Head Soccer Coach - Middle School

The City of Durango is looking for a Head Soccer Coach to lead soccer practices and games for middle school-aged and older participants. In this role, you’ll plan and lead practices, teach soccer skills and fundamentals, communicate with families, and create an organized and enjoyable experience for players. You’ll bring your knowledge of soccer and your ability to work with youth to help participants build skills, learn teamwork and sportsmanship, and enjoy competition. You’ll also work closely with Parks and Recreation staff and other coaches to deliver programs that follow the City’s youth sports philosophy, including having fun, providing equal playing time, and teaching proper fundamentals. 

City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence 
The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here. 

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan. 

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because: 

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements. 
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals. 
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results. 

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve. What You’ll Do in This Role:  

• Participate in pre-season staff orientation and training. 
• Arrive at assigned soccer program locations at scheduled times and prepare for practices, games, and other program activities. 
  
• Plan and lead soccer practices, games, instructional activities, and other recreational activities for middle school-aged and older participants. 
• Develop and submit soccer practice plans and supply requests to the Recreation Supervisor. 
• Organize and lead practices, games, and other scheduled soccer activities. 
• Teach appropriate soccer techniques, skills, and fundamentals. 
• Establish and communicate program expectations to players and parents or guardians. 
• Communicate program information to parents or guardians, including practice and game times, locations, equipment needs, and other necessary information. 
• Emphasize and model good sportsmanship and help participants maintain an appropriate perspective on competition and winning. 
• Follow the Parks and Recreation youth sports philosophy, including having fun, providing equal playing time, teaching sportsmanship, and teaching proper soccer fundamentals. 
• Assist the Program Coordinator or Recreation Supervisor with scheduling soccer contests, practices, and other program activities. 
• Create an environment that supports participation, learning, teamwork, and enjoyment for players. 
• Support participant safety by identifying hazards, maintaining safe playing areas, using appropriate activities and drills, and considering weather conditions and participant skill levels when conducting activities. 
• Attend staff meetings and in-service training. 
• Wear appropriate attire and designated staff shirts while on duty. 
• Properly use, organize, and care for soccer equipment, supplies, records, and facilities. 
• Work cooperatively with Parks and Recreation staff and other coaches. 
• Follow City and Parks and Recreation policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
  

You Have: 

• Experience working with children in an educational or recreational environment is preferred. 
• Knowledge and experience in soccer or the recreational activity being coached or instructed. 
• Ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance. 
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications. 
• Possession of a valid Colorado driver's license, where applicable. 
  

You Will Succeed in This Role If You: 

• Can teach soccer skills and fundamentals in an age-appropriate and engaging way. 
• Are comfortable leading practices, games, and recreational activities for youth. 
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with players, families, coworkers, and other coaches.
  

What We Can Offer You: The following perks are available for part-time and seasonal employees. 

• Free pass to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area 
  
• Free Transit pass 
  
• Eligibility to participate in the City’s Annual Wellness Challenge and a chance to receive prizes and cash rewards 
  

View the full Sports Coach I-Youth Soccer-Part Time job description here.