Job Information
The Salvation Army Intermountain Division Director of Wilderness & Adventure Programs in Estes Park, Colorado
Description
Job Title: Director of Wilderness & Adventure Programs
FLSA Status: Full Time - exempt
Reports to: Camp Director
Schedule: 40 hours
Supervises: N/A
Rate of Pay: $58,240
Closing Date: 11/13/2025
Benefits: Standard; Full-Time, Exempt employees are eligible for but not limited to the following:
Health, vision, dental, life as well as voluntary life and disability insurance
Sick leave benefit - 1 day per month, 12 sick days per year (accrual and availability begins at hire)
Vacation benefit - 20 vacation days per year, accrued at the rate of .0769 hours for each hour worked (accrual begins at hire but may not be used until the completion of six months of employment)
One floating day off for use (accrued immediately, and again annually, but may not be used until the completion of the initial three-month introductory period of employment)
Pension Plan (after one year of continuous service)
Voluntary Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan (403(b)plan)
Function
The Director of Wilderness & Adventure Programs oversees the planning, development, and execution of wilderness and adventure programs at High Peak Camp. This position is responsible for designing outdoor activities, securing necessary permits, maintaining wilderness areas, and leading ministry-based programming in outdoor settings. They also collaborate with camp leadership to rebuild and evolve Salvation Army Wilderness Summer Programs, maintain high-risk activities and structures, and oversees all program activity areas of camp on a year-round basis for both summer camp and guest groups. The role requires outdoor leadership skills, safety certifications, and a commitment to integrating ministry into all wilderness experiences.
Duties and Responsibilities
Oversee all Wilderness Programs and Activities
Plan and lead hikes and camping trips for guests and campers, both on-site and in surrounding areas
Secure permits for activities in Rocky Mountain National Park
Maintain up-to-date knowledge and experience with hiking trails and routes
Obtain Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification to ensure participant safety
Design and lead Salvation Army Wilderness Camps activities
Organize and lead activities such as hiking, fishing, geocaching, orienteering, ecology, survival skills, team building, campfires, and wilderness cooking
Develop and Implement "Ministry through Wilderness" Program
Lead devotions at breakfast, campfires, and during hikes
Create and deliver faith-based messages and lessons integrated into activities
Provide leadership mentoring and devotions for seasonal Wilderness staff
Maintain Wilderness Structures and Areas
Work with Property Manager to design and maintain tent platforms and structures in Wilderness areas
Monitor Larimer County and Colorado fire bans and restrictions
Rebuild and Expand Salvation Army Wilderness Summer Programs
Collaborate with Camp Director and Director of Youth Ministries on program development
Hire and mentor seasonal Wilderness staff
Assist in budgeting for Wilderness activities, gear, equipment, and permits
Develop Vision for Wilderness Program and Ministries
Expand outreach across the Intermountain Division through Wilderness Ministries with the DYM.
Adapt and diversify programs to include activities like rafting, flyfishing, outdoor rock climbing, trail and mountain biking
Run and Maintain High Risk Programs and Activities
Obtain certification and training for high ropes course, climbing tower, zipline, and archery operations. Level 1 required, Level 2 preferred for archery and challenge course certifications
Be willing to obtain Challenge Course Manager certification
Train High Peak Camp summer staff on archery and challenge course (with Level 2/Challenge Course Manager Certifications)
Maintain and care for high-risk activity equipment and structures. Work with outside companies to schedule and coordinat high ropes and archery inspections and certifications. Maintain compliance with safety standards and make repairs when needed/recommended by inspectors.
Maintain and Facilitate Program Areas for Guest Groups
Maintain in good working order all program areas and equipment (to include the sports field and equipment, ponds, mini golf, disc golf, low ropes, archery tag, fishing equipment, snowshoes, ice skates, Fort, etc.) for year-round guest group usage. Recommend areas of improvements and equipment upgrades to Camp Director.
Work with Director of Guest Services and Programs to schedule and coordinate requested activities. Schedule appropriate staff and facilitate activities for guest groups as requested.
Set up and tear down requested buildings and program areas for guest groups.
Assist Camp Director and Property Manager as needed
Assist Camp Director with ACA accreditation and Colorado Childcare Licensing as it pertains to activity areas.
Occasionally assist Property Manager with projects around camp not related to programming, including operating heavy machinery, chainsaws, snowplows, tractors, etc.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Education, Experience, Skills, Qualifications
Education/Experience
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification (required)
Level 1 Archery and Challenge Course Certifications (required)
Level 2 Archery and Challenge Course Certifications (preferred)
Challenge Course Manager Certification (preferred/willing to obtain)
Prior experience planning and leading outdoor adventure activities
Experience in Christian ministry programming, especially outdoor ministry (preferred)
Skills
Strong leadership and mentoring skills
Excellent planning, organizational, and risk management abilities
Proficient knowledge of outdoor activities, safety protocols, and Colorado wilderness areas
Qualifications
Ability to obtain certifications for high ropes, climbing tower, zipline, and archery operations
Ability to secure necessary permits for outdoor activities
Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends and evenings as necessary
Driving
A minimum age of 21 (for insurance provision) and possession of a valid in-state driver's license is required.
An MVR will be processed every year in accordance with The Salvation Army's policies.
Background Check
Continued employment will be contingent upon a biennial (every two years) background check that is processed in accordance with The Salvation Army's policies.
Physical Requirements
Ability to maneuver.
Ability to remain in a stationary position.
Ability to grasp, push, pull, and reach overhead.
Ability to operate telephone.
Ability to lift 25 pounds.
Ability to access and produce information from the computer.
Ability to understand written information.
Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
Qualifications
Education
High School or Equivalent (required)
Experience
Prior experience planning and leading outdoor adventure activities (required)
Level 1 Archery and Challenge Course Certifications (required)
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification (required)
Licenses & Certifications
Driver's License (required)
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Salvation Army is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified job applicants,