Outdoor Environmental Educator I

ymcapkccareers; Gig Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA membership

Discount on programs and merchandise

Professional training opportunities

Flexible scheduling around school and

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking an Outdoor Environmental Educator to join our team at Camp Seymour in Gig Harbor, WA. You will teach natural science and outdoor skills to diverse student groups, lead activities such as boating, archery, and climbing, and help maintain our campus spaces and programs.

Ideal candidates are 20+ with knowledge of outdoor education, strong communication, and a positive, inclusive approach.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 20 years.
• Working knowledge of Outdoor and Environmental Education principles.
• Positive attitude with youth experience in educational activities.
• Ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrate friendly, professional manner while following YMCA policies.
• Certifications: CPR, AED and Basic First Aid (preferred).
• Must pass background and reference checks.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusive environment.
• Willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on day one.

Responsibilities

• Build understanding of OEE curriculum by shadowing classes.
• Teach natural science, group-building, and outdoor skills to school groups.
• Lead activities including boating, zip line, archery, climbing wall, and evening programs.
• Care for and enhance program spaces (waterfront, reptile area, science center, farm, garden).
• Deliver educational experiences aligned with program goals and philosophy.
• Maintain cleanliness and upkeep of camp facilities.
• Develop creative activities, curriculum, materials, and displays.
• Host meals and provide customer service to guests.
• Communicate clearly with administrators, teachers, chaperones, students, and staff.

Skills

Outdoor education principles

Youth engagement

Communication

Diversity & inclusion

Job description

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Countiesis seeking anOutdoor Environmental Educator Ito join our team.

TheYMCAfocuses on empowering people in all forms, by improving health and well-being and inspiring action in and across our neighborhoods.This position supports the work of the Y, a leading non-profit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

As a Outdoor and Environmental Educator, you would be part of an inclusive and collaborative team working to provide quality programming to a diverse student population in the areas of natural science, outdoor skills, environmental stewardship and social awareness. Camp Seymour’s site spans 160 acres of beautiful Northwest forest and a half mile of Puget Sound beach habitat. We offer classes in marine science, squid dissection, reptiles, forest investigation, sustainable systems, teambuilding, canoeing, orienteering, climbing wall, and many more. Educators teach classes; lead large group and evening activities; host meals; help maintain program areas and care for program animals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build a strong understanding of OEE curriculum by reviewing materials and shadowing classes to ensure smooth, effective instruction.
• Teaching natural science, group-building, and outdoor skills classes to school groups.
• Lead a variety of educational and recreational activities—including boating, zip line, archery, climbing wall, evening programs, and more—adapting to program needs.
• Care for and continually enhance program spaces such as the waterfront, ball courts, reptile area, marine science center, farm, and garden.
• Deliver exceptional educational experiences aligned with the goals and philosophy of the Outdoor and Environmental Education Program.
• Maintain the cleanliness and overall upkeep of camp facilities to create a welcoming environment for all.
• Strengthen the program by developing creative activities, curriculum, materials, and displays.
• Host meals and provide outstanding customer service to guests.
• Communicate clearly, positively, and professionally with administrators, teachers, chaperones, students, and fellow staff members.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move a higher amount.
• Will need to plan, lead, and participate in programming outdoors.

Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 20 years.
• A working knowledge of Outdoor and Environmental Education principles through education or practical experience, and the ability to instruct participants.
• Positive attitude and previous experience with youth in educational and program activities.
• Ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional manner while working with members, parents and staff and the ability to understand, articulate, and enforce YMCA policies and procedures in a positive way.
• Certifications: CPR, AED and Basic First Aid (preferred).
• Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
• You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.

Wage: $17.13 to $19.00 per hour (Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint of the posted wage range).

Hours: Part-Time, Up to 25 hours per week

Location: YMCA Camp Seymour, Gig Harbor, WA

Benefits:

All YMCA Employees receive the below benefits:

• A Personal YMCA membership and YMCA360 virtual streaming membership
• Flexible scheduling around school and extracurricular activities Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness program, and LifeMart employee discount center
• Professional training, education, and certification opportunities
• 20% discount on YMCA programs, childcare services and merchandise

Part-Time employees who work more than 20 hrs./week are eligible for the below voluntary benefit options:

• HealthiestYou: by Teladoc (24/7 virtual general medical care access for non-emergency conditions)
• Willamette Dental Plan
• VSP Vision Plan

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled