Outdoor Education Specialist/Teacher

YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce; Owen Sound; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

16 days paid vacation

Travel allowance

Health & Dental package (50%)

Child care discounts

Contributory pension plan

Training & development

First Aid & Vulnerable Police Check (6

Job summary

YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is seeking an Outdoor Education Specialist/Teacher to support the Queen of Hearts program, Global Guardians. The role emphasizes creating a positive, engaging, and safe environment for our clients and relies on strong leadership and communication with families.

A background in child development or education is essential, as is experience planning and leading activities. First Aid/CPR certification is required, and applicants should have experience working with

Qualifications

• Background in child development or education is essential.
• Experience planning and leading activities is essential.
• First Aid/CPR certification is crucial.
• Previous experience with children is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Supervising and leading: Ensuring clients are safe, engaged, and having a positive experience during various activities.
• Planning and leading activities: Developing and implementing age-appropriate games, crafts, sports, and other recreational activities in line with the programs.
• Building positive relationships: Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where clients feel comfortable and supported.
• Communicating: Providing updates on children's progress, addressing concerns, and fostering a positive relationship with families.
• Managing conflict and behavior: Addressing conflicts between children, redirecting negative behaviours, and promoting positive social interactions.
• Adhering to Queen of Hearts policies and procedures: Following all established guidelines for safety, health, and conduct.
• Participating in team meetings and training: Collaborating with other team members to ensure smooth operations and share best practices.
• Maintaining a clean and organized environment: Ensuring the areas of work are tidy and well-maintained.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Patience & Adaptability

Safety Awareness

First Aid/CPR

Experience with Children

Problem-Solving

Education

Background in child development or education

Job description

Find meaningful employment, jobs, careers, apprenticeships and volunteer opportunities from local employers in Grey Bruce through the YMCA Job Board. Employers can create an account and post jobs for FREE!

Application Deadline Date: December 31, 2026

Wage will depend on qualifications and experience and is a starting salary

Job Description

If you love children, sharing environmental learning and an outdoors enthusiast, this could be the job for you.

Due to the growth of our QYC Specialty School Age Program – Global Guardians, Queen of Hearts is looking for an Outdoor Education Specialist/Teacher who excels at creating a positive, engaging, and safe environment for our QYC clients. Possessing strong leadership, communication, administration and organizational skills, while also demonstrating enthusiasm, patience, and the ability to adapt to diverse situations. A background in child development or education is essential, as is experience in planning and leading activities.

Key Qualities and Skills:

• Leadership: Ability to guide, motivate, and inspire, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
• Communication: Clear, effective, and empathetic communication with children, parents, and fellow colleagues.
• Organization: Ability to plan and manage daily activities, schedules, and logistics efficiently.
• Enthusiasm and Passion: A genuine love for working with children and a positive attitude that creates a fun and engaging atmosphere.
• Patience and Adaptability: Ability to handle challenging situations, resolve conflicts, and adjust plans as needed.
• Safety Consciousness: Prioritizing the well-being of clients, ensuring a safe environment, and adhering to safety protocols.
• First Aid/CPR Certification: Having current certification in First Aid and CPR is crucial for handling minor injuries or emergencies.
• Experience: Previous experience working with children is highly desirable.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify and address client needs, manage conflicts, and find solutions to unexpected issues.

Responsibilities:

• Supervising and leading: Ensuring clients are safe, engaged, and having a positive experience during various activities.
• Planning and leading activities: Developing and implementing age-appropriate games, crafts, sports, and other recreational activities in line with the programs.
• Building positive relationships: Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where clients feel comfortable and supported.
• Communicating: Providing updates on children's progress, addressing concerns, and fostering a positive relationship with families.
• Managing conflict and behavior: Addressing conflicts between children, redirecting negative behaviours, and promoting positive social interactions.
• Adhering to Queen of Hearts policies and procedures: Following all established guidelines for safety, health, and conduct.
• Participating in team meetings and training: Collaborating with other team members to ensure smooth operations and share best practices.
• Maintaining a clean and organized environment: Ensuring the areas of work are tidy and well-maintained.

Communication with Program Manager and Directors, keeping all avenues open and two-way

What’s in it for you?

As a member of our team:-

• You will receive a competitive salary
• Starting paid vacation of 16 days per year
• Travel allowance for all employees living over 20km from the School
• We offer to pay 50% of the cost if you decide to take our amazing health and dental package
• If you have children – check out our big discounts on all ages of child care
• Option of contributory company pension scheme
• Continual training and development as required
• First Aid and Vulnerable Police Check certificates paid for after 6 months of employment

What we ask of our team :-

• You are the best at what you do.
• You are willing to do better.
• Customer Service is your number one priority.
• You have patience and understanding and show our children respect and encouragement
• You are a tremendous team player with a "can do" attitude.
• Your words result in action.
• You possess or are willing to gain any certification/training necessary for your role.

Who are you?

Every position needs hard working, enthusiastic and passionate individuals.

Qualified teachers with O.C.T. qualifications and B.Ed, RECE or experience teaching children is essential.

PLEASE NOTE – PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

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Land Acknowledgement

The Municipalities of Bruce and Grey Counties sit on the traditional territory of the Anishnabek Nation : The People of the Three Fires known as Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomie Nations. We give thanks to them, and to the Chippewas of Saugeen , and the Chippewas of Neyaashiinigmiing , as the traditional keepers of this land and water, and we also recognize the traditional homeland of the Metis Nation .

Charitable registration number 11907 4995 RR0001