Outdoor Education & Retreats Specialist

Job Title: Outdoor Education & Retreats Specialist

FLSA Status: Part time -seasonal March – May with possible extension into summer and Fall 2025

Pay Rate: $13-14 hour. Includes meals when dining hall is running, job training and certifications and more!

Reports to: Director of Camping and Outdoor Education Revision Date: 2-17-2025

Work schedule-  Weekends Friday- Sunday and occasional weekdays

Why You’ll Love This Job:

• Adventure Every Day: Say goodbye to office walls! From mountain peaks to serene lakesides, you’ll be guiding epic hikes, thrilling outdoor activities, and heart-pounding challenges—all while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
• Inspire, Lead, Empower: This is your chance to guide people on transformative experiences that push them to grow, learn new skills, and become better versions of themselves—all while surrounded by nature's magic.
• No Two Days Are Alike: Every retreat is a new adventure. One day you're leading a group through a challenge course, the next you're teaching survival skills or connecting participants with the environment in creative, hands-on ways.
• Be the Ultimate Connector: Whether it’s around a campfire, on a scenic hike, or during a heart-pounding team activity, you’ll create deep, meaningful connections and moments of pure joy for participants—watching them bond, conquer fears, and grow together.
• Get Paid to Do What You Love: If you live for the outdoors, there’s no better place to be than in a role that lets you share that passion with others, all while having a blast every single day.
• Endless Learning & Growth: This role isn’t just about teaching others—it’s about continuous growth for you, too. Learn new outdoor skills, leadership techniques, and environmental conservation practices that keep you engaged and excited.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Deliver hands on educational programing to schools focused on environmental science grades 1st-12th 

2. Facilitate ropes, target sports and aquatics related activities and programming for all retreat guests

3. Manage a group of 15-20 students. 

4. Coordinate with other specialist and directors on programing.

5. Provide direct supervision to youth while teaching and leading activities. 

6. Housekeeping and camp upkeep

7. All other duties as assigned by the director. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to the mission and cause of the YMCA.

2. This position requires experience working with youth and preference given to those with teaching experience. 

3. Have or willing to obtain First Aid, CPR, Lifeguard and Ropes certifications or training. 

4. A degree or working towards a degree in environmental science, youth development, teaching, or relevant experience and background knowledge of outdoor education or camp.

5. Willingness to have fun, laugh, and be silly and a love of nature.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Must be able to see, hear, and speak clearly.

2. Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.

3. Must be in good health, able to bend, stand, stoop, walk, climb and work outside in all terrain and weather conditions for extended periods of time. 

4. Must be able to comprehend and communicate written and or verbal instructions.

5. Comfortable working at heights and around water.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.

Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

The YMCA of Southeastern NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.

The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.