity Program is aligned with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and is designed to improve access to outdoor spaces for youth with disabilities while supporting skill-building and transitions toward independent adult life.

This position is responsible for coordinating and facilitating pre-determined outdoor activities and trips to state and local parks and other accessible outdoor spaces. These activities demonstrate the accessibility of Colorado’s outdoor environments and introduce youth to outdoor recreation and related career pathways.

The role includes planning and logistics for each session, as well as day-of coordination and supervision of activities, with support from Connections staff and outdoor subject matter experts (such as park rangers). Programming primarily takes place during the summer and may include hiking, water-based activities, and other nature-focused experiences.

Applicants with lived experience of disability are strongly encouraged to apply. This role is ideal for educators, paraprofessionals, and college students interested in youth development, outdoor recreation, disability services, or education.

Essential Responsibilities

• Coordinate logistics for a variety of outdoor recreational activities and programming.
• Follow a structured grant project plan and established program guidelines.
• Adapt and modify activities based on participants’ abilities, access needs, and interests.
• Serve as the person-in-charge during activities, including risk mitigation and response to emergency situations.
• Prepare and organize program materials, equipment, first aid kits, and required supplies.
• Supervise youth participants by enforcing program rules, safety standards, and procedures.
• Ensure the safety of participants, staff, volunteers, and self at all times.
• Use required safety equipment and ensure proper use and care of program materials, equipment, and facilities.
• Maintain accurate records, attendance, and basic program data.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in dynamic environments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to adapt communication styles to meet youth needs.
• Experience working with youth ages 14–17.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in service delivery and advocacy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth, families, coworkers, community partners, and service providers.
• Digital literacy and comfort using basic technology for documentation and communication.
• Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a plus.

Certifications

• CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
• If not currently certified, willingness to obtain CPR/First Aid certification upon hire.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Relevant experience in youth programs, outdoor recreation, education, disability services, or related fields preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Must be able to pass a background screening appropriate for working with minors.

Travel Requirements

• Travel to state and local parks and outdoor recreation sites throughout northern Colorado.
• Company and rental vehicles may be used to transport participants.

Working Conditions

• Primarily outdoor work with some indoor planning activities.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat and cooler temperatures.
• Regular travel to outdoor locations and operation of motor vehicles.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to engage in outdoor activities including walking, standing, hiking, balancing, climbing, kneeling, crouching, and reaching.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently.
• Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force constantly.
• Ability to maintain awareness of surroundings and respond to environmental and participant needs.
• Full range of motion in neck and shoulders to safely supervise activities and operate equipment.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position. It reflects the primary job elements and may be adjusted as needed to meet program requirements.