Outdoor Educator - Fall and Winter - Jobs in Minden, ON

Job Description

Fall and Winter Outdoor EducatorKinark Outdoor Centre – MindenTemporary, Full Time Contract.Anticipated Start date of August 23rd, 2021.Contract Dates – August 23rd-November 1st, 2021, and January 4th-March 14th, 2022$16 an hour @ 35-40 hours per weekContract includes evenings and weekends.Free On-site Accommodation offeredAbout the Kinark Outdoor Centre:The Kinark Outdoor Center (KOC) facilitates a range of outdoor education, therapeutic recreation and experiential adventure programs. Such programs are customized specifically to meet the needs of their diverse client population including children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. Throughout July and August staff at the KOC facilitate our Autism Family and Summer Camps while the rest of the year they facilitate groups from visiting organizations including children’s mental health centers, community living agencies, elementary schools, secondary schools and various other organizations serving youth, adults and individuals with special needs.Job Summary:Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Outdoor Educator is responsible for interacting with children, family members and group leaders while facilitating safe and fun recreational programming. The successful incumbent will be trained in all program areas at the KOC and will assist in the development and delivery of small and large group programs.The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with youth, adults, and individuals with special needs, experience facilitating programs with small and large groups, as well as the ability to work in an outdoor camp environment in all weather conditions. During our open waterfront season (June to mid-September), the Outdoor Educator - Lifeguard staff have added responsibility of supervising the safety of staff and clients during aquatic programs.Duties & Responsibilities:Interact with children and youth and foster interaction among them.Maintain a fun, positive, and safe environment for all clients visiting the KOCFacilitate outdoor recreation activities including canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, high ropes, hiking, archery and crafts.Facilitate group development through games, leadership activities and initiatives.Adapt programs as necessary to suit the wants and needs of all participants.Engage in the ongoing assessment process of both clients and programs.Perform the role of primary care provider for some campers. (Including but not limited to: personal hygiene, dietary needs, and behaviour management).Assist in physical preparation of the facility prior to group arrival.Keep track of and perform required maintenance for program equipment.Understand and be confident with ALL emergency procedures at the KOC.Know, enforce and follow all safety guidelines associated with all KOC programs.Know, follow and enforce all Infection Prevention and Control guidelines.Ensure all agency record keeping requirements are fully maintained.Qualifications:Post-Secondary Education in Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Special Education, Therapeutic Recreation, Child and Youth Worker or a related field. Applicants who are in the process of completing their post-secondary education will be considered. Equivalent experience will be considered in the absence of post-secondary education.Experience working in a child care setting (such as: camps, live-in treatment homes, school system) with children ages 8 to 18 years old.Being open to feedback and constructive criticism, showing respect and recognizing others' roles and contributions.Work experience in wilderness tripping, crafts, drama, environmental programming and group games.Current Standard First Aid and CPR C are required (Wilderness First Aid will be accepted).Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) is an asset.Certifications in canoeing, kayaking, wilderness tripping and environmental programming are an asset.Pleasure Craft Operator Card (can be obtained before start date)Strong organizational, interpersonal, time-management and communication skills.Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, canoeing, swimming, team building initiatives, building campfires, physical games, and activities.Must have the ability to restrain and physically support children when needed for safety in general KOC activities. Training will be provided.Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (including a Vulnerable Sector Screening) and Pre-Employment Medical.Candidates Bilingual in English and French will be given special considerationWhy should I join the KOC staff team as an Outdoor EducatorTo be an important part of an incredibly diverse, fun, talented, and inclusive staff team.To spend majority of your time outside enjoying all the KOC has to offer with your clients.Staff have access to accommodations and dining service throughout the duration of their contract at no additional cost.Staff have access to High-Speed Wireless Internet in several communal locations for use outside of work hours.Staff accommodations include large shared cabins and kitchen, private staff washrooms and parking. Laundry facilities are available on-site.Staff receive extensive in-house training specific to the program which includes: Challenge Course facilitation, Safe Management Crisis Intervention, program facilitation and Autism Training.We offer a competitive salary of $16.00 per hour + 4% vacation pay in lieu of vacation.Staff are scheduled to work an average of 35-40 hours per week (4-12 hours per day depending on group needs).