Outdoor School Facilitator

Outdoor Education & Team Development Facilitators at the Whitewater Center (Whitewater) lead educational and challenging programs for a variety of groups, including school groups, corporate teams, and other guests. Facilitators provide instruction, facilitate hands-on activities, and use thoughtful questions and discussion to help participants explore environmental education, STEAM, high and low ropes team development challenges, and outdoor learning concepts.

This is an on-site, part-time position that reports to the Outdoor School Operations Manager. Paid training is required. Schedules vary based on program demand.

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Facilitate environmental education, STEAM, team development, and outdoor education programs for school groups, corporate groups, and other Whitewater guests.
• Lead groups safely and efficiently through a variety of Whitewater activities, including high and low ropes team development challenges, and a variety of other tailored experiences.
• Use discussion and reflection to encourage critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Adapt instruction and facilitation techniques to meet the needs, goals, age, and experience level of each group.
• Manage groups of up to 30 participants while maintaining effective supervision and communication with teachers, chaperones, group leaders, and participants.
• Assist with greeting school groups and guests and facilitating orientation and welcome talks.
• Inspect courses, equipment, and program areas before and after use in accordance with Whitewater Center policies and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of Whitewater activities, programs, products, services, and safety procedures.
• Communicate effectively with a diverse group of participants, co-workers, supervisors, teachers, and group leaders.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain and expand program knowledge and facilitation skills.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements 

• Demonstrated ability to confidently facilitate an educational or team development activity. Candidates will be asked to demonstrate facilitation competencies by delivering a short sample lesson or team-building exercise as part of the interview process.
• Comfortable with public speaking, instructional presentations, group discussions, and asking thought-provoking questions.
• Ability to provide clear and concise safety, activity, and program instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment and consistently prioritize participant safety.
• Strong group-management skills and the ability to work effectively with groups of varying ages, abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels.
• Positive, energetic, supportive, and professional attitude with a strong team-focused mindset.
• Current First Aid, CPR, & AED certification; courses are available through the Whitewater Center.
• Ability to complete required paid training and ongoing training.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and other Whitewater events as needed.
• Weekday availability is required, particularly during the school year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience teaching, facilitating, or leading groups in a formal or informal educational setting, particularly with students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
• Background or interest in Outdoor Education, Recreation, or a related field.
• Prior experience facilitating team development, experiential education, or outdoor adventure programs.

Physical Demands 

• Ability to safely self-transport over uneven terrain and, when required, through confined spaces.
• Ability to work outdoors for sustained periods in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
• Ability to lift and move at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stand, lean, kneel, and move frequently throughout the workday.
• Ability to safely participate in and/or demonstrate activities associated with Whitewater's educational and team development programs.

Benefits

• Access to the Whitewater Center’s pass activities
• Staff discount program and pro deals
• 401K plan

Overview of Department

The Outdoor Activities Department is responsible for leading and supporting experiences in a variety of water and land-based sports. The department also instructs guests through the Whitewater Center’s Outdoor School and Summer Camps. Outdoor Activities employees engage with guests through an assortment of pass activities and help create memorable outdoor experiences.

Working at Whitewater

Whitewater’s mission is rooted in the belief that we all share a genetic code that compels us to play outside and share these experiences with others. This mission is accomplished through promoting access and opportunities to play outside and bring people together. Our approach is simple: Make it compelling and easy to engage with nature and invite others to join. 

Legal Disclosures

The Whitewater Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Whitewater Center complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

NOTICE: Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. The Whitewater Center is an employer that participates in the E-Verify program.