Full-Time
Outdoor Leadership Instructor
Deadline 8/21/27
YMCA of Greater Seattle
Youth, wellness, and community programs
Compensation Overview
$21.30 - $22/hr
Seattle, WA, USA
In Person
Must commute to 309 Pontius Ave N and locations within the King County service area; work travel may be required.
Category
 Training (1) |
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Required Skills
CPR
Risk Management
Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
- Two or more years of experience working with children and teens in an organized setting, including facilitating activities that address issues facing adolescents, is preferred.
- Knowledge of the developmental needs of children and teens and the ability to evaluate their needs individually is preferred.
- Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills are preferred.
- Excellent judgment and decision-making skills are preferred.
- Personal or professional experience in backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, cycling, snowshoeing, and/or hiking is preferred.
- Ability to hike and/or backpack over a variety of terrain and teach techniques for approaching that type of terrain is preferred.
- Experience and knowledge of basic backcountry equipment and techniques such as stove use, bear hangs, water purification, and/or shelter craft are preferred.
- Experience and knowledge of reading maps and using them for navigation are preferred.
- Ability to effectively manage physical risks for self and participants, including terrain, weather, and wildlife interactions, is preferred.
- Current Wilderness First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification is required at hire or within 30 days after employment.
- A current Washington State Food Handler's Permit is required at hire or within 30 days after employment.
- Ability to pass a criminal background and reference check per company policy is required.
- For authorized-driver duties, candidates must be at least 21 years of age, have possessed a driver's license for at least three years, pass a drug screen, and meet YMCA driving-record standards.
- At least one season of environmental education and/or outdoor recreation experience is preferred.
- Experience and knowledge using specialized climbing and challenge-course equipment are preferred.
- Experience translating wilderness experiences into relevant learning for underserved youth is preferred.
- Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations is preferred.
- Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building is preferred.
- Candidates must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, travel safely over varied terrain for up to 10 miles per day, spend multiple hours or days in a wilderness setting, communicate verbally and non-verbally, climb, support their own body weight, work at heights of 20-40 feet, and perform participant rescues.
- Candidates must be able to commute to the Cascade People's Center and locations within the King County service area.
- Candidates must be available for weekday, evening, and weekend programming, including regular availability for at least one Saturday or Sunday per week.
Responsibilities
- Provide outdoor recreation and environmental education programming, activities, and lessons to school groups, family camps, and individual participants from children to adults.
- Provide programming on low- and high-rope challenge-course elements and facilitate ground-based team-building initiatives.
- Facilitate camp activities such as crafts, archery, large-group games, and campfires.
- Lead hiking, paddling, rock-climbing, cycling, and/or snowshoeing activities.
- Communicate with, instruct, train, and coach individuals and groups in a developmentally appropriate manner to manage risk and ensure inclusion and physical, mental, and emotional safety.
- Build rapport with participants, partners, and staff; foster positive group development; create structure; and draw learning from experiential activities.
- Model cultural humility and work effectively with people of different identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
- Set up, break down, and clean up program materials, gear, equipment, and facilities, including inspecting activity areas, equipment, gear, and supplies before and after programs.
- Transport participants in 14-passenger minibuses to and from program areas when performing authorized-driver duties.
- Participate in occasional overnight shifts, including overnight backpacking or multi-day programs.
- Participate in internal meetings and trainings to maintain knowledge of industry requirements, support customer care, and collaborate with staff, partners, and customers.
- Maintain required licenses, certifications, or credentials.
- Adhere to company policies, procedures, and state and federal regulations.
- Complete abuse-prevention training, maintain appropriate boundaries, report suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and comply with mandated-reporting requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
- Ability to speak a language in addition to English.
- Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building.
- Other applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position.
YMCA of Greater Seattle is a nonprofit community organization serving the Greater Seattle region. It provides youth development, child care, camps, aquatics, fitness, sports, outdoor education, social services, and community programs. Children, families, adults, older residents, and communities participate through branches, program sites, schools, and camps. Membership and program operations are supported by instructors, counselors, coaches, lifeguards, case workers, fundraising, facilities, and administration. The organization combines recreation and wellness services with programs focused on belonging, opportunity, and community support.
Company Size
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Company Stage
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Total Funding
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Headquarters
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Founded
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