OUTDOOR EDUCATION & RETREATS SPECIALIST

YMCA of Southeastern NC; Willard (NC); On-site; USD 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shared housing

Meals when dining hall is running

Wi-Fi

Access to camp activities

Job training/certifications

Job summary

Outdoor Education & Retreats Specialist at YMCA of Southeast NC leads outdoor learning, adventure programming, and hands-on science for schools and retreat groups. Your office is the woods, and you guide 1st–12th grade participants through ropes, aquatics, and classic camp traditions with a focus on safety and joy.

This seasonal role emphasizes teamwork, community impact, and personal growth while offering shared housing, meals when available, Wi‑Fi, and access to camp activities.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to YMCA mission and community building.
• Experience with youth in educational, recreational, or youth settings.
• Willingness to obtain First Aid and CPR certifications; Lifeguarding/Challenge Course supporters welcome.
• Progress toward or completion of a degree in environmental science, education, or youth development.
• Energetic, hands-on teaching style and outdoor enthusiasm.
• Ability to engage participants in physical activity in varying weather.

Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on educational programming on environmental science for grades 1–12.
• Facilitate ropes, target sports, and aquatics activities for retreat groups.
• Supervise groups of 15–20 students and coordinate with other staff.
• Provide safe, engaging outdoor experiences and manage program logistics.
• Support other duties as assigned by the director; adapt as camp life changes daily.
• Create a fun, safe, and memorable outdoor experience for youth.

Skills

Outdoor education

Youth development

First Aid/CPR

Lifeguarding

Ropes/challenge

Education

Env Sci degree in progress

Education/related field

Job description

Description

Join the Adventure! Spend your days teaching outside, moving your body, leading adventures, and helping people reconnect with the natural world. As an Outdoor Education & Retreats Specialist, you will wear many hats like educator, guide, hype-squad, and full-time camp hero. In this role, you will help schools and retreat groups discover the outdoors through hands‑on science, challenge activities, classic camp traditions, and plenty of pure fun. You will join a community that values connection, personal growth, teamwork, and the occasional campfire s'more.

Essential Functions

• Deliver hands on educational programing to schools focused on environmental science grades 1st-12th
• Facilitate ropes, target sports and aquatics related activities and programming for all retreat guests
• Manage a group of 15-20 students.
• Coordinate with other specialist and directors on programing.
• Provide direct supervision to youth while teaching and leading activities.
• All other duties as assigned by the director.
• Keep youth safe, supported, and having a blast during all programs.
• Jump into additional tasks as needed, because camp life is always exciting and never the same two days in a row.

Benefits

• Shared housing, meals when dining hall is running, Wi‑Fi, access to camp activities when not in use, job training/certifications and more!

What Makes This Position Unique

• Your “office” is the woods.
• Your coworkers become your community.
• Your job includes adventure, creativity, learning, and joy.
• You make real impact – kids remember these experiences for life.
• No dress shoes. No cubicles. No Monday dread. Just meaningful work, movement, nature, and a season you’ll talk about for years.

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our purpose of strengthening communities with intention and purpose every day. We welcome all: we are open to everyone. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We nurture: we support you on your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

YMCA Part‑Time Benefits Overview

• Complimentary YMCA Membership
• Flexible Scheduling
• Professional Development
• Retirement Benefits
• Employee Resource Groups

YMCA Competencies (Leader)

Mission Advancement – Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund‑raising.

Collaboration – Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness – Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high‑value experience for members.

Personal Growth – Pursues self‑development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up‑to‑date knowledge and skills in technology.

The YMCA of Southeast NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.

The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

• A strong commitment to the mission of the YMCA, including building community, supporting youth development, and contributing positively to the organization.
• Experience working directly with young people in educational, recreational, or youth-focused environments.
• Willingness to obtain certifications in First Aid and CPR, Lifeguarding, and Ropes or Challenge Course facilitation. Training and support will be provided.
• Progress toward or completion of a degree in environmental science, education, youth development, outdoor recreation, or a related field. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Ability to engage with participants in an energetic, encouraging, and hands‑on manner, including participating in activities that may involve physical movement and outdoor conditions.
• Genuine enthusiasm for working outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions, including sun, rain, mud, and nighttime programming.

Preferred

• Previous experience in teaching, outdoor education, adventure programming, or facilitation of challenge course activities.
• Current certifications in First Aid and CPR, Lifeguarding, or Ropes or Challenge Course facilitation.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to see, hear, and speak clearly.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.
• Must be in good health, able to bend, stand, stoop, walk, climb, and work outside in all terrain and weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to comprehend and communicate written and or verbal instructions.
• Comfortable working at heights and around water.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: The YMCA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation to complete the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact Human Resources.

YMCA Safety Requirements

• CPR & First Aid – Must be able to complete and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid; able to assist individuals in need until professional help arrives.
• Emergency Response – Ability to quickly identify emergency situations (medical, fire, environmental, etc.) and respond appropriately following established procedures.
• Incident Management – Required to report all safety incidents and hazards immediately and accurately to supervisors.
• Safe Environment – Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard‑free environment for all staff, members, and participants.
• Physical Readiness – Must be able to perform physical tasks related to safety, including assisting individuals of various ages and physical abilities.
• Compliance – Follow all YMCA safety protocols, OSHA standards, and state/local regulations as applicable.

Job Title

Outdoor Education & Retreats Specialist

Location

Watha, NC (Pender County)

Position Type

Seasonal

FLSA

Non‑Exempt

Pay Rate

Stipend Pay, $450–$525 week

Reports To

Director of Camping and Outdoor Education

Revision Date

8‑3‑2026

Equal Opportunity Employer

The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.