Shelf Road Campground Host

Campground Description

The Shelf Road Recreation Area is celebrated as one of Colorado’s premier sport rock climbing destinations. With over 1,000 climbing routes mapped, good access to climbing walls, and top-notch scenery, the site attracts well over 10,000 visitors a year. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages two adjacent fee-for-service campgrounds, Sand Gulch campground and The Bank campground. The BLM is seeking campground hosts to represent the BLM as front-line ambassadors responsible for providing a welcoming environment to campers and day-use visitors.

Most of the area’s 10,000+annual visitors are recreating for the day, but the campgrounds do stay busy during the busy seasons, which are spring and autumn.  The two campgrounds are used primarily by the rock climbing enthusiasts. Overall, The Bank campground, which also includes day use parking for the trail head to the climbing walls, includes 33 campsites, two group sites, four vault toilets and one campground host site with a septic tank. Located less than a mile away is the Sand Gulch campground, with one vault toilet and 16 campsites. Both campgrounds are on a first come, first serve basis.

This is a new position and the timing is flexible for host duties. The busy season begins in September and ends mid-May. June, July, and August are slower months in this area due to the hot weather. Winter is sporadically warm and cold with fluctuating visitor use. The BLM Royal Gorge Field Office is looking for hosts to fill a three month duration of duties that can be renewed at the end of the term, if the arrangement is mutually agreeable.This position is ideal for hosts who have summer commitments in other locations or are looking for a shorter-duration assignment.

Area Description

The Shelf Road area is located approximately 10 miles north of Canon City, Colorado. Local tourism attractions include rafting and fishing on the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge, Royal Gorge Scenic train rides, hiking and mountain biking trails, and local museums. With a population of 16,000 residents, Canon City town has 2 grocery stores, Walmart, hardware stores, restaurants, coffee shops, hospital, a library, a brewery, a movie theater and more. Colorado Springs and Pueblo are nearby major metropolitan areas and both are located approximately 1 hour away. 

Duties

Camp hosts work 25 hours per week with two consecutive days off per week. Daily shifts are usually split between morning and evening rounds, with free time midday. The two days off will typically be scheduled mid-week as hosts are expected to work weekends and holidays. These hours can be worked by an individual or divided between a couple. A timesheet will be recorded to track hours logged and help develop time requirements. 

Hosting duties include, but are not limited to:

• routine bathroom cleaning and monitoring, stock toilet paper and sweep;

• monitoring campground for visitor security, fee compliance, and potential safety hazards;

• light maintenance duties such as minor maintenance on fences or kiosk, trim weeds in parking areas and campsites;

• routine daily litter pickup throughout campgrounds;

• routine fire-ring monitoring and cleaning; daily interactions with visitors; including answering questions regarding area recreational opportunities; and informing visitors of rules and regulations within the campground and adjacent area;

• reporting to BLM recreation staff when repairs are needed or incidents occur

• checking campers’ fee compliance and removing expired stubs once campers leave, stocking fee envelopes and other supplies as needed.

Schedule

We are looking for a campground host for a three month assignment. Terms may be renewed at the end of the 3 month term if mutually agreeable to the host and to BLM.  The blocks that are needed are:

• Complimentary campsite with septic tank

• Complimentary propane

• Reimbursement up to $20/day (camp rate per diem)

• Hosts are eligible to be reimbursed $0.14 per mile for use of their personally-owned vehicle in the performance of duties. Reimbursement requires tracking mileage and completing the required paperwork in a timely manner.

Opportunity to meet new people, discover and explore the Front Range of Colorado.Supplies necessary for performing duties of the position. Training will be provided for any equipment the host is not familiar with using.

Host will need:

• Background check, provided by BLM

• Reliable transportation

• Water jugs and ability to transport water to the site.

Limitations:

• Cell phone service is okay but can be spotty in the campgrounds.

• Due to the steepness of the access road, there is a limitation to the size of RVs brought in. Longer pull behind fifth wheels are not recommended.

• There is no on-site water supply or electricity. BLM can assist with water jugs.

Desired Skills and Characteristics of Camp Host:

• Professional, friendly, eager to provide good customer service and be welcoming to visitors.
• Self-motivated, self-starter, and independent.
• Enjoys exploring and learning about a new location independently and sharing that newfound knowledge with visitors to the campground.
• Desire to be an ambassador to the public on behalf of BLM Shelf Road Recreation Area, Rock climbing enthusiast is desired but not required.
• Physical demands –can be lots of walking and bending.

For questions, contact:

Sean Reynolds, 719-269-8526