Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge (Grand Lake, CO)

About Shadowcliff

Perched above Grand Lake at the headwaters of the Colorado River, Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge is a nonprofit lodge and retreat center built and sustained by volunteers. For more than six decades, Shadowcliff has been a gathering place for travelers, groups, and artists seeking rest, renewal, and connection with nature and one another.

We are a mountain sanctuary with a mission to hold space for individual and collective transformation, and a vision to inspire a more kind and loving world through the power of connection and our values of healing, growth, community, and hospitality.

Position Summary

The Maintenance & Groundskeeper serves as the day-to-day steward of Shadowcliff’s rustic, historic buildings, grounds, and 4.5 acre campus.

This role is responsible for proactive and preventive maintenance, timely repairs, grounds care, facilities oversight, and supporting the overall guest experience through careful stewardship of the property. The Maintenance & Groundskeeper works closely with the General Manager and Hospitality team to ensure the campus operates smoothly throughout the season.

This is a hands-on, highly autonomous position for someone who takes pride in problem-solving, preventative care, and thoughtful stewardship of a rustic, historic lodge and retreat center.

Schedule

• Full-time on-site: mid-May–end of September (flexible structure available for qualified candidates)
• Occasional on-call for urgent after-hours issues during the season (on-call time is compensated per policy)
• Work a variable weekly schedule of approximately 40 hours per week as determined by the needs of the group retreat calendar and in coordination with the General Manager with 2 days off per week when possible (may not always be consecutive).
• Shadowcliff operates as a Seasonal Recreational Establishment under Section 13(a)(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). As a result, certain federal and state overtime provisions do not apply during our operational season. Even with this exemption, Shadowcliff is committed to humane, sustainable scheduling, including:
  • Participate in an on-call structure for urgent maintenance issues
  • Track all hours worked, including on-call response time
  • Receive pay or legally compliant comp time for all hours worked per policy and Colorado COMPS Order

All hours worked are recorded and either paid or flexed as legally compliant comp time, per written agreement and applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits

• Cash compensation: $600/week (non-exempt; overtime paid per Colorado COMPS Order where applicable)
• Room & board: Provided at no cost while on-site (private room; shared meals included). Estimated value ~$1,400/month
• Shared gratuities
• End-of-season bonus: Discretionary and performance-based
• Paid Sick Leave: Accrued and available in compliance with Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA)
• 50% Friends & Family lodging discount
• Shadowcliff does not currently offer employer-sponsored health insurance

Primary Responsibilities

Facilities & Preventative Maintenance

• Perform day-to-day repairs and preventative maintenance across lodges, cabins, chapel, and grounds
• Monitor campus for issues and proactively address repairs before they escalate
• Maintain and update the Facilities Projects spreadsheet
• Maintain organized shop space and inventory of supplies and equipment
• Oversee Shadowcliff van maintenance (oil changes, winterization, etc.)
• Coordinate with General Manager to engage licensed vendors when necessary (plumbing, electrical, septic, fire safety, etc.)
• Assist with opening and closing procedures for the campus

Grounds & Stewardship

• Maintain outdoor spaces including legacy garden areas and general grounds upkeep
• Support wildfire mitigation efforts and basic landscape maintenance
• Monitor and protect infrastructure (water lines, exterior systems, etc.)

Vendor Coordination

• Maintain working relationships with local vendors and service providers
• Coordinate with GM to schedule licensed contractors as needed (plumbing, electrical, septic, fire safety, etc.)

Operational Support

• Work collaboratively with volunteers and seasonal staff on special projects
• Assist with group and event setup as needed
• Participate in kitchen clean-up rotation
• Take recycling to Granby biweekly
• Support cross-departmental needs during high-volume weeks

Communication & Leadership

• Attend weekly check-ins with the General Manager
• Provide clear progress updates and flag emerging issues early
• Maintain clear documentation of work completed
• Model Shadowcliff’s Employment & Community Standards and Health & Safety policies
• Occasionally supervise or direct volunteers or staff on maintenance projects

Who You Are

• 2+ years experience in facilities maintenance, property management, trades work, or comparable hands-on environments
• Working knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and general building systems
• Strong troubleshooting mindset and ability to work independently
• Organized, proactive, and comfortable prioritizing in a dynamic environment
• Skilled communicator who collaborates respectfully across departments
• Confident in your ability to live in a close community including shared common spaces with other members of staff.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• At minimum, applicants must be 18 years of age.
• Able to live and work at altitude during the summer season and be physically able to adjust to altitude and the physical nature of many stairs and rocky mountain terrain; reasonable accommodations available.
• Experience in retreat centers, camps, hospitality, or nonprofit settings is strongly preferred.

Note: Shadowcliff maintains a no pets, no smoking, and no weapons policy for all campus spaces.

Work Environment, Hours, & Overtime

During the summer season, this role involves frequent walking, standing, stair climbing, and occasional lifting (up to ~50 lbs). The lodge environment is rustic, collaborative, and evolving. A spirit of flexibility, curiosity, and care for others is essential.

Note: Shadowcliff maintains a no pets, no smoking, and no weapons policy for all campus spaces. 

Equity, inclusion, & belonging

Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in all forms. We believe our mission of holding space for transformation is strengthened by the inclusion of voices, perspectives, and life experiences from all backgrounds.

We welcome applications from people of all races, religions, genders, sexual orientations, national origins, abilities, and ages. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants and employees throughout the hiring and employment process.

How to apply

Please submit your resume and a short cover letter using our online application form:

https://airtable.com/appIjc0TDjOk566Uq/pagH9jBcUM7wfvSNo/form

Please include two references familiar with your leadership and hospitality experience.

Priority review begins March 1 and continues until the position is filled.