Outdoor Education Program Instructor
YMCA of the National Capital Region
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The YMCA of the National Capital Region’s Outdoor Centre is seeking a Program Instructor to deliver outdoor education and leadership programs to school-age participants. You will facilitate canoe/kayak instruction, high ropes, and nature education in a safe, inclusive environment.
This part-time contract runs Aug 24, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026. Applicants should have post-secondary training in outdoor-related fields or equivalent experience, English fluency, and relevant waterfront certifications.
Qualifications
- Formal post-secondary education in an outdoor related discipline or equivalent experience.
- Formal post-secondary education in Child and Youth Care, Recreation, Education or related field is an asset.
Responsibilities
- Adapt programs and scheduling to weather, participants, and operational needs.
- Provide high quality facilitation of all programs at the outdoor centre.
- Assist in set up and take down of program areas and equipment.
- Develop and maintain positive communication with staff and participants.
- Ensure safety and inclusivity during activities.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
The YMCA is a charity that has been helping Canadians improve their lives since the first Y opened in 1851. Y programs are offered at more than 1,700 locations across Canada and help more than 2.25 million people annually become healthier in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA of the National Capital Region proudly serves people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and works to address critical social needs in our community. We are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential.
The YMCA is a charity that has been helping Canadians improve their lives since the first Y opened in 1851. Y programs are offered at more than 1,700 locations across Canada and help more than 2.25 million people annually become healthier in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA of the National Capital Region proudly serves people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and works to address critical social needs in our community. We are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential.
This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of excellence, compassion, dignity, accountability and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.
Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals.
This job posting is for a new position. This is a part-time contract position from August 24th, 2026 to December 31th, 2026.
At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to be a leader, partner and catalyst that empowers individuals, dismantles barriers and transforms communities.
Our Competitive Wage And Benefit Package Include
- 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.
- Some benefits may vary based on employment terms
The YMCA of the National Capital Region’s Y Outdoor Centre offers outdoor education, high-ropes activities and leadership programs to school, community and corporate groups 12 months of the year. This position will focus on the delivery of outdoor education, and leadership programs to school age participants that include but are not limited to: canoe and kayak instruction; rock climbing and high ropes challenge course facilitation; outdoor living skills and nature education; and initiative and low ropes challenge course facilitation. The Program Instructor will function as a team member responsible for the maintenance of high quality programs for children and families by creating an educational, safe, clean and meaningful environment for children. This person will be an active part of the Outdoor Centre team and contribute to a successful program season.
- Adapts to programs and scheduling changes based on weather conditions, participant needs, staffing levels, and operational requirements.
- Provide high quality facilitation of all programs offered at the outdoor centre
- Perform some housekeeping responsibilities – sanitation of equipment, program areas, etc.
- Assist in set up and take down of program areas and equipment
- Develop and maintain positive and open communication with staff and participants
- Formal post-secondary education in an Outdoor related discipline (environmental studies, outdoor recreation, outdoor adventure, etc.) or equivalent experience.
- Formal post-secondary education in Child and Youth Care, Recreation, Education, or a related field is considered an asset.
- Fluent in English, oral and written
- Other languages are an asset
- Paddle Canada, LSS Instructor, ACCT Level I/II, or other relevant certifications will all be strongly considered as assets for this position
- Minimum of one season experience working outdoors in a waterfront setting.
- Requires standing, walking, for up to 8-12 hours
- Requires a moderate level of physical activity engage in swim, canoeing, kayaking, sports and play with program participants
- Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
- A Police Record check, not more than 6 months old is required. Police Records checks are reviewed on an individual basis and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision‑making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.
- Semi‑annually, staff must complete the mandatory training for the protection of Children & Youth and submit the certificate of completion.
- Excellence: Identifies and implements improvements that enhance work quality.
- Compassion: Involves warmth and supportive communication. Fosters understanding and collaboration, leading to a positive work environment.
- Dignity: Involves respecting every individual’s worth, promoting fairness and valuing perspectives. It encourages a culture of integrity, mutual respect, and empowerment.
- Accountability: Manages tasks, projects, and processes effectively.
- Inclusion: Demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to IDEA, ethics, and well‑being.
Inclusiveness is a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve and as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to accessibility in employment and to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with AODA, the YMCA will endeavour to provide accommodation to people with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please email peopleandculture@ymcaottawa.ca upon scheduling your interview.
At the YMCA, we are committed to maintaining a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for any positions of employment. All employment decisions are made by our dedicated People and Culture team, ensuring that each candidate is evaluated on an individual basis with the utmost consideration for their unique qualifications and experiences.
The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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