Jobs

Who we are:

Located in Jefferson County Open Space, Dinosaur Ridge is one of the most important paleontology sites on Earth. Our globally iconic site has been ranked by paleontologists as the #1 dinosaur track site in the nation, and one of the most important in the world. Dinosaur Ridge typically draws almost 250,000 annual visitors to our outdoor museum to view approximately 300 dinosaur tracks still preserved on the sandstone slope. Dinosaur Ridge was also the site of the first Stegosaurus discovery on earth and was designated National Natural Landmark (a subunit of the National Park Service) in 1973. The Friends of Dinosaur Ridge is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1989 with the purpose of preserving the fossils on Dinosaur Ridge and educating the public about the natural history of the area. Our mission was later expanded to include the fossil sites at Triceratops Trail in Golden, Colorado. Our stated core values include professionalism, service, enthusiasm, respect, trust, and integrity. These values are infused into every aspect of our daily organizational life and referenced regularly

We are open from 9:00am – 5:00pm during our summer season (May-October), then 9:00am – 4:00pm during our winter season (November-April).

Who you are:

In the role of a Dinosaur Ridge Tour Guide, you will be responsible for facilitating fun and exciting outdoor tours and telling the story of this unparalleled National Natural Landmark near Denver. Our tour guides are the primary point of contact with guests of Dinosaur Ridge, and act as stewards to educate and entertain our visitors as they learn about and view the paleontological and geological treasures at Dinosaur Ridge. Dinosaur Ridge tour guides will be provided with a full training schedule and must commit to delivering the detailed and approved key messages at each of the designated educational sites on the Ridge in a professional and enthusiastic manner. Tours are given from shuttle buses, and you will be expected to provide a safe and enjoyable tour experience for each person on your tour in all kinds of weather.

The job of tour guide requires full knowledge of Dinosaur Ridge sites, history, and emergency procedures; a genuine ability to get along with guests and coworkers; and an enthusiasm about nature and dinosaurs! Candidates must possess strong people skills and excellent verbal communication, the ability to tailor tours to specific audience needs and questions, and a passion for interacting with people of all ages. Tips from customers add a significant amount to the total compensation for this position; the rate posted represents the base hourly wage.

We anticipate this position will work 2-3 days per week M-Sun and will allocate their time approximately:

•  Providing 45-minute guided bus tours for up to 14 guests at a time to our three main sites – 85%
•  Working in our gift store or covering breaks for other tour guides, gift store clerks, – 10%
•  Attending meetings or staff trainings – 5%

Required Qualifications:

•  Age 21+ prefer 25+
•  Able to pass a criminal background check
•  Valid Colorado Driver’s License and verifiable safe driving record
•  Ability to safely operate a 14-passenger bus, primarily on a restricted access road
•  Able to work and walk around outside in a variety of weather conditions
•  Available to work 2-4 shifts per week, including weekends and holidays
•  Confident public speaker
•  Solid understanding of scientific concepts
•  Team-oriented and consistently demonstrates positive values in work habits

Admired, but not required Qualities:

•  Degree or coursework in geology, biology or other science fields
•  Experience working in education, giving museum tours, or guiding outdoor programs
•  Passion for the mission of Dinosaur Ridge and interest in paleontology, geology, and/or science

Equal Opportunity Employer

Friends of Dinosaur Ridge is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, volunteers, and guests. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on job requirements, individual performance, and business needs.

Dinosaur Ridge is currently seeking energetic outdoorsy educators to serve as Camp Leaders at our Summer Camp for the Summer of 2024.

Dinosaur Ridge runs ten, one-week-long summer camps from the end of May through the second week of August for children ages 5 to 13 (completion of kindergarten is a camp pre-requisite). The camp day runs from 9am-3pm with an aftercare option from 3pm-5pm daily. Dinosaur Ridge Summer Camp offers a variety of themed sessions all involving hands-on science, nature, and exploration activities, lessons, outdoor games, guest speakers, and field trips. Our camps are designed to foster excitement and wonder for science, art, and the outdoors while engaging children in our educational curriculum based on Colorado State Science Standards. Dinosaur Ridge is a School Age Childcare Center licensed by the State of Colorado Division of Childcare. 

We are seeking camp Leaders to facilitate groups of 5 to 13-year-old campers for full days of outdoor adventures, science activities, and fun! Dinosaur Ridge Camp Leaders will be responsible for working with the Camp Directors and other leaders to provide a high-quality experience for every camper. They will ensure the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of camp for each participant. 

Camp Leaders are expected to:

• Act as role models for all participants and Junior Counselors.
• Lead a variety of group activities each week based on a set and pre-prepared curriculum and itinerary. 
• Foster stewardship for the environment, fossils, plants, and animals.  
• Participate in 15 hours of camp-related training before the start of camp (arranged by Dinosaur Ridge).
• Perform other reasonable responsibilities as determined by the Camp Directors that are directly related to Dinosaur Ridge Summer Camp.  

Minimum Camp Leader Qualifications:  

• Must be at least 21 years of age (insurance requirement for driving 15-passenger vans). 
• Must have 3 months (460 hours) of full time or equivalent 6 months to 1-year part-time experience working with school-aged children.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. 
• Must pass all necessary background checks for childcare licensing. (Dinosaur Ridge pays for and will give directions on submission once hired). 
• Must be able to work the following schedule:
• Camp Training Week: May 20-24, 2024 9am to 2pm daily
• All camp sessions: May 27, 2024 through August 9, 2024 (July 1-5, 2024 is a week off) 
• 8am to 5pm flexibility (the schedule will fluctuate between 9am and 5pm, and 8am and 3pm to allow for adequate aftercare coverage. A minimum of 8am to 3pm daily is required)  

Desired Skills and Qualifications:  

• Interest and experience in teaching outdoor environmental science to youth 
• Passionate about Dinosaur Ridge’s Mission 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask patiently and professionally 
• Strong communication skills with adults and children 
• Team player, enthusiastic, organized, creative, critical thinker, and self-motivated 

This is a full-time (35 average hours/week) hourly, seasonal position (May 27 through August 9th with one off week during July 1st-5th).

Located in Jefferson County Open Space, Dinosaur Ridge is one of the most important paleontology sites on Earth. Our globally iconic site has been ranked by paleontologists as the #1 dinosaur track site in the nation, and one of the most important in the world. Dinosaur Ridge typically draws almost 250,000 annual visitors to our outdoor museum to view approximately 300 dinosaur tracks still preserved on the sandstone slope. Dinosaur Ridge was also the site of the first Stegosaurus discovery on earth and was designated National Natural Landmark (a subunit of the National Park Service) in 1973. The Friends of Dinosaur Ridge is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1989 with the purpose of preserving the fossils on Dinosaur Ridge and educating the public about the natural history of the area. Our mission was later expanded to include the fossil sites at Triceratops Trail in Golden, Colorado. Our stated core values include professionalism, service, enthusiasm, respect, trust, and integrity. These values are infused into every aspect of our daily organizational life and referenced regularly.

Who You Are:

The Birthday Party host is responsible for providing a memorable and educational birthday party experience for young guests choosing to celebrate their birthday at Dinosaur Ridge. The Birthday Party Host is expected to help with party set up, and clean up, as well as assist with any needs the party has during their rental time. This includes leading educational programs and add on activities. The Party Host will also be responsible for making the Birthday Party Bags and reporting inventory to the Scheduling coordinator.

This position reports to the Scheduling Coordinator, and is Part Time/Seasonal/Irregular/Based on Party Needs. In 2023 we had approximately 40 birthday parties between May and October. Typically, 2-8 hours per week depending on parties scheduled.

A clerking position may be available for additional hours. Please ask for more details.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Set up and tear down the Birthday party patio which includes sweeping or shoveling when necessary
Facilitate party activities and lead programs when requested
Show guests to the party area and be a welcoming host
Implement all policies written in the Birthday Party Contract
Build Birthday Party in a Bag packages
Be available to assist the Party when needed
Provide excellent customer service to all party guests
Requirements
Able to pass a background check
One year of experience working with children aged 1-12 year olds
Effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
Detailed-oriented
An outgoing, friendly, enthusiastic, and creative personality
A strong interest in education and willingness to adhere to Dinosaur Ridge’s education framework.
Highly dependable and flexible
Admired Qualities:

Passion for the mission of Dinosaur Ridge, with an interest in paleontology, geology and/or science