Challenge Course Manager

South-Shore-Young-Mens-Christian-Association; Sandwich (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing

Job summary

Camp Burgess & Hayward is seeking a Challenge Course Manager to oversee safe operation of the challenge course, climbing walls, low ropes, and archery. You will train and supervise seasonal staff, ensuring high-quality, safe programming for campers during summer and shoulder seasons.

The role combines outdoor leadership with facilities tasks, including maintenance support and record-keeping for trainings and certifications. On-site housing is provided.

Qualifications

• Challenge course certifications required or willingness to obtain.
• Experience with challenge courses preferred with training provided.
• Ability to supervise and coach seasonal staff to deliver safe programs.
• Age 21+ and strong interpersonal communication is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe operation of challenge course, climbing walls, low ropes, and archery.
• Train, evaluate and supervise seasonal Challenge Course staff.
• Maintain staff training records and required licensure.
• Assist in maintenance tasks across Camp’s 300 acres and 50+ buildings.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety compliance

Coaching

Outdoor work

Education

Level II Challenge Course certification

Archery Level I certification

Tools

Carpentry

Landscaping

Painting

Job description

Help create adventure, build confidence, and inspire connection at Camp Burgess & Hayward. The Challenge Course Manager oversees the operations, safety, and programming of our high ropes course, two ziplines, two climbing towers, two low ropes courses, and two archery ranges. By training and supporting seasonal staff, this person helps deliver safe, engaging experiences for campers and participants throughout the summer and during our active spring and fall seasons.When the challenge courses are not in use, the Challenge Course Manager works alongside the Maintenance and Facilities team to keep Camp’s grounds and facilities welcoming and ready for the next adventure. From general upkeep to site improvement projects, this hands-on role offers a mix of outdoor leadership and practical facilities work, with approximately 70% of responsibilities focused on the Challenge Course and 30% on Maintenance.This is a full-time, year-round position with on-site housing provided.Core ExpectationsProgram Management & DevelopmentOversees the safe operation of the challenge course, climbing walls, low ropes, and archery.Maintains records of staff trainings and required licensure.Staff Engagement & DevelopmentTrains, evaluates, and supervises the seasonal Challenge Course staff with respect to their programming responsibilities, including intensive high ropes training for staff.Trains summer camp staff in belaying, archery and low ropes.Encourages and fosters teamwork and commitment towards achieving goals.Facility ManagementChallenge Course: Ensures necessary repairs occur to maintain safe program areas, including annual repairs and inspections of all Challenge Course areas.Maintenance: Assists in general facilities tasks across Camp’s 300 acres and 50+ buildings, under the direction of the Facilities Director. Tasks may include cleaning, landscaping, basic construction, and more. This person must be willing to take on a variety and tasks and learn new facilities skills as needed.Community Involvement & SupportWorks collaboratively with the full-time staff team to meet the objectives of the branch as a whole.Assists in other areas of Camp Burgess & Hayward operations as needed.Assists in YMCA fundraising activities/events, and engages in collaborative relationships with community organizations to strengthen support and build community.Challenge course experience preferred, with additional training providedLevel II or Challenge Course Manager certification, or willingness to obtainArchery Level I certification, or willingness to obtainAt least 21 years of ageStrong interpersonal and communication skillsAbility to develop positive, effective working relationships with staff and other agencies.Effective coaching and teaching skills.Ability to effectively lead groups of children and of staff, facilitate discussion and guide staff development.Experience in some areas of facilities management is preferred but not required. Examples include:CarpentryConstructionLandscapingPaintingWillingness to work hard and learn new skills, especially in regard to maintenance and facilities tasks.Strong interpersonal and communication skills.Physical DemandsAble to climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach with hands, sit, stand for an extended period of time, walk, lift and/or move up to 40 pounds, have finger dexterity, grasp, perform repetitive motions, talk, hear and have visual acuity.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, talk, hear and walk over grounds that are uneven, not paved. The employee must be able to work in an outdoor environment in the rain and other inclement weather.Physically able to facilitate challenge course programming, training, and rescues