Come experience Colorado mountain living, home to world-class outdoor adventure! Now hiring for the Summer/Fall 2024 season!

Steamboat Lake Outpost

Currently recruiting for the season from May 5th, 2024 to November 30th, 2024.

The Steamboat Lake Outpost is a one-stop shop offering lodging, a restaurant, general store, the only gas pump for miles, and outdoor activity tours and rentals. The Outpost seeks to be a community gathering place, where locals and travelling adventurers alike can come together in a place defined by life-giving warmth and hospitality and a desire to build genuine relationships.

We are surrounded by the Routt National Forest, right on the doorstep of the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness in the mountains of North Routt County. It is the outdoor recreationalist's playground, with unparalleled hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling and more. Steamboat Springs, CO is a beautiful 40 minute drive away with access to everything you need.

Location
Colorado
Season
Summer, Fall, Winter, and Year Round
Staff size
20-30
Housing
Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
Housing details
Shared rooms with communal kitchen, living room, and laundry
Family housing available
No
Pet friendly
No
Meals
Some meals / discounts
Cell phone service
Yes, most carriers
Internet access
Intermittent

About Steamboat Lake Outpost

Now hiring for the Summer/Fall 2024 season! 

START DATE: May 5, 2024

Come spend a fun and memorable summer living, working, and playing in a beautiful part of Colorado! The Steamboat Lake Outpost is an exciting, fast-paced one-stop shop consisting of a restaurant, general store, lodging accommodations and outfitter activities. We are committed to providing seasonal personal and professional growth opportunities with potential for full-time employment as well.

Our mission as a business is to be the gathering place of North Routt County, creating a space where locals and visitors alike can build authentic relationships in a life-giving environment defined by high-level service and genuine hospitality and care for our guests. 

We are located in the rural mountain community of Clark, Colorado, 40 minutes from the closest town of Steamboat Springs (which has the nearest grocery store!). We're far from civilization and we love it! Surrounded by the Routt National Forest, there are endless adventures awaiting you whether you are into hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, hunting, snowmobiling, or backcountry skiing. We are not far from the rugged Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area with its world-class hiking and backpacking trails and access to the Continental Divide. The Elk River and Steamboat Lake offer fishing and boating activities. Steamboat Springs offers incredible downhill skiing, along with ample nightlife and entertainment opportunities.

The Employee Experience

The Steamboat Lake Outpost is a place where you will have many opportunities to experience new things and learn new skills. It is our goal to provide our staff with the opportunity to grow as leaders in a safe and positive environment. Our organization is centered around creating a space where people feel known and valued, while also delivering excellent service. All employees should expect to jump in to help housekeeping, shovel snow, wash dishes, or anywhere else there is a need! Working here requires a certain level of understanding, flexibility, and initiative. A positive, can-do attitude with an innovative approach and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and hop in wherever needed will go a long way towards making your experience unforgettable.

When we're not on the clock, our staff enjoys taking advantage of all that rural Routt County has to offer. During the winter months, we can be found skiing and snowshoeing a few miles from the rugged Zirkel Wilderness Area, while the summer months offer great opportunities for camping, hiking, biking, mountain biking and fly-fishing. 

There will be some days where you fall asleep as your head hits the pillow. Other days, as the sun sinks behind the mountains, you sit by the campfire with new friends, tell stories, and laugh far into the night. At the end of the day, we want to find ways to connect with people, provide compelling Rocky Mountain experiences, create a space where people can get away from distractions and be together in an authentic, life-giving way.

If this seems like a great fit for you, please apply!

Ideal Candidate

We are committed to building a staff that embodies our mission and values and encourages others in that direction too.

Qualities of Ideal Candidates:

  • Smart, kind and driven
  • Problem solving skills
  • Takes ownership, and has a good sense of when to call in a team member or manager to help
  • Positive attitude
  • Resilient
  • Hungry for personal and professional growth
  • Service oriented
  • Should exhibit a high level of self-awareness and a passion for connecting with people
  • Committed to excellence and displays attention to detail
  • A team-oriented mindset

Because we live and work in the same space, we are committed to maintaining a community based on traditional values, authentic relationships, and healthy living. We take seriously the opportunity to exemplify hard work, kindness, gratitude, and an “others first” attitude as we serve our local community and the myriad of outdoor enthusiasts who come to explore the area.

Our community culture is a crucial factor in our guest’s experience, and we are committed to maintaining a positive and healthy staff while avoiding drama – and that which causes it – at all costs.  To this end, there is a code of conduct that all of us who work here subscribe to, and we expect those who come to work at SLO to agree and abide by these rules. The following are not tolerated and are grounds for dismissal:

  • Irresponsible behavior regarding alcohol (drunkenness, parties, etc.)
  • Underage drinking
  • Illegal drug use
  • Abuse of prescription drugs
  • Use of marijuana- while the use of marijuana is legal in the state of Colorado for individuals over the age of 21, to be an Outpost employee you must be marijuana-free.

You will be required to pass a drug test upon a conditional offer of employment, and we reserve the right to test any employee(s) we reasonably suspect in violation of this policy.  

Our housing is gender-based, and we protect the privacy of the individual by limiting access to our housing to the residents of that particular unit.  Our buildings and residences are smoke-free, and smoking is limited to remote parts of the property, and we strongly encourage staff to be tobacco-free.

Although we love animals, we do not allow staff to bring pets.

We do not discriminate based on gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religious or political beliefs, marital status, race, or economic status.

Our community values are something we feel strongly about and feel the clean lifestyle gives our staff the best opportunity to form authentic relationships, grow, and pursue healthy habits.  It is understandable that our community may not be a “fit” for everyone, and we simply ask that you consider our policies before applying to live and work here. If you are concerned about your ability to follow our code of conduct, please consider other options. If we sound like the type of community you would like to be a part of, please continue on to our application. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

Room and Board

We provide free housing as a part of our compensation package. The motel room style community housing contributes to the unique experience offered here. Living and working in the same space presents an opportunity to create deep bonds in a relatively short time which can lead to lifelong friendships. The housing is gender-based, and we protect the privacy of the individual by limiting access to our housing to the residents of that unit. Each room typically houses two employees, and has its own private bathroom. Bed linens, pillows, and towels are provided, as well as a microwave and mini-fridge in each room. Free onsite laundry, community kitchen and lounge area is also provided. Storage space is very limited, so please pack appropriately. We will supply a suggested gear list for new employees. 

Employee Perks

Outpost employees enjoy living and working in a beautiful area with access to extensive recreation opportunities in the Routt National Forest. Our compensation package consists of free housing, a base hourly salary and free/discounted participation in guided activities and rentals. We allow employees to join most of our guided tours at no cost. Days that you work, you get a complimentary shift meal and you always get 20% off our store items (excluding fuel, tobacco, and alcohol).

Getting Here and Getting Around

The Steamboat Lake Outpost is located approximately 25 miles from Steamboat Springs. It is highly encouraged staff bring their own vehicle. There is no public transportation between the Outpost and Steamboat Springs. Please be advised if you are coming in the winter, your vehicle should be equipped with AWD or 4WD and have appropriate winter tires. Snow removal is one of our biggest challenges in winter and your vehicle must be able to be moved during this process.

If you choose to fly, our closest airport is in Hayden, CO (Yampa Valley Regional Airport). It is approximately one hour from SLO and we would be happy to pick you up there upon your initial arrival. You can also take a shuttle from the Denver airport to Steamboat Springs and we would pick you up in town.

Please note: Once you are on property, we do not offer personal use of company vehicles. We do occasional runs to town for company needs, so it is possible you would be able to hitch a ride, but it is never a guarantee. 

For Fun

Surrounded by over 2 million acres of national forest, including the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness area, the opportunities are endless for outdoor recreation and adventure! From hiking, backpacking, flyfishing, hunting and mountain biking in the warmer months, to world-class backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and snowmobiling in the colder months, you will never be bored! Steamboat Springs (25mi away) boasts a world-class downhill ski resort and top notch mountain biking at Emerald Mountain. In addition, the Yampa and Elk Rivers provide premium fly-fishing opportunities. Steamboat Lake State Park offers Blue Ribbon waters for ice fishing in winter. The city of Steamboat Springs provides many local restaurants, festivals and events throughout the year. There are plenty of opportunities to keep yourself busy when you are not working!

Jobs in the Spotlight

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Current Job Openings

    Kitchen

    Dishwasher/Prep Cook

    $14.00 / hour + tips
    Clark

    The Steamboat Lake Outpost is tucked away in the mountains of Colorado about 40 minutes north of the town of Steamboat Springs. We are a unique business that provides lodging, a restaurant, a convenience store, the only gas pump for miles, and various guided adventures, including sleigh/wagon rides, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Every day, we get to rub shoulders with our fantastic community of locals, as well as the myriad of outdoor enthusiasts who come to adventure in this area. 

    Our restaurant currently offers elevated bar food and a variety of cocktails, wines, and local craft beers. We also host many community events, live music, and fundraisers. We are looking for a person who wants to be part of the community as a whole and has a passion for creating a warm and welcoming environment while delivering the highest level of service to our guests. We are committed to building staff members who embody our mission and values and encourage others in that direction as well. 

    Staff member benefits include free on-site housing, an hourly wage and equitable share of the tip pool paid out bi-weekly, free shift meal, and free and discounted activities. Seasonal and year-round opportunities are available.  

    The dishwashing/prep cook position is a great place to start if you are looking to get your foot in the door in the culinary world and want to learn new skills under our amazing chef!

    Who is the ideal candidate?  

    • Committed to excellence and pays attention to detail 
    • Able to maintain focus and consistency while performing repetitive tasks
    • Willing to jump in wherever needed in the kitchen 
    • Exhibits a positive and professional attitude toward guests and staff 
    • Driven toward personal and professional growth 
    • Demonstrates a high level of self-awareness 
    • Passionate about connecting with people 
    • Is a leader and torchbearer for community culture and values. Sets a good example by honoring community standards, both on and off the clock.  
    • Understands and is willing to undertake the challenges of living and working in communal housing in a remote location. 

    What does this job entail? 

    • Wash dishes through meal service times  
    • Perform all opening and closing tasks consistently and thoroughly  
    • Maintain sanitation, cleanliness, and safety of dishwashing area 
    • Assist with kitchen prep when needed, either before assigned dish shift and/or in the midst of meal service if prep support is needed. 
    • Assist with any general cleaning or other duties as assigned 
    • Stamina to stand during an 8-10 hour shift 
    • Assist other team members as needed with special projects, requests, events or to support other departments.  

    Required Skills:

    • High School Graduate/GED equivalency  
    • Valid driver’s license   
    • Ability to work in a standing position for 8-10 hours per day  
    • Ability to lift 60lbs (50lbs overhead) 

    Preferred Skills:  

    • 1+ year experience working in a professional kitchen 
    • Servsafe Food Handlers Certification (will need to complete this prior to arrival if applicant does not have a current certification) 
    Front Desk

    Front Desk/Store Manager

    $18.00 / hour
    Clark

    The Steamboat Lake Outpost is tucked away in the mountains of Colorado about 40 minutes north of the town of Steamboat Springs. We are a unique business that provides lodging, a restaurant, a general store, the only gas pump for miles, and guided adventures, including sleigh rides, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Every day, we get to rub shoulders with our fantastic community of locals, as well as the myriad of outdoor enthusiasts who come to adventure in this area. 

    At the front desk, yours will be the first face and smile people see when they walk through the door. We are looking for someone who will demonstrate a genuine presence of welcome and hospitality, a strong work ethic, an attitude of servant leadership, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed. This person must desire to be a part of the community as a whole and have a passion for creating a warm and welcoming environment while delivering the highest level of service to our guests. We are committed to building staff members who embody our mission and values and encourage others in that direction as well. 

    Staff member benefits include free on-site housing, an hourly wage paid out bi-weekly, a free shift meal, and free and discounted activities. Benefits may include paid time off, health insurance and a 401K. 

    Qualities of the Ideal Candidate: 

    • Professional and polished communication skills.  

    • Committed to excellence and detail-oriented 

    • Strong organizational skills and the ability to work with and develop systems 

    • Able to multi-task and problem solve 

    • Self-starter and autonomous, able to use time productively 

    • Computer skills: Outlook, Google Drive, ability to learn new software easily 

    • Exhibits a positive and professional attitude toward guests and staff 

    • Driven toward personal and professional growth 

    • Demonstrates a high level of self-awareness 

    • Passionate about connecting with people 

    • Able to lead a team, providing clear direction and delegating tasks effectively 

    • Is a leader and torchbearer for community culture and values. Sets a good example by honoring community standards, both on and off the clock.  

    • Understands and is willing to undertake the challenges of living and working in communal housing in a remote location. 

    Job Duties: 

    • Maintain the organization of and develop systems for all front desk operations 

    • Oversee training and evaluations of front desk staff 

    • Schedule front desk staff 

    • Approve payroll for front desk staff 

    • Participate in weekly manager meetings 

    • Communicate and collaborate with other department heads to ensure consistency and clear expectations and policies 

    • Obtain feedback from guests and offer suggestions for program improvement to the GM. 

    • Oversee all front desk and store operations

    • Front Desk Duties: 

      • Greet guests as they walk in the door 

      • Be knowledgeable about all the Outpost’s offerings and policies 

      • Confidently address guest questions and needs 

      • Answer phones and emails in a timely and professional manner 

      • Book reservations for lodging and activities while accurately setting expectations 

      • Facilitate the check-in process for guests arriving for lodging or adventures, ensuring all needed paperwork is signed and payment is taken 

      • Take to-go meal orders over the phone 

      • Mail runs to the local post office

      • Any other tasks as needed 

    • Store Duties: 

      • Oversee weekly inventory and ordering, communicating with vendors as needed 

      • Oversee the execution of daily cleaning checklist for the store, front desk area, and restrooms 

      • Stock coolers and shelves; ensure products are priced and placed appropriately 

      • Process store transactions accurately 

      • Open and close the till 

      • Other occasional duties: Authorize gas pumps for fuel transactions, fill propane tanks 

      • Special projects, based on skills and interests 

    • Be a part of Team Outpost, willing to jump in and help other departments as needed and available. These may include but are not limited to: 

      • Dishwashing shifts 

      • Restaurant help 

      • Housekeeping support 

      • Shuttle drives

      • Assisting in hosting events and evening activities  

      • Other projects around the property (landscaping, fencing, snow removal etc...)  

    • Be able to safely lift 60lbs 

    • Be able to work in a standing position for 8-10 hours a day 

    Kitchen

    Line Cook/Prep Cook

    $14.00 / hour + tips
    Clark

    Our restaurant currently offers elevated bar food and a variety of cocktails, wines, and local craft beers. We also host many community events, live music, and fundraisers. We are looking for a person who wants to be part of the community as a whole and has a passion for creating a warm and welcoming environment while delivering the highest level of service to our guests. We are committed to building staff members who embody our mission and values and encourage others in that direction as well.

    Staff member benefits include free on-site housing, an hourly wage and equitable share of the tip pool paid out bi-weekly, free shift meal, and free and discounted activities. Seasonal and year-round opportunities are available.

    Who is the ideal candidate? 

    • Possesses a minimum of 1 year of experience working in a professional kitchen
    • Proficient in knowledge of basic kitchen skills, standards, and etiquette.
    • Eager to learn new cooking skills and has a passion for cooking
    • Committed to excellence and pays attention to detail
    • Exhibits a positive and professional attitude toward guests and staff
    • Driven toward personal and professional growth
    • Demonstrates a high level of self-awareness
    • Passionate about connecting with people
    • Is a leader and torchbearer for community culture and values. Sets a good example by honoring community standards, both on and off the clock. 
    • Understands and is willing to undertake the challenges of living and working in communal housing in a remote location.

    What does this job entail?

    • Training on and working all food stations including grill, flat top, fryer, prep, pantry, sauté, and expo to prepare a la carte orders while in a fast-paced, sometimes high-volume environment.
    • Must be able to follow and understand recipes and standards, demonstrate teamwork with all staff and continually strive to exceed guests’ expectations.
    • The ability to multi-task is a must.
    • Maintain sanitation, cleanliness, and safety of assigned workstation
    • Assist with any general cleaning or other duties as assigned
    • Stamina to stand during an 8-hour shift
    • Assist other team members as needed with special projects, requests, events or to support other departments if needed. 

    Required Skills: 

    • Minimum 1-2 years experience working in a professional kitchen
    • High School Graduate/GED equivalency 
    • Valid driver’s license  
    • Ability to work in a standing position for 8-10 hours per day 
    • Ability to lift 60lbs (50lbs overhead)

    Preferred Skills: 

    • 3+ years experience working in a professional kitchen
    • Servsafe Food Handlers Certification
    • Proficiency working on the grill, in particular 

How to Apply

If the Steamboat Lake Outpost seems like a great fit, please fill out our online application here!

Apply Now

Contact Info

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