Job description

Do you enjoy working with youth outdoors? Do you get excited when someone mentions teambuilding? Looking to work your own schedule? A part-time position as an Adventure and Outdoor Education Facilitator will allow you to do all three while also providing the opportunity to develop a variety of technical outdoor skills including belaying on our high/low ropes course, archery, canoeing, and more! The MetroWest YMCA’s Family Outdoor Center in Hopkinton, Massachusetts is looking for passionate and motivated candidates to join our staffing roster. This position not only supports youth in developing a healthy appreciation for the outdoors but also fosters a community of personal and collective growth. Pay up to $20.00 per hour based upon experience and skills, type of event worked, and level of training! Equal Opportunity Employer.

What do Adventure and Outdoor Education Facilitators do?

Part of the appeal of this position is the wide variety of opportunities. At the very base level, facilitators are trained in the basic concepts of experiential learning, challenge-by-choice, and a variety of teambuilding games/challenges/and activities. This also includes an internal level 1 training on our low ropes course. After this, continued training opportunities may include belay training for our high ropes course, USA level 1 archery certification, canoeing instructional skills, snowshoeing, hiking/backpacking and wilderness survival skills and more. Facilitators are able to pick up posted event shifts depending on their training level. These events can include;

• School or corporate groups on our high/low ropes course
• Going into schools to provide teambuilding/leadership activities for students at their sites
• Birthday parties: climbing, archery, slime-making, survival skills, and many other themes
• Teambuilding or outdoor education after-school groups
• Weekly open rock-climbing and archery range reservations (weekend archery classes)
• Community events such as camp-outs, snowshoeing, guided hikes, canoeing and many more!

The calendar of events is constantly changing as some are seasonal, and facilitators are encouraged to bring their own passions and interests to the programs. If you have an idea for a repeating program/class, or one-off community event, we may be able to provide the necessary space and resources for you. Successful facilitators have great communication skills, demonstrate an ability to work with people of all ages and cultures, and are able to be flexible in a fast-paced environment with a mind for safety.

What's in it for me?

Adventure and Outdoor Education Facilitators receive a competitive hourly pay rate (up to $20 per hour) that is determined by the type of event worked and level of training (lead facilitators also receive an hourly bonus), a young adult or adult MetroWest YMCA membership (as long as you work 12 events per year), free outdoor gear rentals, opportunities for training and professional development, ability for upward mobility and so much more.

Responsibilities and Duties

All facilitators are required:

• To ensure activities/programs are delivered correctly and in a safe manner following all standard/local operating procedures.
• To maintain certifications required for instruction relating to appropriate skills by attending in-house refreshers and/or 3rd party vendor trainings.
• To work a minimum of 12 events per year to maintain a MetroWest YMCA membership
• To maintain accurate documentation of activities where needed.

In addition, Lead facilitators are also required to:

· Open and close facility as needed relating to events (only 18+ staff can Lead events)

· Supervise other facilitators during large group events

· Perform rescues/gear retrieval as needed if leading high ropes activities (Only internal level 4 staff perform rescues, level 3 for gear retrievals)

· Coordinate with event contact for day-of agenda

Qualifications and Skills

Facilitators must at minimum be 16 years of age and will be required to complete the necessary training requirements for the events they would like to work. Higher levels of facilitation and pay rates have more in depth requirements.

The MetroWest YMCA is a non-profit organization with the goal of strengthening the foundations of our community. We do this through programs that help build a healthy mind, body and spirit for all, and our programs are built around our three focus areas: Healthy Living, Youth Development and Social Responsibility. The Y is open to all, and we pride ourselves on the diversity of our members and employees. As an employer, the Y seeks to recruit energetic professionals, encourage work-life balance, and provide opportunities for growth and development.

Benefits:

• Flexible Schedule
• MetroWest YMCA membership
• Training opportunities
• Free outdoor gear rentals

Schedule:

• Variable, events are posted and facilitators pick up which events they would like to work

Experience:

• Working with children of varying ages
• Working outdoors for long periods of time
• Experience with teambuilding games/challenges/initiatives (preferred)
• Familiarity or experience with challenge course elements (preferred)

Work Location:

• Dependent on the event, usually at the Family Outdoor Center in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: Up to $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Referral program

COVID-19 considerations:
MetroWest YMCA is having employees and members wear masks (optional if fully vaccinated), practice social distancing, continuous facilities cleaning, encourage frequent hand washing/use of antibacterial sanitizer, and encouraging COVID vaccinations.

Experience:

• working outdoors with youth: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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