Outdoor Skills Coordinator

OUTDOOR SKILLS COORDINATOR

ADK (Adirondack Mountain Club) works to protect New York State wild lands and waters by promoting responsible outdoor recreation and building a statewide constituency of land stewardship advocates. Since 1922, the organization has worked to increase access to the backcountry by building trails, conserving natural areas, and developing a stewardship community that supports the ethical and safe use of New York’s outdoor spaces. A member, donor, and volunteer-supported organization, ADK reaches across New York through its 27 chapters to inspire people to enjoy the outdoors ethically.

POSITION SUMMARY

ADK seeks an enthusiastic and detail oriented individual to coordinate and instruct ADK’s guided hikes and skills workshops focused on responsible recreation and stewardship.

The Outdoor Skills Coordinator (OSC) is responsible for maintaining a year-round, robust schedule of outdoors skills workshops and guided trips. They take the lead in coordinating wilderness first aid courses and private guided trips.

The Outdoor Skills Coordinator is a public-facing member of the Education Department that provides and cultivates responsible recreation messaging and training to the greater ADK community.   

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching and Guiding – 60%

• Develop and instruct high quality outdoor skills workshops and guided programs for adults and youth including but not limited to rock-climbing, backpacking, hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, outdoor leadership and Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics.
• Support and assist with school and community outreach programs as needed.

Administration– 40%

• Create, develop, and continually update effective lesson plans, course outlines, and itineraries for specific coordinated workshops. Develop outdoor programming for ADK including researching new ideas/leaders with the specific goal of creating a mutually complementary program schedule for ADK facilities.
• Assist in the development of the Education Department skills workshop and guided trip schedule. Provide accurate and timely program follow-up with specific records of participants and expenses.
• Assist in maintaining risk management protocols and procedures for the Education Department
• Maintain an inventory of equipment for program use. Develop a schedule for equipment replacement and repair as needed.
• Maintain ongoing communication between lodging management, front desk personnel, and education staff concerning programming/lodging needs.
• Communicate with prospective program participants
• Coordinate first-aid supplies for the Heart Lake Program Center
• Assist with website maintenance of program schedule
• Assist with maintenance of online reservation system for programs

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic:

• A passion for outdoor education and a commitment to the mission, values, and vision of the Adirondack Mountain Club
• Self-driven and comfortable working both independently and with a team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage projects
• Provide participants with information in a way that empowers them in their outdoor experience
• High level of competence in areas of instruction: low-impact camping, skiing and winter skills, canoeing, natural history and map and compass.
• High level of competence with trip logistics: route identification, equipment needs, dietary requirements and food packing, and group dynamics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, public speaking, and outdoor leadership abilities.
• Willingness to work extended hours/days in the field while on trips.
• Ability to navigate 10-15 miles by foot over rough terrain with heavy pack loads daily
• Experience with computers – Microsoft Suite and WordPress
• A valid driver's license and ability to drive a large van with trailer.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certificate required or willingness to obtain.
• A valid New York State Guide's license (ADK will assist with obtaining).
• Strong people skills, with an ability to work with a wide variety of ages and experience levels.

Preferred:

• 2-years of experience in developing and teaching backcountry outdoors skills to adults and youth.
• Training as American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch Instructor or willingness to obtain.
• Extensive experience hiking and backpacking, especially in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondacks
• Experience teaching or coaching nordic skiing

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

Reports to: Education Director

Classification: Full-time, non-exempt

Salary/Wage:  $16.50/hour

Benefits: Paid vacation and holidays; matching contribution to 403b; health, vision and dental; paid certification in Wilderness First Responder (WFR); Leave No Trace Master Educator workshop; free ADK workshops, discounts on store merchandise and rental equipment. On-site housing available.