Coach - CARA Track

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general supervision, the CARA Track Coach is responsible for assisting in the planning, organization, and supervision of the Colorado Association of Recreational Athletics (CARA) track and field program for youth participants ages 5–18.

This position supports a positive, safe, and development-focused environment that emphasizes skill development, sportsmanship, and fun over competition.

Wheat Ridge was founded during the 1859 Gold Rush as a rest stop for miners and later named for its golden wheat fields. As unsuccessful miners turned to farming, the area thrived with orchards, vegetable fields, and later, greenhouses, earning the title “Carnation City.” Incorporated in 1969, Wheat Ridge now offers a central location with easy access to Denver and the Rocky Mountains. It operates as a home-rule city with a council-manager government, where the elected council sets policy, and the manager oversees daily operations and budgeting.

CORE VALUES - The City of Wheat Ridge is committed to excellence and ACTION!

• Accountability: Employees take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and recommendations and are accountable to each other and the community
• Change: Adapts to changing organizational needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.
• Teamwork: Employees value teamwork as a collaborative effort, with each person contributing unique skills, knowledge, and training to achieve common goals.
• Integrity: Employees uphold the highest ethical standards, recognize the importance of public and customer trust and adhere to the values of the organization.
• Opportunity: Employees are empowered to grow professionally, develop best practices, and seek challenges to advance the City.
• NOW!: Employees are proactive, timely, and efficient in responding to the needs of the organization and the community – NOW!

All team members are expected to adhere to the organizational values of ACTION! (Accountability, Change, Teamwork, Integrity, Opportunity, Now!) and are responsible for contributing to the achievements of the organization and department. Team members are expected to continue to grow professionally and to apply learning in their job setting.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in planning and implementing track and field practices, workouts, and skill development sessions
• Supervise participants during practices and meets, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment
• Set up, inspect, and take down equipment before and after practices and events
• Teach proper techniques, fundamentals, and rules of track and field events
• Ensure all safety procedures are followed; identify and report hazards
• Provide excellent customer service by communicating effectively with participants, parents, and staff
• Assist with meet coordination, including timing, event organization, and participant support
• Respond to emergencies and complete incident/accident reports as required
• Serve as a positive role model promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth
• Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and CARA league meetings
• Assist with recruiting and coordinating volunteers as needed
• May act in the absence of the Head Coach
• Perform other duties as assigned

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of track and field fundamentals, rules, and training techniques
• Ability to work with youth of varying ages and skill levels
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain composure and make sound decisions in dynamic situations
• Ability to enforce rules and maintain a safe environment
• Commitment to creating a positive and inclusive participant experience
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Previous participation or experience in track and field preferred
• Prior coaching or working with youth is desirable
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
• American Red Cross, American Heart Association or equivalent Infant/Child/Adult CPR/First Aid certification required within 60 days of hire
• Ability to pass a background check (if 18 )
• Ability to travel to various practice and meet locations as needed
• Availability to work evenings and weekends during the season

HOURS OF WORK, LOCATION, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Track Season: June 2-July 18

Hours: Tues-Friday 7:15am-9:15am | Saturdays 9am-12:30pm

This is a part time position and hours depend on program needs and scheduling. Work is performed outdoors and indoors in varying weather conditions. Requires standing, walking, running, bending, lifting, and demonstrating physical activities. Must be able to lift and move equipment up to approximately 25–40 lbs. May be exposed to loud environments and active recreational settings.

The City of Wheat Ridge is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusivity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, marital status or any other applicable characteristics protected by law, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification. The City of Wheat Ridge will consider reasonable accommodation for employment to qualified applicants upon request to the Human Resources Office.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position.

Salary : $18 - $22