Challenge Course Facilitator

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University in University Park seeks a Challenge Course Facilitator to lead teambuilding and high ropes experiences with youth and participants. This entry-level, seasonal role focuses on site management, staff supervision, and program safety across Stone Valley activities.

Responsibilities include training staff, coordinating bookings, and ensuring compliance with safety and paperwork requirements. Strong leadership and attention to detail are essential for success.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Act as site manager for programs at Stone Valley Recreation Area.
• Supervise Facilitators, provide feedback, and lead trainings.
• Manage bookings, inquiries, and post-program paperwork.
• Oversee risk management, safety protocols, and incident reporting.
• Drive University vehicles (MVR check required).
• Coordinate staff meetings and reinforce program quality.

Skills

Leadership experience

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Level 1/2 Challenge Course Practitioner Certification

Tools

First Aid/CPR/AED Certification

Wilderness First Aid (preferred)

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Challenge Course Facilitator

The Department of Campus Recreation is seeking to fill the position of Challenge Course Facilitator. This entry level position is responsible for facilitating high quality teambuilding experiences for challenge course and high ropes participants, including youth.

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)

Work Environment:

• Work will mostly be conducted at Stone Valley Recreation Area but occasional program on campus may also be necessary

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 is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

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 as 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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