Outdoor School Facilitator

U S National Whitewater Center•Charlotte, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Outdoor Education & Team Development Facilitators at the Whitewater Center (Whitewater) lead educational and challenging programs for a variety of groups, including school groups, corporate teams, and other guests. Facilitators provide instruction, facilitate hands-on activities, and use thoughtful questions and discussion to help participants explore environmental education, STEAM, high and low ropes team development challenges, and outdoor learning concepts. This is an on-site, part-time position that reports to the Outdoor School Operations Manager. Paid training is required. Schedules vary based on program demand.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to confidently facilitate an educational or team development activity.
Candidates will be asked to demonstrate facilitation competencies by delivering a short sample lesson or team-building exercise as part of the interview process.
Comfortable with public speaking, instructional presentations, group discussions, and asking thought-provoking questions.
Ability to provide clear and concise safety, activity, and program instructions.
Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment and consistently prioritize participant safety.
Strong group-management skills and the ability to work effectively with groups of varying ages, abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels.
Positive, energetic, supportive, and professional attitude with a strong team-focused mindset.
Current First Aid, CPR, & AED certification; courses are available through the Whitewater Center.
Ability to complete required paid training and ongoing training.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and other Whitewater events as needed.
Weekday availability is required, particularly during the school year.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience teaching, facilitating, or leading groups in a formal or informal educational setting, particularly with students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Background or interest in Outdoor Education, Recreation, or a related field.
Prior experience facilitating team development, experiential education, or outdoor adventure programs.

Responsibilities

Facilitate environmental education, STEM, team development, and outdoor education programs for school groups, corporate groups, and other Whitewater guests.
Lead groups safely and efficiently through a variety of Whitewater activities, including high and low ropes team development challenges, and a variety of other tailored experiences.
Use discussion and reflection to encourage critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Adapt instruction and facilitation techniques to meet the needs, goals, age, and experience level of each group.
Manage groups of up to 30 participants while maintaining effective supervision and communication with teachers, chaperones, group leaders, and participants.
Assist with greeting school groups and guests and facilitating orientation and welcome talks.
Inspect courses, equipment, and program areas before and after use in accordance with Whitewater Center policies and procedures.
Maintain current knowledge of Whitewater activities, programs, products, services, and safety procedures.
Communicate effectively with a diverse group of participants, co-workers, supervisors, teachers, and group leaders.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain and expand program knowledge and facilitation skills.
Other duties as assigned.