Challenge Course Operations Manager

This position supports the work of Frost Valley, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Challenge Course Operations Manager will oversee all training, use and maintenance of Challenge Course elements while pushing Frost Valley to the front of the industry in facilitation and safety.  The Challenge Course Manager will work to ensure that Frost Valley’s Challenge Course and related program areas will exceed the expectations of the staff and customers while meeting the mission of not only the department, but also Frost Valley and the YMCA. 

• Ensure that Frost Valley will meet or exceed all Challenge Course industry standards including those set by ACA, ACCT, YMCA of the USA, etc. Be aware of changes in the industry and keep abreast of new developments by governing bodies in the challenge adventure field.
• Responsible for upkeep, inspections and routine maintenance on all adventure and ropes course facilities. This would include the low and high ropes courses, the individual high ropes elements, all other adventure sports such as cable bridges, rock climbing, and other team building activities.  Responsible for all documentation associated with maintenance and inspections. 
• Supervise summer seasonal ropes staff including assisting hiring, training, evaluating, mentoring, and scheduling staff.
• Inventory and upkeep all ropes, helmets, harnesses, belay devices and other equipment, etc.  Make purchases as needed to keep equipment in excellent working order.  Responsible for all documentation associated with ropes and equipment.
• Make recommendations for building and improving Challenge Course and adventure elements.  Help to design new elements and seek out Challenge Course industry resources for building and facility improvements.
• Build and/or repair Challenge Course elements as necessary and within the scope of what is appropriate for Frost Valley to do “in house”.
• Be the primary contact for our annual inspection and also any building that requires an outside vendor.
• Create and update all Challenge Course procedures and protocols.  This includes but is not limited to standard operating procedures, program quality standards and any training manuals.  Have them in writing and accessible to staff.
• Take a primary role in the training and documentation of training hours for the Team Building Coordinator and Team Building Program Instructor, all Program Instructors, part-time staff for Team Building groups and seasonal summer camp staff course facilitators.  Obverse the staff and provide in-service training as needed. Assist to develop new and innovative Challenge Course related programs.
• Challenge Course Operations Manager must maintain a Level 2 Challenge Course Certification.
• Manage and assist to create an annual supply budget.  Control expense and purchasing and recommend purchases.
• Work with the Program Directors to ensure staff compliance with all Challenge Course procedures and protocols.
• Assist to facilitate team building groups as needed. This could be in high volume times or also due to the need for high level facilitation skills.
• Be responsible for communication with Senior Staff and the CEO in regard to updates and or/issue with the Challenge Course and ropes elements.
• Additional responsibilities may include providing additional coverage to other departments, attending staff meetings as requested, helping shape camp policies, and contributing to the success of all Frost Valley Program Departments.
• Responsible for executing Frost Valley’s strategic plan.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
• Level II Challenge Course certificate or the equivalent experience in documented hours; Challenge Course Manager Certification preferred.
• Strong technical competence with ropes courses and challenge adventure elements including maintenance, inspections of hardware and equipment, and knowledge of industry standards such as ACCT and ACA.
• Strong background working with high and low ropes course elements. Experience should include but not be limited to building of elements, training and observations and facilitation or program delivery.
• Experience teaching and training all ages of staff in the field of Challenge Course work.
• Must be able to write and train policies and procedures for high and low ropes elements as well as climbing elements.
• Preferred work experience working with groups in a team building environment.
• Prior experience working in a camp or YMCA program setting.
• Possess excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Be a strong leader and work well with others.
• A clean, valid US Driver’s license and the ability to pass driver training.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• 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.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FROST VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

PAY RANGE: $34,320.00-$37,440.00 annualized yearly salary,  plus generous benefits, shared housing included.

Exciting Perks and Benefits: Medical/Dental/ Vision insurance effective the 1st of the month, after completing 60 days, biweekly PTO and sick time accruals, 3 floating holidays,  free access to onsite gym, free meals during work hours, 403(b) Smart Saving account accessible immediately upon hire, company paid Life Insurance and Long Term Disability, additional voluntary insurance options such as Short Term Disability

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  August 31, 2025