Outdoor School Program Leader

Cheakamus Centre; Squamish; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in outdoor education is seeking an enthusiastic Outdoor School Program Leader to guide and inspire students in a dynamic learning environment. This role involves facilitating outdoor activities, mentoring secondary school counsellors, and ensuring a safe and inclusive atmosphere for all participants. With a focus on environmental stewardship and personal leadership development, you will play a vital part in shaping the experiences of young learners. If you are passionate about outdoor education and ready to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Casual dress

Discounted or free food

Extended health care

Flexible schedule

On-site parking

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth in outdoor education settings.
• Strong interest in developing personal leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate meal service and supervise students at meals.
• Coordinate and supervise chores with secondary school counsellors.
• Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive culture for all.

Skills

First Aid Certificate

Youth Mentoring

Communication Skills

Time Management

Leadership Development

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

OVERVIEW

The Outdoor School Program Leader plays a key role in the Outdoor School Program (ODS) at Cheakamus Centre. ODS runs from October to May each school year and involves 4-day programs with grade 6 students and 3-day programs with grade 4 students. The primary duties of the ODS Program Leader are to orient students, facilitate and lead meal service, assist with field studies and recreation programs, and mentor, train and work alongside secondary school student counsellors. This is a highly dynamic role, with shifting duties throughout each program week.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate meal service and supervise students at meals; assist with monitoring of special dietary requirements and ensuring meals are timely and organized.
• Coordinate and supervise chores with secondary school counsellors and cabin groups.
• Supervise recreation programs (i.e. garden games, archery, team building and more), which are facilitated by secondary school student counsellors.
• Facilitate outdoor and environmental learning Field Studies (i.e. farm, salmon, birds, forest and more).
• Assist with training, mentoring and supervising secondary school counsellors.
• Maintain safety and wellbeing of students as part of program staff team.
• Contribute to the creation of a welcoming and inclusive culture for all.
• Liaise with program staff, visiting teachers and administrators, parents, etc. on program logistics and student concerns, some of which may be confidential in nature.
• Assist with providing counsellor feedback.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• First Aid Certificate – OFA Level 2 preferred, or equivalent.
• Willing to submit a current Criminal Record Check, with Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Experience working with youth and children in outdoor education setting.
• Experience mentoring youth in leadership development.
• Strong interest in developing personal leadership skills.
• Work effectively independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Work varied hours including early mornings and occasional weekends (schedule will be known well in advance).
• Friendly, positive and enthusiastic approach.
• Strong time and group management to ensure meal times are smooth and on time.
• Strong communication skills including ability to provide constructive feedback to youth.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience and/or interest in nature interpretation and outdoor and environmental education.
• Interest in mentoring secondary school students.
• Experience with the Outdoor School Program, and its mission, vision, values and goals.

JOB TERM

• October 2024 – May 2025 (excluding holidays and non-programming times).

JOB LOCATION

Cheakamus Centre, Brackendale, BC (near Squamish)

COMPENSATION

• Pay starting at $21.00/hr. (35-40 hours per program week, with an averaging agreement).
• Room & Partial Board (optional) – please note: meals are only provided during programming periods.
• Staff discount at Listel hotels and Listel owned restaurants.

ABOUT US

Located on 420 acres of ecological reserve lands in the Cheakamus River Valley near Squamish, BC, Cheakamus Centre is a world-class outdoor learning centre that brings together the values of environmental stewardship and sustainability through place-based learning. We value the opportunity to welcome others to learn, gather and share in nature on this traditional territory.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Email a cover letter stating why you are the best person for this opportunity, along with your résumé to: [e-mail]

Please include ‘ODS Program Leader' in the subject line of your email. If you are interested in multiple positions, please provide all the positions you are interested and rank them in order of preference.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

July 19 or until filled. Hiring for multiple positions.

We thank you for your interest in employment with Cheakamus Centre. Please note that due to the volume of applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract, Seasonal
Contract length: 8 months

Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress.
• Discounted or free food.
• Extended health care.
• Flexible schedule.
• On-site parking.

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required.

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift.
• 8 hour shift.
• Day shift.
• Evening shift.
• Monday to Friday.
• Weekends as needed.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Brackendale, BC V0N 0A4: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (required).

Application question(s):

• Do you have or are willing to obtain a criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening?

Licence/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (preferred).

Work Location: In person.

Application deadline: 2024-07-19
Expected start date: 2024-10-15.