Outdoor Education Facilitator

Program overview:

• Pathfinder provides 1 to 4 day outdoor adventure programs to groups of youth and adults in a variety of settings, primarily camp and conference centers in central Florida.
• Pathfinder is accredited through the Association of Experiential Education (AEE) and uses the experiential model as its guiding educational principle.
• Facilitators lead groups through team building activities, low and high challenge course, canoeing, outdoor skills, tree climbing, and environmental education classes based on the client's selected schedule.
• A typical staff day is 8:00 am
• 10:00 pm and includes breaks and meals.
• Staff facilitate from 6 to 25 participants at a time depending on the activity. They will work alone and in teams at various times according to the schedule.
• Client groups range in size from 5
• 175 participants and range in age from elementary to adult.
• Programs are held in the "front country"
• i.e. lodging is in climate-controlled dorms. Meals are served in a dining hall and there is access to electricity. Most sites have moderate cell coverage.
• Meals and lodging are typically provided while on program. Staff lodging is separate from clients.
• Long term lodging is not provided as part of this position.

Job description:

Each facilitator works with groups of participants following the customized program schedule. The facilitator is responsible for establishing a tone of fun, inclusion, and growth; helping the group set agreements; and working toward the group's goals. Facilitators assess the needs of their group and work within the limits of the schedule to select activities that will provide a fun and meaningful experience. The facilitator is responsible for the safety of the group and must follow Pathfinder procedures and policies. All the facilitators assigned to a program work as a team to prepare, set up, clean up, and debrief the event.

Technical and content-oriented skills:

Technical skill training is provided. Previous experience with any of the following is preferred:

• Facilitation of team-building activities, social emotional learning, and self-development.
• Facilitation of low challenge course and high ropes.
• Facilitation of canoeing.
• Facilitation of tree climbing.
• Facilitation of outdoor living skills (fire-building, shelter building, night hikes etc.).
• Facilitation of environmental programs with an emphasis on Florida ecology and conservation.
• Degree in outdoor education, environmental education or related field is not required but is a plus.

Interpersonal skills:

Facilitation training is provided and ongoing. The most successful facilitators have already cultivated some of the following abilities:

• Be punctual and dependable.
• Role model healthy and empowered decision-making skills.
• Demonstrate compassion, patience, and sensitivity to diverse populations.
• Build rapport with and experientially engage groups of various backgrounds and ages.
• Facilitate group discussions which result in social skill building and goal-setting.
• Assess learner needs and adapt lesson plans accordingly.
• Be proactive, flexible, and willing to both give and receive feedback in productive, growth-oriented ways.

Qualifications:

• Ideally some experience working with youth in a camp or educational setting.
• Ability to work full and active days outside in Florida weather.
• Reliable transportation to our partner sites (see website for locations).
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 40 lbs.
• Internet access and ability to communicate regularly by phone and email.
• Minimum 20 years of age. Work schedule, start date, and training:
• Working weeks averages 20-30 hours over 2-3 days including evenings and weekends.
• Amount of work varies from month to month or different seasons.
• Start date: training and observation is available at select times.
• First Aid, CPR/AED, Lifeguard, Challenge Course, High Ropes and Tree Climbing training are provided during this time or on an as-needed basis.

Application process:

• Review our website.
• https://www.pathfinderoutdooreducation.org/employment
• Submit a copy of your resume and a cover letter.
• Virtual or in-person interview and, if local, observe programing at one of our sites.
• If employed, a background check will include fingerprinting and criminal history.

Compensation Range:

$16.00 and up per hour depending on experience and educational background. Pathfinder is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse community that is inclusive of people from all backgrounds. People of color, LGBTQIA+, bilingual and bicultural people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Types:

Part-time, Seasonal Pay:

$16.00

• $20.

00 per hour Application Question(s): Do you currently reside in the St Pete/Tampa area?

Work Location:

On the road