Outdoor Education Program Lead

Are you passionate about working with Albertans with disabilities and supporting your local community? Do you have what it takes to champion our Vision to Inspire Potential, Build Community and Enrich Lives?

Easter Seals Alberta is a provincial not-for-profit organization.  Our mission is to provide services that foster inclusion, independence and recreation for individuals with disabilities and medical conditions. We strive to ensure that the resources Albertans need for an independent and full life are available. The Case Coordinator will work with hundreds of clients each year to allocate equipment, and provide other supports through our various programs.

Easter Seals Camp Horizon in Bragg Creek specializes in an accessible, and inclusive summer camp experience for individuals with disabilities. We offer programs such as white water rafting, rock climbing, camping, arts and crafts, leadership training and much, much, more!

Under the direction of the Camp Manager, the Outdoor Education Lead ensures that everything at Camp Horizon runs smoothly. The Lead will be in charge of overseeing and supporting all Camp counsellors and OE Staff and campers. The Lead will be in charge of fostering an inclusive, accessible, safe, and supportive camp environment. This position will require you to be a team player, self-starting, adaptable, creative, hardworking, and patient.

What You’ll Be Doing

Staff Management

·         Develop and implement training for Camp counsellors and OE staff

·         Complete weekly staff schedule with assistance from the Camp Lead

·         Facilitate meetings as needed. Provide social engagements opportunities for staff

·         Create a positive, welcoming work environment for all program staff

·         Conduct performance evaluations

·         Conduct disciplinary conversations with staff

·         Assist in the recruitment, hiring, on-boarding, and training staff for the outdoor education programs as required

·         Conduct staff meetings, briefings, and de-briefings as required

·         Assist in collecting, storing, and maintaining records as required

Program Development & Delivery

·         Successfully plan and deliver a wide range of outdoor education programs

·         Conduct risk assessments on activities such as white water rafting, hiking, and high ropes

·         Assess safety hazards/concerns within the work environment and ensure all issues are rectified and reported

·         Ensure safety of campers and staff is a top priority

·         Maintain accurate records of staff screening and qualifications

·         Ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of all outdoor education programs

·         Liaise with partner groups, school groups and other groups as required

·         Maintain awareness of information and trends related to program development along with the Camp Lead and Camp Manager

·         Plan mandated events throughout the year as required

·         Supervise campers and visitors

·         Assist with providing camper personal care when required

Administration

·         Complete bookings with school and community groups

·         Provide the Program Manager with input regarding the development of ESCH’s programs for groups and revenue generation

·         Maintain awareness of industry standards pertaining to program safety and risk management

·         In partnership with the Camp Manager develop the Camp’s policies and procedures so that program activities are safe and enjoyable, and all risk management requirements are met

·         Assist in recruitment, interviews, and hiring of summer program staff and OE staff

·         Complete performance evaluations as needed

·         Responsible for addressing questions and concerns from parents, caregivers, and campers

·         Liaise with personnel from other teams and departments to ensure a smooth delivery of mandated programs

Additional Tasks

·         Assist with before and after group cleaning

·         Other duties as required

Your Skills and Experience

·         Two years’ experience in a camp leadership and mentoring position

·         Knowledge of outdoor education and adventure programming

·         Exceptional people skills

·         Ability to efficiently organize and prioritize yours and others work.

·         Highly organized

·         Work well in a team

·         Adaptable & flexible

·         Experience with Microsoft suite

·         Experience working with individuals with various forms of disabilities

·         Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C

·         Class 4 Alberta Drivers License

·         Any additional outdoor certifications considered an asset

Working Conditions

·         5 days a week Monday-Friday. 40 hours per week, evenings and weekends occasionally required

·         Working outdoors each day in all kinds of weather

·         Working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and abilities

·         Work on-call shifts as required

What We Can Offer You

·         Full Benefit Plan

·         Employer Matched RRSP

·         Fun, dynamic team culture

·         An opportunity to continually grow and learn

·         Ability to make a difference into the lives of others

·         On-site accommodations

Conditions of Employment

·         Satisfactory completion of a police and vulnerable sector check