Program Assistant – Outdoor Education

Under the supervision of the Health Services Coordinator and Program Manager, the Program Assistant will facilitate activities, assist with program projects, and provide for the health, wellbeing, and facility needs of programs. The major responsibilities of this position include the following but are not limited to:  General Responsibilities 

• Represent Pathfinder Ranch in a professional and positive manner at all times
• Follow and uphold all policies and procedures of Pathfinder Ranch
• Foster an atmosphere of health and wellness for staff, Campers, and user-groups
• Work independently to make appropriate decisions based on policies and procedures, industry best practices, and in alignment with training
• Collaborate with Health Services Coordinator and other Program Assistants to recommend updates to policies and procedures based on industry best practices and in alignment with training
• Complete written incident reports to communicate all significant incidents affecting Pathfinder Ranch property, participants, and programming to the Executive Director
• Complete required paperwork in a timely and thorough fashion
• Other duties as assigned

Medical Duties 

• Administer regularly scheduled medications in alignment with accompanying medication orders
• Administer as needed over-the-counter medications as described in camp’s standing orders
• Administer first-aid as described in camp’s standing orders
• Conduct thorough health assessments, determining a course of action under the guidance of the camp’s standing orders, keeping detailed documentation
• Maintain health center supplies, including staff first-aid kits, notifying the Health Services
• Coordinator of issues regarding inventory or expiration of medications
• Ensure a clean and hygienic infirmary environment by performing basic housekeeping tasks
• Communicate (written log and directly) to the Health Services Coordinator all incidents affecting medication administration, participants’ health and wellbeing, and any interventions provided to participants
• Communicate medical information with staff clearly and in line with HIPAA regulations and company policies as needed

Program Duties 

• Facilitate program including classes, evening programs and meals for client groups and special events, including some weekends and holidays
• Work independently and cooperatively to update and develop programs and curriculum as assigned
• Participate in staff training sessions and program in-services
• Inventory and recommend equipment acquisitions as needed
• Accurately complete program records, logs, and reports
• Provide care for animals and the garden, and maintain compost and recycling areas.
• Address basic facility issues if needed when on call (e.g. cabin temperatures, plumbing issues, etc.)
• Perform assigned role(s) in the emergency action plan
• Communicate client’ needs to Health Services Coordinator and/or Program Manager, as appropriate
• Be “on-call” overnight at least 2 nights a week

Job Requirements 

• 18 years of age or older
• Be onsite and “on call” at least 2 nights a week
• Hold and maintain the one of the following certifications issued by a nationally recognized provider: CPR/First Aid Certification, Lifeguard, C-PRO, Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness First Aide OR higher medical certification
• Sincere interest and ability to work with children in the outdoors
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and provide high quality customer service to clients
• Complete tasks both independently and collaboratively in a timely and accurate manner
• Communicate and coordinate with participant parents/guardians/ group liaisons
• Appropriately prioritize tasks and responsibilities based on supervisor expectations, task urgency, and Camper needs
• Operate camp vehicles, e.g. golf carts

Preferred Qualifications 

• Past experience with archery, canoeing, ropes courses, horses, farm animals, reptiles and/or gardens
• 1+ years experience working in a camp setting
• Current Lifeguard or Watercraft Guard certification from a nationally recognized provider
• Bilingual or multilingual
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and/or related work experience

Physical Requirements 

• Lift and carry 30 lbs. with reasonable accommodations
• Work a varied shift schedule in excess of 10 hours per day
• Traverse several miles per day on steep and uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions     
• Physically assist with relocation of injured/ill clients and/or staff from remote locations