Lake County Government
GOL! Program Assistants
Parks & Recreation - Leadville, CO - Seasonal
Department: Parks & Recreation
Reports To: Pathways Program Manager
Classification: Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Compensation Range: $16.00 per hour
Position Summary
As a Program Assistant, you'll spend your summer in the field alongside our Get Outdoors Leadville! recreation staff, helping run day camps for kids such as the Rockies Rock Adventure Camp, that explore hiking, nature, team challenges, and the best of Colorado's public lands. This is structured work experience designed to give you real, resume-worthy skills while doing something that matters in your community.
This job has flexible, part-time hours. Weekly hours may vary based on program needs, weather, and enrollment. Some weeks may include fewer hours, and hours are not guaranteed each week. Even if you don't have experience, we recommend you apply as you will receive training and support on the job.
This position is part of Lake County’s Pathways Program, a work experience program designed to provide local teens with paid, supported employment opportunities that build job skills, confidence, and career awareness.
What You’ll Gain from This Role
- Hands-on job experience in a supportive environment
- Teamwork, communication, and leadership skills
- Experience working with children and the public
- Outdoor recreation and environmental education exposure
- Workplace readiness skills, including time management and professionalism
- References for future jobs, internships, or college applications
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
Essential Functions
- Assist staff in leading outdoor activities including hiking, nature exploration, creek walks, team-building challenges, and Leave No Trace education.
- Help supervise campers aged 8 – 13 on trails, and in outdoor settings — keeping safety the top priority at all times
- Be a positive role model for younger campers — help them build confidence outdoors and develop a love for Colorado's natural spaces
- Help prepare and pack gear and supplies for daily outings; assist with setup and breakdown of camp activities
- Assist with camper check-in and check-out and help monitor attendance throughout the day
- Provide high-quality customer service and communication with parents/guardians and positive relationships with campers.
- Engaging and encouraging campers in learning and positive experiences.
- Actively supervise participants, maintaining a safe environment and reporting any concerns to lead staff immediately
- Engage with participants in a positive, encouraging manner and help resolve minor conflicts or behavioral issues as directed
- Communicate respectfully and professionally with participants, parents, and staff
- Follow all department policies, safety protocols, and emergency procedures
- Uphold Mandatory Reporting requirements and other applicable Childcare License expectations
- Assist with special events and community programs as needed
- Participate in employment and work readiness trainings as assigned by department staff.
- Not applicable
Compensation will be determined by the applicant’s full skillset with consideration of the below:
- Minimum age for this position is 15 at time of hire.
- Genuine enthusiasm for the outdoors and helping younger kids experience it
- Able to follow directions and work as part of a staff team
- Reliable, punctual, and committed for the full summer season
- Comfortable hiking and being active outdoors
- Prior experience with children (such as babysitting, volunteering, helping with younger siblings, coaching, or camps) is helpful but not required.
- Experience in sports, arts, outdoor education, or a related area preferred
- Proficiency in English and Spanish preferred
- Current American Red Cross Certification in First Aid, CPR & AED or the ability to attain (training to be given)
The majority of this person’s duties are performed within an outdoor environment in a variety of locations and settings. The incumbent may be exposed to some noise (electrical, mechanical or human) on an occasional basis, and other related hazards associated with an outdoor environment. Physical hazards may include weather-related hazards, extreme heat, extreme cold, noise, and sun/UV exposure. Exposure to natural, biologic hazards such as insects and injurious plants is also possible.
Physical Activity & Work Environment
- Supervise, engage with, and actively participate in activities with children.
- Stand, walk, run, hike, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and sit for extended periods
- Use hands and arms to demonstrate activities, set up equipment, and assist participants
- Lift, carry, push, or pull items or children weighing up to approximately 40 pounds
- Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and visually, with children, staff, parents, and the public
- Maintain visual and auditory awareness of multiple participants in dynamic outdoor settings
- Respond quickly in emergency or safety situations, including uneven terrain or crowded areas
- Work is conducted in varied and unpredictable weather conditions, including sun, heat, wind, rain, cold temperatures, dust, and altitude-related conditions typical of Colorado summer environments
- Exposure to natural elements such as insects, wildlife, pollen, water features, and uneven terrain is common
- Noise levels may be moderate to loud due to active participants and outdoor programming
- The position requires constant attention to safety and adherence to established policies, procedures, and emergency protocols.
EOE Statement
Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.
Notice of Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities
All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.
Other Duties
Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Expected Duration of the Application Process
Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.
