Position DescriptionSeattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is providing welcoming and safe opportunities to play, learn, contemplate and build community and promote responsible stewardship of the land. We promote healthy people, a healthy environment and strong communities. We strive to deliver excellent customer service to each visitor and participant.  SPR is also deeply committed to advancing the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) by working to end institutional and structural racism.

The Adventure Education Unit of Seattle Parks and Recreation, provides experiential and environmental education opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Camp Long is a unique city park which offers overnight camping in rustic cabins, the first artificial climbing rock in the country, Schurman Rock, nature programs, and in partnership with Washington State University Extension 4H, a state of the art challenge course.  The challenge course consists of portable kits, 14 low elements, two stand-alone high elements, and a hub and spoke high ropes course.

The Adventure Education Coordinator’s (AEC) primary responsibility is to ensure that all participants using the challenge course elements have a safe and rewarding learning experience. Qualities that are critical in the AEC include good judgment, flexibility, patience, and the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time. The AEC often works independently, and will supervise and work closely with the Experiential Education Coordinator on projects such as facilitator and youth training programs.

The AEC plans, develops, and implements adventure education programs at Camp Long supporting use of the WSU 4H Challenge Course, rock climbing on Schurman Rock, orienteering and compass programs. The AEC will work with 4-H staff and participants to foster life skills, stewardship of the natural world through service, develop leadership, and compassion for self and others.

On a day-to-day basis, the AEC performs a wide variety of tasks, including risk management, low and high ropes maintenance, responding to high course rescues or medical emergencies, preparing and conducting training programs for new staff, and administrative tasks such as recordkeeping and scheduling.

The person in this position should have the have the capacity to work independently within the department, amongst various agencies and with the public. This position also performs general administrative functions and assists in the coordination of course usage and trainings.

Job ResponsibilitiesProgram Development: Plans, coordinates, and oversees daily outdoor/adventure recreational activities using knowledge of the WSU 4-H Challenge Program delivery system and the policies that cover its implementation. Ability to communicate program objectives to the general public.

Staff Development: Either be or become a certified 4H Challenge Course Trainer.  Plan and provide training to include 4H Portable, Low and High Course facilitator trainings. Supports the progression of apprentice facilitators through observation and certification process. Supervise and evaluate course facilitators.  Ability to market, recruit, motivate and retain challenge course facilitators. Ability to partner with WSU King County and State Adventure Education Director faculty to coordinate 4-H Challenge trainings and activities to youth and adults.

Outreach and Marketing: Disseminates program information to individuals, groups and the general public; and meets with neighborhood and community groups to plan and collaborate on program offerings, especially to meet the needs of underserved communities. Prepares promotional materials for the programs such as brochures, fliers, and posters. Prepares press releases and other promotional materials for program; and submits to supervisor for review.

Program Assessment and Reporting: Collects, aggregates, and prepares reports about adventure programming at Camp Long. Develops program assessment systems in collaboration with Youth Program Quality Assurance, WSU 4H, and Seattle Parks and Recreation Results Framework.

General Administrative Functions: Prepares the Course for inspection and accreditation. Coordinates the general maintenance of the Challenge Course. Create and/or maintain standards for rock climbing on Schurman Rock. Prepares weekly report of all activities.  Prepares budget recommendations for program area; and monitors budget expenditures as needed.  Purchases and maintains program supplies and equipment.

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
Requires one year experience coordinating recreation programs and a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Recreation Administration, Physical Education or related field (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Desired Qualifications:

• 4H Certification on Low and High Course.
• Association of Challenge Course Technology Level II Certification or Challenge Course Manager Certification and 500 hours of facilitation experience.
• Experience leading/facilitating structured youth programming through NOLS, Outward Bound or similar programs.
• Wilderness First Responder with CPR certification.
• Experience working comfortably with people from diverse ethnic, educational, gender identities, physical, emotional and social / economic backgrounds.
• Two or more years of experience creating partnerships and/or collaborating with community groups, schools, agencies and service providers.
• Five or more years of working with youth in classroom and/or outdoor settings utilizing experiential education concepts and facilitation techniques.
• Grant writing and reporting experience.
• Evaluation and analysis experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish, Tagalog, East African languages, Chinese, or Vietnamese
• Knowledge of various software programs including: Microsoft Office Suite, Social Media, Volgistic, JotForm, registration software and other software.

Additional InformationWork Environment/Physical Demands:

• Required to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Potential exposure to hostile program participants.
• Requires long periods of standing or walking.
• Required to lift up to 50 pounds.

License, Certification and Other Requirements:

• Current Washington State driver’s license.
• First Aid and CPR Certificate within six months of hire.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends.

?SPR’s Core Competencies are:

Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making, and promoting high quality standards.

Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City’s commitment to workforce equity.

Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.

Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.

Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.