Senior Outdoor Educator

YMCA of Greater Toronto • King, ON

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Be the Spark! Join our dynamic team at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work! YMCA Camping and Outdoor Education offers outdoor experiences that foster personal growth and build community. After taking part in our programs, children and youth return home more confident, independent, and with new friendships. YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is located on 236 acres, about 45 minutes north of downtown Toronto. Our Outdoor Centre is open year-round, welcoming 400+ groups and 25,000+ guests on an annual basis. Our team of professional staff works together to provide the best possible experience for groups visiting Cedar Glen – we recognize that all individuals have different levels of experience and comfort in the outdoors, and we strive to deliver the best program possible for each one of our guests. We encourage you to learn more about our center by visiting our webpage: https://cedarglen.ymcagta.org/

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years prior experience working at an outdoor centre in program facilitator role
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C required for the duration of the contract
• Flexibility regarding assigned working hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays required
• Ability to lead a group and engage with people of all ages
• Ability to communicate ideas, rules and concepts effectively and in an engaging, entertaining, and supportive manner
• Ability to work independently and within a team to achieve a common goal
• Demonstrated experience and passion for outdoor recreation
• Excellent communication skills
• Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate a warm, inclusive, and safe environment for guests and colleagues
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Nice To Haves

• Working towards and/or completion of post-secondary courses in Outdoor Recreation or a related field is an asset
• National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification is an asset
• Challenge Course/High Ropes training and experience – ACCT Level 2 is an asset

Responsibilities

• Provide direct program delivery to participants of all ages, including elementary and secondary school groups, colleges and universities, retreats, youth groups, sports teams, conferences and other youth and adult groups. Outdoor programs include activities such as low and high ropes courses, archery, orienteering, fire building, shelter building, initiatives and more. We are also proud to offer Specialist High Skill Major certifications
• Act as the main facilitator for individuals and groups, ensuring group goals are met and overall satisfaction with facilities, programs and staff
• Supervise and mentor Outdoor Educators, and help the Outdoor Centre management team with the writing and delivery of seasonal staff performance appraisals
• Assist with research and development of new outdoor education/leadership programs, support with the inventory, organization and maintenance of all program equipment
• Assist with planning and delivery of seasonal Outdoor Education staff training
• Monitor the safety of all activities and programs throughout the duty period and respond immediately to rectify any safety concerns, fill out YMCA Accident/Incident forms and follow up forms as required and submit within 24 hours
• Maintain an Account Holder relationship with a set portfolio of groups, managing all communication from initial booking to post visit follow up
• Ensure Health & Safety procedures are maintained, and share with the staff team the duties of ensuring camp is clean, organized and safe to ensure the Health & Safety of all camp participants
• Act as the worker representative on Cedar Glen’s Joint Health & Safety Committee
• Continuously build relationships with participants, members, staff, volunteers and community partners, representing the YMCA, Association, and Cedar Glen in a professional manner
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Total compensation package

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed