Recreation Instructor - Outdoor Recreation

City of Roanoke, Virginia•Roanoke, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Roanoke's Parks and Recreation Department is seeking Recreation Instructors to serve in multiple sections of the Recreation Division, including Outdoor Recreation, Youth Development, and Community Recreation. This role involves instructing participants in outdoor adventure activities and skills, promoting safe and ethical environmental practices, and assisting in the planning, promotion, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor recreation programs for all ages and abilities. Popular programming areas include kayaking, canoeing, SUP, rock climbing, mountain biking, skateboarding, hiking, caving, and other seasonal high adventure activities. Instructors must demonstrate ability and competency in their preferred activity areas. The position also involves conducting research for new program ideas, implementing risk management plans, and ensuring safe transportation for programs. The Youth Development section specifically focuses on planning, implementing, leading, and facilitating youth development and recreation programs at the Eureka Center, including activities like fitness, art, nature study, and crafts, as well as assisting with homework. This role requires knowledge of youth development principles, community activities, and effective communication skills. Administrative tasks such as collecting registration documents, writing receipts, making deposits, and completing computer assignments are also part of the role. The position is expected to work part-time, with hours varying and typically requiring evening and weekend work, with schedules negotiated with a supervisor. The Youth Development program runs for approximately 40 weeks per year, with 20-25 hours per week.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability and competency in preferred activity or activities of focus (e.g., kayaking, canoeing, SUP, rock climbing, mountain biking, skateboarding, hiking, caving).
Experience and/or knowledge of educational methodologies.
Broad knowledge of natural sciences.
Ability to work with people of all ages and abilities in front country outdoor settings.
Ability to research, develop and execute programs with little supervision.
Ability to express self clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Knowledge of first aid procedures and safety precautions necessary in recreational work.
Ability to act swiftly and appropriately in an emergency situation.
Knowledge of outdoor recreation industry safety standards.
Knowledge of youth development principles, recreation programs, and age appropriate activities.
Knowledge of safety practices and risk management procedures.
Skill in planning and leading recreational activities.
Ability to develop and implement creative programs and activities.
Ability to engage and communicate effectively with children, youth, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
Ability to assist children with homework and educational activities.
Ability to build positive neighborhood and community relationships.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow established safety procedures.
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to two (2) years of college with emphasis on recreation program planning and implementation and evaluation.
Proven experience in using and teaching appropriate safety considerations, technical adventure skills, understanding participant expectations and discipline in a recreation setting.
Possession of valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Current First Aid and CPR certification or within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of youth development and community activities including but not limited to: fitness and movement, art, nature study, crafts.

Responsibilities

Performs responsible outdoor recreation programs instructing participants in outdoor adventure activities and skills while promoting safe, ethical and sound outdoor environmental practices.
Responsible for assisting in planning, promoting, implementing and evaluating outdoor adventure recreation programs for all ages and abilities.
Conducts research in order to develop new program ideas.
Implements the established risk management plan to protect participants, staff and the department and to provide care for equipment and facilities.
Implements a safe transportation system to meet the needs of program, maintenance and safety.
Planning, implementing, leading and facilitating youth development and recreation programs and activities at the Eureka Center.
Assist in the recruitment and training of staff and volunteers.
Assist children with homework assignments.
Develop new creative programs.
Build and maximize neighborhood and community relations.
Utilize effective communications (both orally and in writing).
Collect registration documents, write receipts, make deposits, and complete assignments on computer.