Target Setter

NOVA Parks; Centreville (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

NOVA Parks in Centreville, Virginia is seeking a seasonal Target Setter to design, set, operate, and oversee sporting clays tournaments at Bull Run Shooting Center, including NSCA-registered events and recreational shoots.

This role involves hands-on course setup, equipment maintenance, and coordination with staff during weekend events. The position requires three years of NSCA-related setup experience and the ability to work outdoors year-round.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience setting sporting clays courses for NSCA-registered tournaments or related roles.
• Thorough knowledge of sporting clays target presentations and tournament operations.
• Working knowledge of NSCA formats, classifications, and standards.
• Familiarity with Promatic trap machines and similar equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and set target presentations for NSCA tournaments and recreational shoots.
• Develop and submit a course design and target plan at least 48 hours before setup.
• Lead setup activities and direct staff in installation, adjustment, and testing of targets.
• Determine target allocation and presentation adjustments for 100-bird tournaments.
• Inspect and maintain trap machines and related equipment.
• Ensure safe and proper presentation of various targets and adhere to NOVA Parks standards.
• Work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions and perform heavy lifting as needed.
• Assist with public inquiries and coordinate tournament logistics with management.

Skills

Target design

Tournament operations

Staff leadership

Safety compliance

Equipment maintenance

Outdoors work

Communication

Tools

Promatic trap machines

Job description

The Target Setter designs, sets, operates, and oversees sporting clays tournaments at Bull Run Shooting Center, including target presentation for NSCA-registered tournaments and recreational fun shoots. This seasonal position supports tournaments generally held one weekend per month from February through October, with assignments typically involving one to two days of work per tournament.

Pay Rate: $35.00

Major Duties/Specific Tasks

• Design and set sporting clays target presentations for NSCA-registered tournaments and recreational fun shoots.
• Develop and submit a proposed course design and target presentation plan at least 48 hours prior to tournament setup.
• Lead tournament setup activities and direct assigned staff in the installation, adjustment, and testing of target presentations.
• Develop balanced target presentations appropriate for novice shooters, recreational participants, corporate groups, and NSCA competitors.
• Determine target allocation, station variety, trap machine placement, and presentation adjustments for 100-bird tournaments.
• Maintain, adjust, troubleshoot, and repair trap machines and related equipment.
• Ensure proper presentation of rabbits, incomers, outgoers, crossers, teals, chandelles, quartering targets, battues, and specialty targets.
• Monitor weather and course conditions and make presentation adjustments as necessary.
• Oversee tournament operations and assist in resolving mechanical and operational issues during events.
• Inspect sporting clays grounds, equipment, and target presentations for hazards and adherence to NOVA Parks standards.
• Ensure NOVA Parks safety, business standards, and other standards inherent to the operation are followed.
• Perform manual labor related to target setting, course preparation, equipment relocation, and tournament operations.
• Assist with public relations by greeting participants, handling inquiries, providing information and assistance, and informing patrons of rules and regulations.
• Interpret NOVA Parks rules and regulations.
• Prepare and maintain appropriate records.
• Attend planning meetings and coordinate tournament logistics with management and staff.
• Report unsafe conditions to the Manager on Duty.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned by the Park Manager or Supervisor on Duty.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Minimum of three years of experience setting sporting clays courses for NSCA-registered tournaments, recreational tournaments, or a combination of related experience in sporting clays operations, tournament coordination, target presentation design, and trap machine maintenance.
• Thorough knowledge of sporting clays target presentation design and tournament operations.
• Working knowledge of NSCA tournament formats, classifications, and competition standards.
• Extensive working knowledge of Promatic trap machines and familiarity with MEC, Lincoln, or similar sporting clays equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to inspect, adjust, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain sporting clays trap machines.
• Thorough understanding of sporting clays target presentations, including rabbits, incomers, outgoers, crossers, quartering targets, chandelles, teals, battues, and specialty targets.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making in course design, machine placement, and presentation adjustments.
• Ability to lead and direct staff during tournament setup and operational activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with participants, staff, and the public.
• Must be able to perform strenuous physical labor, including lifting and moving heavy equipment and materials.
• Must be able to work outside year-round in all types of weather conditions.
• Must be available and committed to all scheduled tournament weekends during the annual tournament season.
• Required to purchase and wear standard uniform.