Program & curriculum development, administration, promotion, implementation, and evaluation of environmental education programs
Job Description
Under the supervision of the Executive Director of DV, the Environmental Education Program Director will be accountable for program and curriculum development, administration, promotion, implementation, and evaluation of the environmental education programs. Programs include, but are not limited to, school groups, team building programs, family camp Nature Programs, University programs, corporate retreats, specialty weekday camps such as Women’s Week, equestrian programs, Adventure programs and the camp Gift Shop. The Environmental Education Program Director also serves as a vital member of the year-round leadership team, including expanded responsibilities during the Summer Family Camping programs offered for eleven weeks from June through August.
The position will work closely with the camp team to hire, supervise and provide training for staff that complies with all state, federal and industry practices in the facilitation of camp programming and safety for all activities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or equivalent
- Three or more years of educational experience and/or professional camp experience or equivalent.
- Prior experience with equestrian programs and adventure programs is preferred, as the role oversees equestrian programs, adventure programs, equipment, facilities, and staff working in those areas.
- Maintain a clean, well-groomed, and professional appearance
- Possess a thorough knowledge of applicable state, county, federal and industry regulations pertaining to camp programming.
- Knowledge of standards of safety, emergency procedures, accessibility and preventative maintenance for program equipment.
- Supervisory experience that includes demonstrated ability to lead and train staff – and monitoring their skills.
- Ability to work extended hours as required and pitch in at all levels, there is no room for a “not my job” attitude.
- Desire to live and work in a camp community, which may require response to emergencies at any time. Availability to work on nights and weekends if necessary.
- Maintain a personable and professional attitude toward campers, guests and staff.
Essential Functions
Administrative
- Build relationships with key contacts from school groups/Corporate retreats/University Programs/Specialty Camps and handle contracts.
- Supervise and coordinate group bookings to ensure programs meet expectations.
- Manage the gift shop including design creation, ordering, stocking, inventory control and staffing.
- Retain existing customer groups and develop ways to expand customer base and/or programs.
- Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment including ordering equipment and supplies as needed, with approval of the Executive Director, ensuring timely arrival of materials.
- Coordinate group arrangements with food service staff and supervise all dining hall programming, activities, and procedures during an assigned group’s stay. Reporting dining-hall related problems, concerns or necessary changes to the appropriate staff.
- Work with volunteer groups.
- Prepare the annual budget for assigned department lines and operate within the set budgetary limits for the duration of the fiscal year.
- Works collaboratively with year-round staff to operate camp.
- Assists in the maintenance of a clean and safe facility.
- Attend staff meetings and serve on board committees as assigned by the Executive Director.
- Work with DV Leadership Team members to develop future internship offerings.
Supervisory
- Hire, train, schedule, supervise and evaluate staff for corresponding program areas (Nature Center, equestrian, Adventure and Shooting Sports).
- Hire, train, schedule, and evaluate seasonal interpreters and interns
- Supervise the nature Program during the family camping season
- Provide oversight of the equestrian programs from arrival of our leased horses in April through the departure of the leased horses in October. The activities provided through the Equestrian Programs are handled by seasonal staff team members.
- Manage the Adventure program including the oversight of staff, risk management, and operational processes.
- Manage the Shooting Sports program including the oversight of staff and risk management.
- Supervise and coordinate specialized activities across the camp including supervision and training of assistants engaged in activities, as well as, annual staff skills checks to ensure staff readiness.
- Supervise and evaluate staff performance including regular evaluations and performance improvement plans.
- Ensure staff complete all required training.
Programmatic
- Develop and evaluate curriculum to meet state standards.
- Organize, prepare, and deliver programs to participants.
- Strive to increase revenue growth through various program offerings (environmental education programs, equestrian programs, nature center programs, team building).
- Obtain and analyze camper/customer feedback through post event evaluations.
- Retain existing customer groups and develop ways to expand customer base and/or programs.
- Host assigned groups including pre-planning, on site hosting during their stay, evaluation of program and continued relationship.
Risk Management
- Set up, take down and daily safety inspections of all ropes components. Ensures required daily/monthly written logs are being performed.
- Coordinate annual inspections of all high ropes elements, significant repairs and large installations in conjunction with the Maintenance Supervisor.
- Responsible for documentation of usage and incident/near miss reporting as required for all specialized program areas.
- Along with the Maintenance Supervisor, maintain facilities and equipment in area of accountability, including prescribed logs for purchase, use, repair and maintenance of same.
- Ensures the adherence to established safety policies and procedures for specialized program activities according to YMCA policies, ACCT, PA Amusement Act, OSHA and ACA standards
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Mission and Community Oriented
People Oriented
Results Oriented
Development Oriented
General Abilities
Required Certifications
CERTIFICATIONS
- Valid Driver’s License
- Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification
- Lifeguard certification (or ability to obtain within six months of hire)
- ACCT 1 certification required. ACCT 2 certification preferred.
- Shooting Sports certification including Archery Level 1 (or ability to obtain within six months of hire).
- PA Amusement Park Ride Inspector certification (or ability to obtain within six months of hire).
- Ability to pass all necessary PA criminal and child sexual abuse background checks.
SKILLS REQUIRED
- Demonstrated success in the areas of risk management, organization, planning, curriculum development, program delivery, innovation, communication, supervision, and fiscal management.
- Effective relationship building and leadership skills to collaborate and work with groups, stakeholders, staff, and volunteers.
- Ability to solve problems.
- Proficient skills in Microsoft Office software applications and use of audio-visual equipment
- Effective communication skills.
- Effective organizational and staff management skills.
- Ability to empathically listen and communicate for understanding when dealing with conflict.
- Exceptional customer service skills.
- Ability to engage youth and adults of diverse backgrounds in challenging and exciting programming.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize work and accept guidance and supervision from, and work with others.