Climbing & Challenge Director

YMCA Of Greater Seattle • Longbranch, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Climbing & Challenge Director directly supervises the adventure program and challenge course counselors at Camp Colman, a seasonal residential camp in Longbranch, Washington. As a member of the Resident Camp management team, the Director works with other on-site managers to support successful camp programming. The position lives onsite in shared, apartment-style staff housing and works primarily at camp, both indoors and outdoors.

The Director supervises campers and staff using the Challenge Course, supports counselor activity planning, and maintains safe, clean, and well-documented program operations. The role partners with the camp’s full-time Challenge Course Manager on safety and procedural concerns, maintains current ACCT certification, and attends annual professional development. The position also carries responsibilities for staff supervision and accountability under the organization’s abuse risk management standards.

This is a full-time seasonal position running from May 31, 2027, through August 25, 2027. The usual camp workweek is six days on and one day off, including training, staff meetings, and regular duties. Compensation is $95 per day, increasing to $101 for a second season in the same or equivalent job, $107 for a third season, and $113 for four or more seasons. Benefits include YMCA of Greater Seattle membership, free access to mental health resources, paid time off accruing rapidly and available immediately upon hire, and discounts on qualifying YMCA childcare and day camp programs.

Requirements

• Current W-EMT, WFR, and WFA certification.
• Current state-approved first aid certification.
• Current state-approved CPR certification; the posting also states CPR/First Aid training will be provided onsite.
• Ability to mentor staff in technical backcountry skills, including backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and mountaineering.
• At least two years of related experience, including proven experience training others.
• At least one year of experience with staff and volunteer supervision, program development, and budget management.
• Experience with and knowledge of youth behavior management and child abuse prevention.
• Intermediate computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements, including occasionally lifting storage or janitorial products and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to live onsite at camp; the position is an Authorized Driver position.
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills needed to perform effectively may be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Level 2 Challenge Course certification, or ability to become certified within six months.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant program or equivalent education or experience.
• Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations, including differences in language, culture, race, physical ability, and sexual orientation.
• Ability to speak a language in addition to English.
• Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise the adventure program and challenge course counselors.
• Supervise campers and staff using the Challenge Course and ensure staff account for campers and maintain safety at all times.
• Plan, schedule, and facilitate developmentally appropriate activities that promote camper skill and character development, including village and cabin activities and skill periods.
• Ensure counselors plan and organize activities.
• Maintain safety and cleanliness standards, attend to individual camper and staff health needs or concerns, and share cleaning duties with fellow staff.
• Communicate personal or camper and staff needs to a supervisor in a timely manner.
• Maintain equipment in safe and sound order.
• Ensure challenge course use is properly documented, including ropes-use logs and equipment checks.
• Attend meetings and trainings.
• Maintain current ACCT certification and attend annual professional development opportunities.
• Partner with the camp’s full-time Challenge Course Manager to address safety or procedural concerns.
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures concerning medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, program and equipment inspections, written documentation, and emergencies.
• Adhere to abuse prevention policies and appropriate boundaries, complete required training, report suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and comply with mandated reporting requirements.
• Ensure staff are appropriately screened, trained, supervised, and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• YMCA of Greater Seattle membership.
• Free access to mental health resources.
• Paid time off that accrues rapidly and is available immediately upon hire.
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed