Outdoor Program Coordinator

The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) seeks an experienced outdoor leader to work in a hands-on capacity as the Outdoor Program Coordinator. This role requires a dynamic leader who thrives in both the office and outdoor environments. The Outdoor Program Coordinator is responsible for supporting the Director of Outdoor Education in supervising and evaluating field instructors as well as managing course sites and overseeing logistical details to deliver handcrafted outdoor education courses and wilderness expeditions for our students and school partners.

Essential Job Functions

The Outdoor Program Coordinator’s duties and responsibilities are focused on those related to staff management, logistical management, and program operations. Responsibilities include:

• Oversee assigned courses and custom programs throughout the planning, implementation, field operations, wrap-up, and evaluation phases
• Oversee assigned recruitment, hiring and evaluation of field staff
• Oversee assigned aspects of AEE accreditation
• Ensure successful completion of all permits and permit reporting requirements
• Overnight travel to engage school partners, participate in conferences or support the field experience
• Oversee and ensure compliance with NCOAE’s procedures, including the following: Gear maintenance (inventory, cleaning, repairing, and pack systems); Course food (purchase, inventory, and pack systems); Vehicle maintenance & associated trainings; and management of reports, logs and receipt
• Assume instructor role for assigned courses, programs, and/or trainings as needed
• Respond to field emergencies or field supervision when requested
• Participate in mandatory staff trainings and meetings
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Required Attributes

As it is with all positions within our values-based organization, a strong team-centered orientation is a must, as well as a high level of curiosity and passion for outdoor and experiential education and adventure-based programming. Other required attributes of the Outdoor Program Coordinator position include someone who:

• Possess a strong understanding of NCOAE’s core curriculum and educational framework
• Communicates in a clear, effective, and timely manner to program directors, interns, instructors, and other staff
• Proactively problem solves and offers concrete solutions to real-time challenges
• Respects the need to default to written procedures and knows how to ask for help
• Consistently strives to appropriately share and receive feedback from co-workers
• Maintains the physical and emotional safety of course and training participants
• Serves as a role model by positively and proactively self-managing their behavior
• Contributes to maintaining safe, fun, and engaging client experiences
• Commits to their own professional development, including the acquisition and advancement of technical outdoor and interpersonal skills

Minimum Qualifications and Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, current WFR and CPR certifications (or willingness to obtain) is required
• Two years’ experience working in a logistics/support position and demonstrated competency in risk management required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication skills, public presentation skills, and the ability to train others is required
• Knowledge and passion for NCOAE programs, curriculum, and operating philosophy is required
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required
• Prior experience working in a supervisory role preferred
• Language fluency: English required, Spanish a plus

Physical Requirements

The Outdoor Program Coordinator will frequently be required to stand 7-10 hours per day and will regularly be required to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 lbs. for distances of up to five (5) miles. Extensive use of a computer keyboard and the telephone is also required, as is walking and hiking several miles per day in rugged, remote terrain while wearing a backpack. The ability to perform job duties in indoors and outside in all types of weather conditions is also required.

Equal Opportunity

The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate or support any form of unlawful discrimination. All employment decisions at NCOAE are based on merit and to the principle of equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request (NCOAE is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request).