2023 Shadowcliff Staff Application Logo
  • Shadowcliff Staff Application

    For the 2023 Season
  • Thank you for taking the time to apply to Shadowcliff! We understand and appreciate the time it takes you to complete this application, and we thoughtfully review and consider all submissions.

    It is important that prior to applying for any position at Shadowcliff you have taken the time to review the Job Descriptions for any positions you are interested in so that responsibilities, expectations, and compensation packages are clear. It is also important that you have reviewed Shadowcliff's Employment & Community Standards Agreement and Health & Safety Standards Agreement so that you understand what is expected of you as an employee and member of the Shadowcliff community.

  • Due to the interactive, communal, and close-facing nature of employment and community living at Shadowcliff, all staff are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination + booster(s) upon offer of employment. Employment is not considered confirmed until such proof has been received.

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  • Shadowcliff provides a comprehensive employment experience including onsite housing, community living, and an emphasis on encouraging staff to take full advantage of the natural surroundings in their free time. Employee schedules routinely change based on the needs of guests and especially with large group retreats, so it is important that Shadowcliff employment be your top priority. With this in mind, we typically cannot accommodate candidates who plan to obtain second jobs in Grand Lake in addition to their employment at Shadowcliff. We may be able to accommodate folks that hold other positions if they work for themselves online and/or have control over their schedule. Shadowcliff is unable to accommodate fixed work schedules from other jobs. Additional employment must be disclosed during the application process, and, if hired, staff must be able to meet the requirements of the work schedules set forth by Shadowcliff.

  • Shadowcliff has a strict No Smoking/No Open Flames policy. No smoking/flames of any kind (including, but not limited to, tobacco products, cigars, pipes, marijuana (medical or otherwise), electronic smoking devices, as well as candles, incense, sage, etc.) is permitted anywhere on the property both indoors and outdoors, including staff rooms). Shadowcliff also does not permit pets on the premises. Staff must agree to adhere to these policies.

  • More About You

  • Working at Shadowcliff is a commitment to building community. We often share work duties and help one another when workloads require. Because we all live in the same facility and share the same space much of the time, it is important to know a little more about our staff. By answering the following questions about yourself, you help us better evaluate the overall staff compatibility.

  • Shadowcliff is located in the mountains at 8500 feet elevation where the air is thinner and breathing may be a more difficult exertion. Our facilities are situated on rocky cliffside terrain with many stairs (no elevators). Depending upon the position, some staff rooms are private and some are shared. Staff rooms are located on the 3rd floor of our main lodge. Bathrooms (sinks/private toilets) on the 3rd floor are shared by all staff. Bathrooms with showers (designated separate men's and women's) are located on the 2nd floor and are shared by staff and guests. The showers and toilets are individual/private, but the bathroom spaces are communal. The 3rd floor is not accessible to guests, but staff share all other common areas with guests. 

  • Shadowcliff guests, volunteers, and staff come from all parts of the world and all strata of society.

  • Shadowcliff is commited to encouraging the personal growth and continued learning of its staff, as well as nurturing each staff member's personal and creative interests and love of the outdoors! Many prior staff members have been artists, musicians, writers, explorers, and creators of all kinds.

  • The Town of Grand Lake is a small mountain community with minimal night life and little to do beyond enjoyment of the beautiful natural environment and the people of the community.

  • The work and level of activity at Shadowcliff is highly varied throughout the season. While each staff member performs a specific role, and not all roles are the same, it can be expected that each of us will interact with fellow staff, volunteers, and guests daily. At times you may be a team leader and at times you may be a team player, but all staff will benefit from having an attitude of adaptability, flexibility, curiousity, proactivity, and a desire to serve as well as help the whole team strive towards a common goal.

  • The following questions are more position-specific. However, it is still beneficial to know whether you possess any of the following professional experience, even if the position you are interested in does not require it. It is important that you have reviewed the Job Descriptions for the position(s) you are interested in and to answer each question to the best of your ability. If you have not had the experience, please simply answer N/A.

  • Employment Experience

    Please list the last three positions you have held, beginning with the most recent. For volunteers, please include your current or most recent employer along with any relevant volunteer experience.
  • Professional References

    Please do not use personal references such as friends, family members, or relatives. If this is one of your first jobs, you may also use teachers, coaches, volunteer supervisors, mentors, or others that you feel can objectively speak to your professional qualities. References are a required part of the hiring process, and will be contacted upon completion of the interview.
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  • Thank you for taking the time to complete this application! 

    Applicant Acknowledgement

    By initialing below,  I:

    certify that the information provided in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge; authorize Shadowcliff to solicit information from any person or organization named herein, including information which relates in any way to my character, ability, reputation, and past conduct; authorize any such persons to make disclosures to Shadowcliff concerning this information; understand that this is an application for employment only and that no employment contract is being offered; specifically reaffirm my understanding of Shadowcliff's no smoking/no open flames and no pets policies, that second jobs are not permitted while I am employed by Shadowcliff, and that I will need to agree to Shadowcliff's Employment & Community Standards and Health & Safety Standards if an offer of employment is extended.

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