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 Recreation Supervisor. 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 prog
• 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, ) 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
• 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 record
• 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 a 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.