Career Center

DEFINITION: Under general direction, the Outdoor Adventure Specialist will plan, organize, and coordinate exceptional outdoor adventure recreation programs at District sites and implement comprehensive programs District Wide. Responsible for independently developing and supervising specialized programs that serve this target population. Being organized, proactive and multitasking are a must. Each interaction with customers must be handled in a way that positively spreads the District’s reputation.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general direction from a Community Services Manager. Exercises direct supervision over technical, administrative, and program support staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This classification exercises independent judgement in the development, delivery, coordination, and oversight of Districtwide outdoor recreation, and/or community service programs with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for independently coordinating and implementing program goals and objectives. Positions in this classification rely on experience and use considerable discretion and independent judgement to coordinate and ensure the provision of efficient and effective service delivery tailored to meet the needs and interests of the communities served. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver program services. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, implements, directs, evaluates, and promotes the exceptional outdoor adventure recreation programs.
• Engages in strategic thinking to develop goals, objectives and policies aligned with program goals and objectives. Responsible for establishing and implementing overall program objectives. Identifies and implements curriculum, methods, and standards. Ensures programming for a diverse public (i.e., culturally, socio-economically, age, etc.) and accessibility for all community members.
• Develops, implements, and monitors program budget and prudently allocates resources to accomplish program goals and objectives.
• Strong community outreach experience with funding sources; attend community meetings; obtain new contacts with current funding sources.
• Maintain positive relationships with referral sources through regular visits and communication.
• Remain knowledgeable of effective treatment modalities with continued training as needed.
• Initiates and administers service agreements and contracts for area of responsibility; determines scope of work, monitors contract, and evaluates services provided.
• Responsible for supervising subordinate staff and volunteers; selects and trains personnel; counsels and coaches’ employees to correct deficiencies; conducts timely and effective evaluations based on performance measures and outcomes.
• Manage funding source contracts to include management and review of intake and progress reports.
• Ensure submission of reports to funding source as required.
• Deliver quality customer service to ensure meeting the community’s service needs, via the referral and intake process.
• Develops community knowledge and builds partnership that identify District recreation facilities, program, and services as a community focal point. Develops and/or coordinates a variety of publication and communication materials to market the adaptive sports & recreation program.
• Research to develop a clear understanding of outdoor adventure recreation needs.
• Clear understanding of cost recovery policy for grant funded programs to ensure program sustainability.
• Careful execution, completion and sign-off of records, reports, inspections, trainings, and time schedules.
• Assisting supervisor with additional tasks as needed.
• Ensures that all applicable licensing rules and regulations are followed.
• Ensures that program equipment, facilities and supplies are available, used properly, cared for, and meet applicable health and safety standards.
• Supervises program participants.
• Performs necessary first aid and CPR when applicable.
• Uphold the excellence of the District image, standards, and values.
• Provide programs that are designed with progression and measurable skill outcomes that include, skill building, character development, improved mental health, physical wellness, environmental awareness, or community engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS1: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate strong organizational, planning, and administrative skills. Must maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Research and develop curriculum with an emphasis on quality coaching techniques.
• Prepare budgets and meet budget targets. Garner grants, donations, sponsorships and in- kind services.
• Collect, evaluate, and interpret varied information and data, either in statistical or narrative form; interpret documents, agreements, and contracts; interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate program and service results and demonstrate outcomes both qualitatively and quantitatively.
• Demonstrate political acumen and community relations ability to build partnerships and advocacy for District outdoor adventure programs.
• Model appropriate behaviors for participants; foster atmosphere for excellence in sportsmanship and social inclusion and social justice.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation, and creativity in planning, organizing, and directing the recreation program activities.
• Demonstrate leadership and public relations skills.
• Set up and take down equipment.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings; travel to program sites and work flexible schedule.
• Provide leadership, instruction and training to participants, staff & volunteers.
• Encourage interaction of the participants and provide necessary assistance to facilitate maximum independence and enjoyment of the program.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, attention to detail, organization and a positive attitude are essential.
• Build strong bonds with participants and parents to foster open, honest, and candid communication; create and maintain confidentiality when dealing with proprietary information and sensitive situations.
• Multi-task and maintain organization in a fast paced, changing environment.
• Operate a computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.
• Interpret, comply with, and explain District policies and procedures.
• Assist with scheduling and monitoring the status of programs and activities, solve problems and deal with a variety of situations.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in a leadership or staff supervisory capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Planning, organizing, and directing adaptive recreational events, activities and programs including but not limited to indoor/outdoor activities, sports, arts and crafts, and games.
• Understanding of the foundations of Recreation programming.
• Care for recreation equipment upkeep and maintenance.
• Customer service methods and effective communication techniques.
• Records management and file maintenance procedures.

Language Skills - ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from guests. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.
Mathematical Skills - ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts.
Reasoning Ability - ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Required Job Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Leisure Studies, Recreation, Management, or comparable degree.
• Experience: 1-3 years of responsible employment in Outdoor Recreation program field. (A two-year Graduate Assistantship will be considered as 1 year of full-time experience)
• Wilderness First Aid, CPR/First Aid

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Health, Leisure and Human Performance Studies or related area
• Experience with the management, administration, developing, designing, facilitating, and supervising Outdoor Programs.
• Experience as a primary trip leader and guide involving extended trips.
• Experience in supervising and training others in a trip planning, coordination, and transportation
• Instructor level certification with any certifying organization, or outdoor programming certification
• Wilderness First Responder

Certifications/Licenses:

Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is a condition of initial and continued employment in this position.

• Possession and maintenance of a valid certification in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for adult, child and infant is a condition of initial and continued employment in this position. Must be obtained within 30 days of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS2: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Work activities may occasionally require work within an office environment, but work is generally performed at a District site using indoor and outdoor amenities.
• The employee is required to withstand outside elements including but not limited to extreme heat, rain, and wind.
• The employee is regularly required to demonstrate and/or instruct participants in physical activities that promote physical fitness and agility.
• The employee is regularly required to bend, stoop, kneel, sit, stand, or walk for prolonged periods of time.
• The employee is frequently required to balance, twist, run or jump.
• The employee must occasionally carry/push/pull/lift/ move equipment or supplies up to 50 pounds.
• The employee is required to hear as well as speak clearly and distinctly to provide assistance and information related to classroom assignments.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to see to monitor students conduct during learning activities.
• The employee must regularly manipulate hands and fingers to operate audio-visual, duplicating and educational training equipment. The employee is occasionally required to perform work on a computer, copy machine, fax machine, scanner, and other business machines, including calculators.
• On-site attendance is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT3: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is a medium noise level due to the nature of a recreation community center. Appropriate personal protective equipment is available if necessary.

About Desert Recreation District

For 70 years, Desert Recreation District (the District) has played a key role in enriching the quality of life for residents and visitors through the recreational services we offer in the Greater Coachella Valley. We cover over 1,800 square miles and provide recreational services to more than 380,000 residents, in part by working with municipalities in a collective effort to assure equitable service delivery to every community regardless of economic means. The District boundary has expanded in recent years to provide barrier-free, safe services to more unincorporated areas of the Coachella Valley and municipalities not previously served. The District is the largest park and recreation district in California, and we manage, maintain and assist in maintaining over 30 parks and recreation facilities; we create and deliver quality programs, services and classes; and, we facilitate leisure opportunities through partnerships with private and public agencies and entities as we strive to ensure members of the public receive personal benefits such as physical fitness, relaxation and revitalization; social benefits in the form of stronger and healthier families and enriching the lives fo...r persons with disabilities, and economic benefits through more productive and healthier citizens and increased tourism. We Are Community Our Vision, Mission and Values are at the heart and soul of the District. We are committed to serving our residents by providing quality programs, services and facilities that promote an active, healthy lifestyle for all.

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