Outdoor Educator

Be the Spark! Join our dynamic Camping and Outdoor Education Team, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!

Outdoor Educators provide direct program delivery in all outdoor education programs, including leadership and team building activities for groups of all ages. In addition, Outdoor Educators assist the Outdoor Centre Director and Assistant Outdoor Centre Director with the development of new programs, as well as the revision and updating of existing programs.

In this role, you will:

• Provide direct program delivery to participants of all ages, including elementary and secondary school groups, colleges and universities, retreats, youth groups, sports teams, conferences, and other youth and adult groups. Include outdoor activities such as low and high ropes courses, archery, orienteering, fire building, shelter building, and various initiatives


• Monitor the safety of all activities and programs throughout the duty period and respond immediately to any safety concerns


• Act as host and facilitator for individuals and groups, ensuring overall satisfaction with facilities, programs, and staff


• Assist with general maintenance and cleanliness of the site and provide support with other duties as required


• Build relationships continuously with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners


• Assist in the research and development of outdoor education/leadership programs and in the marketing and promotion of Cedar Glen


• Perform other duties as assigned

You bring:

• Working towards and/or completion of some post-secondary courses in outdoor recreation or related field is an asset


• Three or more seasons of experience working at an outdoor centre in program facilitator role is preferred


• Experience in outdoor education/leadership role is an asset


• Challenge Course/High Ropes training and experience is an asset


• Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset


• Ability to work effectively with others and independently to achieve optimal collective results


• Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff and volunteers


• Excellent written communication skills


• Current Standard First Aid and CPR “C” required


• National Lifeguard Service award is an asset


• Flexibility regarding assigned working hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays required


• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging

What you need to succeed: 

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values


• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services


• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 165 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, which outlines how we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.