Outdoor Education Instructor

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundation of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community. Working at the Y, you’ll discover more than just a job—you’ll enjoy a career with the chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the guidance of the Program Director, the Outdoor Education Instructor is primarily responsible for the facilitation of adventure and outdoor programming during the Spring (April – June) and Fall (September – November) seasons. The Outdoor Education Instructor works directly with visiting school groups for 1, 2, and 3-day experiences. Weekend work with scouts, church groups, college groups, etc. is also available. Schedules are flexible and can work around school schedule. Our outdoor education team consists of about 10 staff from the US and abroad. Housing and food provided in addition to weekly stipend. Preference of applicants that are able to work as a summer camp staff during months as well. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Teach a variety of Outdoor Education classes including Outdoor Living Skills, High Ropes, Teams Course, and Pioneer Village.
• Plan, develop, and implement other programs as assigned by the Program Director.
• Expand skills to the fullest in conducting the program.
• Assist with group and individual goals for each member of their assigned group.
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings that are conducted.
• Understand emergency procedures as stated in the staff information.
• Staff a combination of school educational camps, open houses, weekend retreats, and various other rental groups.
• Complete all of duties as deemed necessary by the Program Director to assure the overall success of the program. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 18 years old and have one year of college or equivalent life experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent work experience in the youth development field with camping skills.
• Must work well with children for extended periods of time.
• Must be able coexist and contribute in group living camping environment.
• Should be concerned about our environment and living things in it.

Ability to lead and teach a group of children. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to stand, sit (including on the ground), and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in all physical activities
• Ability to sit and stand from a seated position (including from the ground) when interacting with children.
• Capability to be actively engaging with youth outdoors for the majority of the day.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit (“YMCA”) is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to be an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. The YMCA does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring or other terms or conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sex, age, religion, national origin, genetic information, ethnicity, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military status or application or any other basis protected by state, federal or other applicable law.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our programs. We hold all staff, regardless of position, to the highest possible standards. We require all staff to be screened regularly and sign a code of conduct. All staff will be monitored when interacting with
program participants. We take any inappropriate interactions between program
participants and with staff very seriously and will fully cooperate with
authorities in any case of abuse.