FD Careers

Creating a welcoming community and delivering life-changing outdoor adventures starts with our employees.

We pride ourselves on the people who help run our organization. We look for people who represent our Core Values, adhere to our Code of Conduct, and demonstrate our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in the outdoor and healthcare spaces.

Full-Time Employee Perks & Benefits:

• Hybrid office environment and full-time remote available for most positions
• Competitive health, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance benefits
• 25 days of PTO annually
• One “Hooky Day” (Personal Day) annually so you don’t miss out on that powder day or when your friend texts you last minute that they are in town
• 10 paid holidays (including one floating holiday)
• Parental Leave (six weeks paid and six weeks unpaid – twelve weeks total)
• Up to 4% employer retirement matching
• Annual professional development stipend
• Generous monthly stipends for home internet, mobile phone, and health & wellness
• Stay close to FD’s work: Employees are given the opportunity to attend our programs in order to experience the healing power of adventure and impact of our work firsthand

*FD may modify benefits at any time. Benefits listed are for full-time employees based in Colorado. Specific benefits may vary based on local laws for remote employees. Seasonal employees and interns are not eligible for Full-Time Employee Perks & Benefits.

The Hiring Process:

First Descents applies structured resume review and interview procedures designed to ensure a fair hiring process. Background checks will only be conducted after a conditional offer is made to a candidate for a position. In the event that a criminal background check denotes past charges, FD is committed to fairly assessing a candidate’s record by evaluating the nature of their conviction, the length of time that has passed since the offense, and the nature of the position to which they are applying.

1. Application submitted
2. Resume and cover letter review
3. Initial introduction interview
4. Interviews with hiring manager and other selected team members
5. Professional references checks
6. Conditional job offer
7. Background check and I-9 completed

Nondiscrimination Statement:

First Descents shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, ability status, veteran status, military obligations, and marital or relationship status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, serving program participants; employee hiring and employment practices; selection and management of volunteers, vendors, and contractors; provision of services; and dealings with the general public.

Best Places to Work:

• 2024 Outside’s Best Places to Work
• 2023 Outside’s Best Places to Work
• 2022 Outside’s Best Places to Work
• 2021 Outside’s Best Places to Work
• 2020 Outside’s Best Places to Work
• 2019 Outside’s Best Places to Work
• 2018 Outside’s Best Places to Work
• 2017 Outside’s Best Places to Work