Outdoor Education Program Lead

YMCA of the National Capital Region • Ottawa, ON

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is seeking an Outdoor Education Program Lead to deliver high-quality outdoor education and leadership programming. This role involves day-to-day operational coordination for staff and groups participating in Outdoor Centre programs, including facilitating activities like canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, high ropes, outdoor living skills, nature education, and team-building. The Program Lead will also coordinate group schedules, assign instructors, ensure equipment readiness, and manage program flow. This position acts as a key resource for Program Instructors and Group Leaders, ensuring a positive, safe, and well-organized experience. The role requires acting as a role model for YMCA values and standards, demonstrating leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to participant safety. The position contributes to program success by supporting staff development, fostering relationships with teachers and group leaders, and assisting supervisors with daily operational needs.

Requirements

• Formal post-secondary education in an Outdoor related discipline (environmental studies, outdoor recreation, outdoor adventure, etc.) or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of two seasons experience working in outdoor education, camping, experiential education, or related recreation programming.
• Fluent in English, oral and written.
• Valid permit to work in Canada.
• A Police Record check, not more than 6 months old.

Nice To Haves

• Formal post-secondary education in Child and Youth Care, Recreation, Education, or a related field.
• Other languages.
• Paddle Canada, LSS Instructor, ACCT Level I/II, or other relevant certifications.
• Previous experience coordinating schedules, facilitating staff communication, or leading daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Delivering high-quality outdoor education and leadership programming.
• Providing day-to-day operational coordination for staff and groups.
• Facilitating programs such as canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, high ropes, outdoor living skills, nature education, and team-building initiatives.
• Coordinating group schedules.
• Assigning instructors.
• Ensuring equipment readiness.
• Managing program flow.
• Serving as a key resource for Program Instructors and Group Leaders.
• Ensuring a positive, safe, and well-organized experience for participants and staff.
• Acting as a role model for YMCA values and standards.
• Demonstrating exceptional leadership, professionalism, and commitment to participant safety.
• Supporting staff development.
• Fostering strong relationships with teachers and group leaders.
• Assisting supervisors with daily operational needs.
• Communicating detailed program information, operational requirements, policies, and procedures through meetings, presentations, and individual discussions.
• Providing leadership, guidance, coaching, and constructive feedback to staff to support performance, program quality, and participant safety.
• Establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders through effective communication and collaboration.
• Responding to participant, parent, staff, and partner concerns with professionalism, tact, and sound judgment, resolving moderately complex issues and conflicts.

Benefits

• Free YMCA gym membership
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps)
• Access to our YMCA Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, and financial advice, among other 12 suites of services
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Long-term Disability and Life Insurance
• Access to our Canadian YMCA Retirement Fund pension plan
• Up to 25 vacation days per year including two float days, and one birthday vacation
• Maternity leave benefits for up to 18 months

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree