Recreation Program Specialist at the Root Farm

Upstate Cerebral Palsy; Sauquoit (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision

Retirement plan

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

The Root Farm in New York state is seeking a Recreation Program Specialist to design and lead inclusive outdoor education and adventure-based experiences for participants of all abilities.

You will facilitate challenge courses, build community partnerships with schools and organizations, supervise staff and volunteers, and ensure safety and program quality while connecting people with nature, agriculture, and animals.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• At least 12 months working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Experience in outdoor education and challenge course facilitation.
• Ropes/Challenge course certification preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Knowledge of Therapeutic Recreation and Positive Behavior Supports.
• Ability to make independent decisions and ensure safety.
• Valid NY State Driver’s License (travel required).

Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate inclusive recreation, outdoor education, and adventure-based programs for individuals of all ages and abilities.
• Lead challenge course, low ropes, team-building, and experiential learning activities that promote communication, problem-solving, leadership, and confidence.
• Create engaging opportunities that connect participants with agriculture, animals, and the natural environment.
• Deliver educational and recreational experiences that encourage personal growth, independence, and social connection.
• Coordinate staff and volunteers to ensure high-quality program delivery.

Skills

Adventure-Based Education

Outdoor Education

Experiential Learning

Therapeutic Recreation

Environmental Education

Challenge Course Facilitation

Team Building

Youth Development

Inclusive Recreation

Agriculture/Nature Education

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

$25 - $28 an hour Inspire Growth Through Adventure, Nature, and Experiential Learning.

$25 - $28 an hour Inspire Growth Through Adventure, Nature, and Experiential Learning. Are you passionate about outdoor recreation, adventure-based education, and creating meaningful experiences that help people reach their full potential? The Root Farm is seeking an enthusiastic and innovative Recreation Program Specialist to develop and lead inclusive recreation and outdoor education programs that connect individuals of all abilities to nature, agriculture, animals, and community. In this dynamic role, you'll design engaging experiences rooted in adventure-based learning, experiential education, team building, and personal growth. From facilitating challenge course activities and outdoor education programs to building partnerships with schools and community organizations, you'll help create opportunities that foster confidence, leadership, resilience, and belonging. Whether you're leading a field trip, facilitating a ropes course experience, or helping participants connect with the farm through hands-on learning, you'll play a vital role in delivering impactful programs that make a lasting difference.

Core Responsibilities

Lead Adventure-Based Learning Experiences

• Design and facilitate inclusive recreation, outdoor education, and adventure-based education programs for individuals of all ages and abilities.
• Lead challenge course, low ropes, team-building, and experiential learning activities that promote communication, problem-solving, leadership, and confidence.
• Create engaging opportunities that connect participants with agriculture, animals, and the natural environment.
• Deliver educational and recreational experiences that encourage personal growth, independence, and social connection.

Build Strong Community Partnerships

• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, colleges, community organizations, youth groups, and businesses.
• Coordinate field trips, outdoor learning experiences, team-building events, and community recreation programs.
• Expand The Root Farm's reach as a destination for experiential and adventure-based programming.

Inspire And Support Others

• Coordinate staff and volunteers to ensure high-quality program delivery.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging environment for all participants.
• Serve as a role model for teamwork, safety, creativity, and continuous learning.

Promote Safety and Program Excellence

• Facilitate outdoor recreation and challenge course activities in accordance with industry safety standards.
• Monitor program outcomes and participant feedback to continuously improve experiences.
• Maintain recreation equipment, challenge course elements, and outdoor learning spaces.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.

Preferred Experience & Skills

We encourage candidates with experience in any of the following areas to apply:

• Adventure-Based Education
• Outdoor Education
• Experiential Learning
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Environmental Education
• Challenge Course or Ropes Course Facilitation
• Team Building and Leadership Development
• Youth Development Programs
• Inclusive Recreation Programming
• Agriculture or Nature-Based Education

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• At least 12 months working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Experience in outdoor education and challenge course facilitation.
• Ropes/Challenge course certification preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Knowledge of Therapeutic Recreation and Positive Behavior Supports.
• Ability to make independent decisions and ensure safety.
• Valid NY State Driver’s License (travel required).

Why Join The Root Farm?

Education

At The Root Farm, you'll do more than lead activities. You'll help create transformative experiences that blend adventure, education, agriculture, and inclusion. This is an exciting opportunity for professionals who enjoy:

• Adventure-based and experiential learning
• Outdoor recreation and environmental education
• Challenge course and ropes course facilitation
• Building community partnerships
• Working with individuals of all abilities
• Creating memorable experiences that inspire confidence and growth

Every day brings a new adventure, whether you're facilitating a team-building challenge, leading an outdoor education program, welcoming a school group for a field trip, or helping participants discover new strengths through hands-on learning in nature.

Benefits

We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to creating an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. Our workplace offers opportunities to grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, collaborative atmosphere. We also offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision Coverage
• Low-cost individual health insurance plan
• Dollar-for-dollar retirement match (up to 7%)
• Retirement Plan 403(b)
• Life Insurance & Voluntary Benefits
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous PTO Plans (Sick, Vacation, Employee Leave)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Service Awards & Employee Appreciation Events
• Employee Discounts
• Direct Deposit

About The Root Farm

The Root Farm is dedicated to creating inclusive, innovative programs that connect people of all abilities with nature, agriculture, and recreation. We believe in fostering community partnerships and providing meaningful experiences that promote growth, learning, and fun.

Upstate Caring Partners is the premier provider of direct-care services and programs in Central New York for individuals of all abilities and their families. If you believe in empowering people, Upstate Caring Partners is an excellent place to start or grow your career. Please visit our careers website to access the full job description located within the job posting. upstatecpjobs.org

Recreation Program Specialist