Outdoor Skills Programmer

Join Metroparks Toledo as a Seasonal Outdoor Skills Programmer. In this role, you bring our Summer Camp experience to life. You’ll help campers experience the outdoors (maybe for the first time) and connect the community to the outdoors. This position is part-time 20 to 30 hours per week.

Day in the Life?

You’ll start off behind the scenes where you pick up the gear needed for the selected activity and get it set up. You’ll then lead the activity and ensure that the campers have a fun and safe time. Afterwards, you’ll tear down the activity and take the gear back to where it’s stored until next time. 

Here’s why we think you’ll love working at Metroparks

• Play outside all summer – fishing, kayaking, tree climbing, archery, and more.
• Get real-world experience leading outdoor skills programming. 
• Competitive pay, health care, and retirement benefits. Read more here. 

You’ll love this job if

• You like working outside and with people.
• You like getting all the materials ready and putting things back where they belong.
• You like teaching others how to have fun outside. 
• making sure everyone is having fun and being included. 

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Job Summary

Advance Metroparks Toledo’s core conservation mission by providing positive, engaging, and educational experiences to program participants of all ages. Connect the community to natural parks and open spaces.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead high quality educational programming by interpreting natural, historical, and cultural resources of Metroparks and the northwest Ohio region.
• Set up and tear down outdoor skills equipment and leading outdoor skills activities that are included in summer day camp programs and general programming.
• Prepare and assist facilitation in high quality age-appropriate nature based outdoor skills activities including archery, tree climbing, paddling (canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding), fishing, hiking, biking, tent camping, and other engaging programs.
• Maintain a safe environment for campers and park visitors at all times.
• Be a positive role model when leading campers and volunteers.
• Provide assistance to Metroparks Staff in assessing and adjusting camp activities.
• Assist with daily maintenance of facilities and teaching areas, equipment and supplies. Includes sweeping and mopping, restroom and litter clean up.
• Transport visitors through the parks driving a Metroparks truck towing a 25’ tram/trailer and/or drive an 11 passenger van (training provided). Transport equipment using a variety of trucks and trailers up to 36 feet long (training provided).
• Direct the work of Outdoor Skills Assistants during assigned program. 
• Coordinate with staff to train volunteers and effectively direct the work of volunteers.
• Other Park District duties as assigned.

Equipment Used

• General office equipment 
• Cameras
• Software & Apps: Microsoft Office Suite
• Art and nature equipment and supplies 
• General cleaning supplies and hand tools
• Outdoor Skills Equipment: canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, tree climbing equipment, camping and backpacking gear, fishing poles, archery equipment, adaptive equipment, mountain bikes and ramps, mobile rock climbing wall and equipment
• Metroparks Vehicles: pick-up trucks and 11-passenger van, which will frequently be used to haul trailers. Occasional driving of UTVs and golf carts. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Length of employment varies based on need. Generally, May – August, but may include extensions through December. Employment will not exceed 1,480 hours in a calendar year.
• Schedule: 20-30 hours/week. Shifts can range in length and will vary by program needs. May require evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Home Work Location: Oak Openings
• May require business use of personal vehicle to travel between Metroparks locations.
• Requires frequent lifting and carrying of up to 45 pounds and occasional lifting up to 90 pounds with assistance. 
• Requires ability to walk and work outdoors for extended periods of time in all types of weather including extreme heat and cold. 

Job Requirements

1. Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
2. Reliable transportation to travel between Metroparks locations.
3. Education: High School Diploma or GED. 4 semesters of college coursework in Environmental Science, Education, Recreation and Leisure or related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience, preferred.
4. Experience: 1 year experience in working with children (teaching, coaching, child care, camp counselor) or leading outdoor education programs required. 
5. Certifications: Must obtain the following certifications within 30 days of employment and fulfill requalification and recertification requirements:

• CPR/First Aid/AED certification
• Certified Interpretive Guide (NAI)

Alternates to the position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated appreciation for enhancing quality of life and conserving the region’s natural resources through clean, safe and natural parks and open spaces.  

Knowledge

• Some knowledge of summer camp programs. 
• Some knowledge of operating and safety principles with outdoor skills equipment (archery, canoes, kayaks, biking, camping, etc.).

Skills

• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills.

Abilities

• Ability to drive a pick-up truck towing a 36’ trailer and/or 11-passenger van (training provided).
• Ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with all stakeholders, including employees, volunteers and the general public.
• Ability to work with diverse populations, including campers requiring special accommodations. 
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with speed and accuracy under the pressure of deadlines.
• Ability to comply with all safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and/or written policies, procedures and instructions.

Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.