Challenge Course Facilitator

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Challenge Course Facilitator at Stone Valley Recreation Area. The role focuses on site management, staff supervision, safety oversight, and program delivery for high ropes and teambuilding activities.

The position requires leadership experience, a valid First Aid/CPR/AED certification (Wilderness First Aid preferred), and a willingness to guide staff through workshops and trainings. Seasonal, part-time hours with weekend availability.

Qualifications

• Valid First Aid/CPR/AED certification required or higher.
• Wilderness First Aid or higher preferred.
• Experience in leadership managing staff and participants on High Ropes/Teambuilding.
• Attention to detail essential for safety and program quality.

Responsibilities

• Act as site manager for programs at Stone Valley Recreation Area.
• Meet with Facilitator team to plan days programs and assign roles.
• Be the primary contact for Group Leaders.
• Supervise Facilitators to ensure safety protocols are followed.
• Lead training sessions: Facilitation Workshops, Belay Training, High Ropes Training.
• Prepare training agendas and assess staff competency.
• Oversee program bookings, risk management, and post-program paperwork.
• Drive University vehicles as needed (MVR check).

Skills

Staff supervision

Safety protocols

Group leadership

Documentation

Communication

Education

First Aid/CPR/AED Certification

Wilderness First Aid Certification

Challenge Course Practitioner Certification

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Challenge Course Facilitator The Department of Campus Recreation is seeking to fill the position of Challenge Course Facilitator.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Act as site manager for programs at Stone Valley Recreation Area
• Meet with Facilitator team to go over the details of the days program(s) and assign roles/tasks
• Be the primary point of contact for Group Leaders
• Supervise Facilitators to ensure recommended practices in program application, safety protocols, and overall participant monitoring are being followed
• Conduct post-activity processing and reflection with participants
• Oversee course/program shutdown and clean-up
• Complete all pre-/post-program paperwork
• Assist Group Programs Coordinator with supervision, training, and assessment of staff
• Supervise and provide feedback to Group Program Staff during scheduled programs
• Lead Facilitation Workshops, Facilitation 101, Belay Training, and High Ropes Training
• Prepare training and meeting agendas and lesson plans
• Assess staff for competency in various program areas, provide feedback, and administer written test
• Facilitate staff meeting activities to promote team bonding and cohesion
• Assist with overall program operations and administration
• Contact group leaders regarding inquiries about program offerings
• Management of program bookings and agreements
• Monitoring and completing all program documentation in the appropriate time frame
• Administering and reviewing post-program feedback surveys with group leaders
• Risk Management
• Oversee all pre-program inspections and activity setup
• Familiarity with program equipment, usage, and inspection
• Ability to perform participant rescues
• Report maintenance or safety issues in a timely manner
• Follow all EAPs and SOPs as required
• Assist student leaders or full-time staff members with special tasks, projects, events, or other duties and responsibilities as assigned
• Drive University vehicles (must pass MVR check)

Requirements/Prerequisites:

Possess valid First Aid/CPR/AED Certification or higher; Wilderness First Aid or higher preferred. Experience in a leadership position managing staff and participants on High Ropes and Teambuilding Programming Level 1 or 2 Challenge Course Practitioner Certification (Preferred) Attention to detail

Expectations:

Attendance/Availability work approximately 20-24 hours per week, up to 40 hours possible through the summer Seasonal position lasting from April through September Holidays and weekends required Ongoing Development – should be committed to personal and professional development as demonstrated by active participation in staff training and engaging in personal/professional skill development opportunities as need to maintain skills relevant to job responsibilities.

Background Checks/Clearances

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well and a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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