November 5, 2024

Green River Preserve

Cedar Mountain

FULL TIME

Adventure Director

Green River Preserve Adventure Director
Job Description
To Apply: Please send catherine@greenriverpreserve.org a cover letter, resume, and three references.
The mission of Green River Preserve is to inspire environmental stewards through a joyful connection to nature.
Green River Preserve’s Adventure Director is responsible for Green River Preserve Expeditions and Campout programs and assists with summer camp and environmental education programs. You will assist with logistics, facilities, and properties, coordinating with GRPs Administrative & Leadership Teams. You are the Chief Officer responsible for ensuring GRP’s Expeditions are resourced, sustainable, and effective for GRP to fulfill its mission.
As the Adventure Director of Green River Preserve, you hold a position of great importance and great responsibility, reporting to the Executive Director and Programs Director, as a part of Green River Preserve’s Administrative Team. Your professionalism, strong work ethic, organizational skills, and demonstrated leadership skills are essential to the achievement of this role. Your warmth, enthusiasm, willingness to share knowledge, and sensitivity to the needs of each program participant and staff contribute profoundly to the success of our program.
Expeditions

Responsible for executing a summer expeditions program for ages 14-18, based in Western North Carolina, including:
Oversee program planning, trip logistics, supply orders, budgets, seasonal hiring and training, permits, inspections, emergency protocols, session management
Programs to include major elements of backpacking, Leave No Trace, orienteering, mountain biking, rock climbing, whitewater canoeing, and development of primitive skills
Hire, train, schedule, & manage Expeditions Leaders
Assist in Expedition registration, enrollment management, and parent communication
Maintain Expedition handbooks
Evaluate and supervise Expedition activities
Manage Expedition budgets with leaders
Ensure Expedition base camps and equipment are kept clean, neat, and organized
Ensure Expedition staff appreciation

Base Camp Programs
(Duties span Spring & Fall shoulder season programs - SEE & KALE - and Summer Camps)

Support comprehensive staff training
Support GRP Waterfront Supervisor, Canoeing Lead, & Climbing Lead
Develop Base Camp curriculum that provides a foundation for Expedition experiences and coach instructing staff
Instruct programming as needed
Coordinate Campout Programs - Summer Only
3-day, 2-night backpacking “trip” (off-Base, on property) for 2- and 3-week Summer Camp program
Coach counselors in trip planning
Collaborate with Kitchen team to source supplies and instruct counselors in pack-out procedures
Coordinate gear rentals, fittings, and deliveries with support of seasonal staff
Participate in “Camp In” team duties, such as responding to radio calls, visiting campsites, and responding to emergencies in the field according to EAPs
Lead debrief meetings upon camper/staff return to Base Camp to support and coach growth of counselor skills and leadership readiness
Serve as a camp host, announcing schedule and program reminders to groups of over 100 campers and staff
Mentor and provide one-on-one coaching to seasonal staff

Administrative Duties

Support seasonal staff recruitment and management for Summer Camp, Expeditions, farm, KALE, and SEE staff
Assist with issuing seasonal staff contracts, performing background checks, and confirming certifications
Assist in maintaining staff records, evaluations, documentation for Expeditions, Campout, and other summer programs
Participate in the ‘on-call team’ during the summer months
Contribute to GRP communications such as community emails and the blog

Equipment & Vehicles

Monitor GRP Expeditions, Campout, and relevant Base Camp activity equipment for safety and quality
Propose purchases to support programs, purchase equipment within budget, as approved
Maintain relevant documentation for GRP equipment
Maintain inventory of GRP equipment of substantive value
Comply with vehicle check and log procedures; train others on proper use of vehicles

Events

Participate and assist in the hosting of all GRP weekend and special events, including set up and clean up as assigned
Give presentations highlighting Expedition programs to increase camper retention and recruitment

Risk Management and Compliance

Assist with Emergency Action Plan, including regular review, drills, and documentation
Assist American Camp Association Camp Accreditation and Compliance
Coordinate with Leadership Team to complete all relevant training, inspections, visitations, and certifications
Maintain appropriate annual trainings, including ACA compliance for CEU credits

Year-Round Team Responsibilities

Meet regularly with the Administrative Team and Leadership Team
Monitor Expeditions organizational budget and finances and assist with the Summer Camp Budget
Contribute to marketing efforts on behalf of the Expedition and Summer Camp programs
Organize events, communicate with new families, propose and create marketing materials
Collaborate with Operations Teams (Facilities, Kitchen, etc) to support excellent customer service and safety
Support the strategic plan
Manage and mitigate risks
Maintain camp identity, branding, representation
Maintain a knowledge of current employment law and other relevant regulations

Other Duties

Make decisions consistent with the mission of Green River Preserve
Represent GRP positively to stakeholders*
Build community morale
Energetically serve in miscellaneous duties to keep camp clean, neat, and organized
Be a team player
Participate in staff and community meetings
Communicate in a timely and professional manner
Meet deadlines

*
*Green River Preserve’s Stakeholders

Families
Staff and Board
Returning Seasonal Staff
Past Staff
Alumni
Supporters
Camp Community
Green River Valley community
Other community members
Anyone who believes in Green River Preserve’s mission

Essential Functions

Read written documentation both on paper and on screen
Listen to and comprehend oral communication
Effectively communicate in both verbal and written communications
Work several days in a row, sometimes with little rest
Work with and have patience for children for up to 24 hours a day
Be comfortable and work effectively in an outdoor or natural setting
Walk up to five miles each day
Lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds
Make decisions in high-stress situations
Function and thrive in a community with very little personal space
Respect and obey authority
Live and work with other people up to twenty-four (24) hours a day
Utilize discretion when faced with sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality
Work in a team and perform interactive behaviors
Maintain personal hygiene and health (bathe, eat, use the restroom) without the assistance of others
Be on call for 24 hour+ periods

Skills and Certifications (current or willing to obtain)

CPR and AED Certification
CDL certification
Lifeguard Certification; Lifeguard Instructor preferred
Wilderness First Aid; Wilderness First Responder preferred
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Other certifications benefitting operation and training at GRP
Proficient in computer technologies, including Google Workspace and Camp Minder

Requirements

Successful completion of a comprehensive background check
Ability to meet and adhere to driving requirements as necessary for the role
Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in youth programs
Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification
Required to reside full-time on camp premises during programming April - October
Report to the office (camp premises) one day per week during the off-season
Capability to be on call for 24 hour+ periods

Benefits:

Salary: $41,000 – $46,000 DOE
Semi-private housing provided on camp premises for the convenience of the employer
15 days of pre-approved non-accruing paid time off during the off-season
10 days of sick leave
22 days of holiday leave following GRP’s holiday schedule
Full Health, Life, and Dental Insurance
Retirement contribution
GRP tuition remission for dependents
Camp store credit
Flexible work environment during off-season
Full room and board (meals, laundry) during summer season
American Camp Association membership
Professional development opportunities and support