Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00169

Department: Parks & Recreation

Division: Chapman Hill Ski Area - 4552

Job classification: Program Instructor-Ski/Snowboard-Part Time

Posting type: Open

Categories: Recreation, Parks and Recreation, Sports & Physical Education, Sports

Hit the slopes at Chapman Hill this winter as a Ski and/or Snowboard Instructor with City of Durango Parks and Recreation!You’ll lead recreational instruction, teach skiing and snowboarding fundamentals, and create engaging activities that help participants build skills and confidence. This position is a great fit for someone who enjoys working with children, knows the sport, and is comfortable working in an outdoor winter environment.

City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence
The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
  
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
  
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.
  

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

Examples of duties

What You’ll Do in This Role:

• Plan and lead ski and/or snowboard instruction and recreational activities for participants
• Teach appropriate techniques, fundamentals, and skills for the specific activity being instructed
• Develop and submit lesson plans and supply requests to the Recreation Supervisor
• Create engaging, age-appropriate activities that support participant learning and enjoyment
• Prioritize participant safety by monitoring conditions, identifying hazards, and avoiding activities or situations that may put participants at unnecessary risk
• Communicate program expectations, schedules, locations, equipment needs, and other necessary information to participants and parents
• Work cooperatively with Parks and Recreation staff to coordinate scheduled activities and programs
• Participate in preseason orientation, staff meetings, and in-service training
• Arrive at the assigned job site on time and prepared to lead scheduled activities
• Care for program equipment, supplies, records, and facilities
• Follow department policies and procedures and represent the City of Durango professionally
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required
  

Qualifications

You Have:

• Knowledge of skiing and/or snowboarding
  
• Experience working with children in an educational or recreational environment is preferred
  
• Ability to develop and lead age-appropriate lessons and activities
  
• Ability to communicate clearly and establish effective working relationships with participants, parents, and staff
  
• Ability to maintain the physical condition necessary to perform assigned duties and responsibilities
  
• Ability to obtain CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED), and first aid certifications
  
• A valid Colorado driver’s license, where applicable
  

You Will Succeed in This Role If You:

• Can confidently demonstrate and teach the fundamentals and proper techniques of skiing and/or snowboarding
  
• Create an engaging and supportive environment where participants can learn and build their skills
  
• Keep participant safety and appropriate activity levels in mind when planning and leading instruction
  
• Communicate clearly with participants, parents, and Parks and Recreation staff
  

Supplemental information

What We Can Offer You: The following perks are available for part-time and seasonal employees.

• Free pass to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area
  
• Free Transit pass
  
• Eligibility to participate in the City’s Annual Wellness Challenge and a chance to receive prizes and cash rewards
  

View the full Program Instructor-Ski/Snowboard-Part Time job description here.