Outdoor Pursuits Director

Be the Spark! Join our dynamic team a YMCA Camp Pine Crest, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!

YMCA Camping and Outdoor Education offers outdoor experiences that foster personal growth and build community.  After taking part in our programs, children and youth return home more confident, independent, and with new friendships. YMCA Camp Pine Crest is an overnight camp serving children, families, and organizations through naturally focused programs that embody the mission, vision, and outcomes of the YMCA. Camp Pine Crest is made up of 650 acres of Muskoka wilderness surrounded by 3 interconnected lakes with 8km of shoreline; has over 26km of hiking trails and 7,500 sq. ft. of dock and has 60 buildings.

 The Outdoor Pursuits (OP) Directors work collaboratively with the Outdoor Pursuits Team to ensure the smooth daily operations of the out-trip building, maintaining its general cleanliness, as well as the repair and inventory of its equipment.  Supervising, supporting, and teaching staff through the planning of their trip while ensuring that all trips leaving the main site are follow all safety protocols and are properly prepared before departing and that a high level of programming is prepared and planned for participants while on trip. The Outdoor Pursuits Directors also serves as a point of contact in the case of an emergency and is expected to respond in a level-headed, informed, and supportive manner.

Within the Outdoor Pursuits Team, two separate Outdoor Pursuits Directors will be hired for the roles based on their experience, interest, and area of expertise. Although the Outdoor Pursuits Team will work as a cohesive unit, an Outdoor Pursuits Director will be the main point of reference in the following areas: Trip Logistics, Overnight Camp Programs, and Leadership Programs. 

In this role, you will:

• Ensure a high level of programming for our campers while on trip
• Supervise Trippers, JLIT(Junior Leader-In Training) and LIT(Leader In-Training) Trainers.
• Ensure the equipment needs of each group have been met through maintenance, inventory and repair and that all trips leaving the Pine Crest main site are following all safety protocols and are properly prepared before departing
• Be on-call to respond to emergencies and will be asked to drive out trips as needed based on the demands of the program
• Responsible for out-trip program quality and development, trip logistics, and the smooth operation of the OP department
• Work closely with other departments cooperating to support campers in a tripping context, making sure their fundamental needs are met
• Work closely with others on the supervisory team to create driving schedules and food orders
• Collaborate to plan and deliver training to all staff to prepare them for their roles related to wilderness tripping, supervising Senior Leadership programs, and supporting all other leadership programs.
• Continuously builds relationships with members, staff, volunteers and community partners
• Act as a positive role model for all participants and fellow staff through embodying the values of the YMCA, following all YMCA camp guidelines, YMCA policies and procedure, and Ontario Camps Association guidelines
• Perform other duties as assigned

You bring:

• Minimum 19 years of age by the start of contract
• Minimum 2 years of camp or wilderness tripping related experience
• Current Wilderness First Responder, NLS, Pleasure Craft Operator Card, Safe Food Handling by first day of employment and valid until at least the last day of your contract
• F Class Driver’s License, ORCKA Canoe Tripping Instructor, ORCKA Moving Water 2 considered an asset
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada and be authorized to work full time hours (37.5 hours per week)
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and be adaptable to change
• Demonstrated organizational skills and detailed oriented
• Excellent and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a team environment 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
• Ability to provide mentorship and guidance to both inexperienced and seasoned staff
• Ability to deliver feedback in a timely, professional, and constructive manner
• Extensive knowledge of canoe and kayak tripping, including White Water
• Flexibility regarding assigned working hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays required
• Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort: lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending and stooping, pushing, carrying and pulling
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging

If you are interested in this position and do not possess the necessary certifications and require assistance in attaining them, please indicate in your cover letter. Certain certifications may be eligible for Financial Assistance through the YMCA of Greater Toronto, or through referral to additional programs outside the YMCA that offer similar support. Eligibility is to be determined on an individual basis.

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.