Love the great outdoors? Passionate about creating unforgettable experiences? As an Adventure recreation leader, you’ll paddle, pedal, and trek your way through exciting programs like kayaking, hiking, archery, and team-building adventures! You'll inspire exploration, educate participants through engaging content, and ensure every adventure is safe and inclusive. If you’re ready to turn nature into your office and make a difference, this is the job for you! Evening, weekend, and holiday adventuring required.
We are currently hiring for 2 positions.
1 position will be stationed in the East Region out of Sharon Woods
1 position will be stationed in the West Region out of Miami Whitewater Forest
These positions may work in other regions as needed.
At Great Parks, our team members work together to preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.
Be a part of an inclusive organization that enriches the region by inspiring nature-based experiences, celebrating cultural heritage and building strong and healthy communities through our dedicated staff, volunteers, and friends.
The successful candidate will do the following:
Independently plans and leads outdoor adventure programs, both on and off property as assigned by Regional Education Manager. Programming includes, but is not limited to, kayaking, canoeing, biking, hiking, backpacking, archery, standup paddleboards, team building, special events, and other adventure-based recreation.
Collaborates with Regional education team members to integrate nature and culturally based programs with adventure-based programs. Takes the lead in adventure programming, providing direction and support to assigned staff groups under the supervision of the Regional Education Manager.
Leads groups of all sizes with diverse ages, abilities, needs and wants. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to effectively and efficiently plan and implement appropriate instructional and recreational sessions and assessments for different learning styles, ability levels, and ages, to include: Differentiation of instruction based on the individual learner (student centered); Use of an appropriate skills progression when teaching complex skill sets; Selection of appropriate teaching venue based on ability and desired outcomes; Focus on core principles rather than specific technique; Provides appropriate, specific and meaningful feedback.
Demonstrates a knowledge of: Teaching theory, learning theory and effective methods of providing feedback. Demonstrates the following: Positive and supportive interpersonal skills; Appropriate group management skills (including group leadership and judgment); Ability to choose an appropriate venue/class site.
Demonstrates the ability to teach, model and perform basic rescue techniques effectively (including but not limited to): T-rescue and deep-water re-entry; Swimming with boat and gear; Towing boats and swimmers; Unresponsive paddler rescue; Throw rope applications as rescuer of a victim.
Demonstrates ability to paddle and perform paddling recues efficiently and effectively, in moving water through class 1 of the International Scale of River Difficulty.
Leads and trains staff, as well as volunteers, in programs within their areas of certification. Provides task and program leadership while serving as the primary lead for assigned staff under the direction of the Regional Education Manager
Responsible for the health and safety of participants in hazardous terrain (cold, heat, wind, rain, lakes, rivers, etc.) Must be able to improvise and requires independent decision making (situations that require first aid or CPR).
Demonstrates the ability to facilitate team building and group programming including but not limited to the following skills: Effective listening, non-judgmental stance, patience, empathy, safety conscious, and understanding of risk taking, assertiveness, openness, friendliness, and willingness to learn and grow. Leads discussions based on the activities and controls groups working with chaperones.
Demonstrates the ability to safely shoot a bow and arrow, teach basic archery skills, and demonstrate practical application of archery range safety.
Responsible for researching and writing lesson plans for regional adventure programming; demonstrates the ability to teach according to written lesson plans.
Maintains required records and reports to measure programming effectiveness. Responsible for administrative duties such as reservations, email, and correspondence. Completes other administrative tasks as assigned.
Represents Great Parks in a positive manner; provides general park information and answers inquiries as needed; receives and resolves guest concerns and complaints; collects and deposits program fees.
Works and communicates effectively with other departments, leadership, and peers. Attends and participates in meetings and completes required training.
Provides assistance with special events, interpretive programming, and other tasks assigned by the Regional Education Manager.
Maintains outdoor and program equipment, undertakes or refers repairs to others when necessary.
Purchases program supplies and equipment as assigned. Submits purchase requests. Adheres to purchasing card procedures and submits expenditures for supervisor approval.
Performs job duties in accordance with Great Parks’ policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
Maintains confidentiality of confidential and sensitive information.
Works assigned schedule, exhibits regular and punctual attendance, and works outside of normal schedule as required.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
An appropriate combination of education, training, course work and experience may qualify the applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is:
Associate’s degree in outdoor recreation or related degree plus one year of related experience OR a High School Degree and at least three years of related experience.
Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.
License or Certification Requirements
State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License that meets GPHC current carrier guidelines; current First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 3 months of employment. Ability to obtain or schedule the following certifications within the first year of employment dependent upon programming objectives in Region: American Canoe Association Level 1 Canoe Instructor, American Canoe Association Level 1 Kayak Instructor, American Canoe Association Level 1 Standup Paddleboard Instructor, USA Archery Level 1 Instructor, Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor, National Association of Interpretation Certificate of Interpretive Guiding.
We offer an excellent benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, 11 holidays and sick time; enrollment in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and free or discounted use of many Great Parks of Hamilton County recreational activities.
Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law.