OUTDOOR EDUCATION & RETREATS SPECIALIST

YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina•Watha, NC

4d•$450 - $525•Onsite

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY: Join the Adventure! Spend your days teaching outside, moving your body, leading adventures, and helping people reconnect with the natural world. As an Outdoor Education & Retreats Specialist, you will wear many hats like educator, guide, hype-squad, and full-time camp hero. In this role, you will help schools and retreat groups discover the outdoors through hands-on science, challenge activities, classic camp traditions, and plenty of pure fun. You will join a community that values connection, personal growth, teamwork, and the occasional campfire s’more. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Deliver hands on educational programing to schools focused on environmental science grades 1st-12th 2. Facilitate ropes, target sports and aquatics related activities and programming for all retreat guests 3. Manage a group of 15-20 students. 4. Coordinate with other specialist and directors on programing. 5. Provide direct supervision to youth while teaching and leading activities. 6. All other duties as assigned by the director. 7. Keep youth safe, supported, and having a blast during all programs. 8. Jump into additional tasks as needed, because camp life is always exciting and never the same two days in a row. 9. Shared housing, meals when dining hall is running, Wi-Fi, access to camp activities when not in use, job training/certifications and more! WHAT MAKES THIS POSITION UNIQUE? Your “office” is the woods. Your coworkers become your community. Your job includes adventure, creativity, learning, and joy. You make real impact — kids remember these experiences for life. No dress shoes. No cubicles. No Monday dread. Just meaningful work, movement, nature, and a season you’ll talk about for years. OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our purpose of strengthening communities with intention and purpose every day. We welcome all: we are open to everyone. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We nurture: we support you on your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you. YMCA PART-TIME BENEFITS OVERVIEW: At the YMCA, we invest in our people so they can better serve our communities. Our part-time employees enjoy a supportive, inclusive work environment with valuable benefits that reflect our mission and core values. Complimentary YMCA Membership Flexible Scheduling Professional Development Retirement Benefits Employee Resource Groups YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader): Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising. Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members. Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. The YMCA of Southeastern NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies. The YMCA of Southeastern NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies. The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Requirements

A strong commitment to the mission of the YMCA, including building community, supporting youth development, and contributing positively to the organization.
Experience working directly with young people in educational, recreational, or youth-focused environments.
Willingness to obtain certifications in First Aid and CPR, Lifeguarding, and Ropes or Challenge Course facilitation. Training and support will be provided.
Progress toward or completion of a degree in environmental science, education, youth development, outdoor recreation, or a related field. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
Ability to engage with participants in an energetic, encouraging, and hands-on manner, including participating in activities that may involve physical movement and outdoor conditions.
Genuine enthusiasm for working outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions, including sun, rain, mud, and nighttime programming.
Must be able to see, hear, and speak clearly.
Must be able to lift at least 50lbs.
Must be in good health, able to bend, stand, stoop, walk, climb and work outside in all terrain and weather conditions for extended periods of time.
Must be able to comprehend and communicate written and or verbal instructions.
Comfortable working at heights and around water.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in teaching, outdoor education, adventure programming, or facilitation of challenge course activities.
Current certifications in First Aid and CPR, Lifeguarding, or Ropes or Challenge Course facilitation.

Responsibilities

Deliver hands on educational programing to schools focused on environmental science grades 1st-12th
Facilitate ropes, target sports and aquatics related activities and programming for all retreat guests
Manage a group of 15-20 students.
Coordinate with other specialist and directors on programing.
Provide direct supervision to youth while teaching and leading activities.
All other duties as assigned by the director.
Keep youth safe, supported, and having a blast during all programs.
Jump into additional tasks as needed, because camp life is always exciting and never the same two days in a row.