The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all its citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation and education.

Conservation: To conserve and protect representative examples of North Carolina's natural beauty, ecological features, recreational and cultural resources within the state parks system;

Recreation: To provide and promote safe, healthy and enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the state; and

Education: To provide educational opportunities that promote stewardship of the state's natural and cultural heritage.

To explore NC State Parks visit: https://www.ncdcr.gov/things-to-do/state-parks

Purpose: The Division of Parks and Recreation aims to enhance accessibility and inclusivity within our State Parks by implementing an adaptive equipment pilot program. This program will ensure that adaptive equipment is promoted, maintained, and made available to the public effectively. Through collaboration with park staff, community stakeholders, and adaptive sport enthusiasts, this position will expand opportunities for people of all abilities to experience mountain biking at our parks and other modes of adventure in the future.  

Key Responsibilites & Duties:

• Implement and manage an equipment reservation system for adaptive equipment use in State Parks
• Educate prospective users of mountain biking fundamentals, adaptive equipment use, and safety protocols. 
• Demonstrate the equipment and provide awareness of the program at special events
• Serve as a chaperone when requested, to accompany participants during mountain bike and other trail/park usage to ensure safety and provide assistance as needed
• Develop a program evaluation framework and establish data collection procedures to measure the effectiveness and impact of the pilot program
• Provide comprehensive staff and volunteer training sessions on equipment usage, maintenance, and safety protocols to ensure competency in managing the equipment
• Conduct routine maintenance checks on adaptive equipment to uphold safety standards and ensure optimal performance
• Identify and engage stakeholder organizations such as disability advocacy groups to foster partnerships and promote the program
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to raise awareness of the adaptive recreation program and attract participants from diverse backgrounds and abilities 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Adaptive Sport Experience: Understanding of adaptive sports practices and principles, particularly with mountain biking to cater to individuals with diverse abilities
• Equipment Management: Ability to become proficient in managing adaptive outdoor equipment, including maintenance, safety procedures, and allocating usage
• Program Development and Evaluation: ability to design, implement, and evaluate the adaptive mountain biking program's effectiveness
• Training and Instruction: skill in providing training and education materials to park staff, volunteers, and to the public
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with program stakeholders, promote the program, and provide customer service in a professional and efficient manner. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Some weekend, evening, and holiday work required.
• Must meet DOA Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.
• Ability to work inside and outside in a variety environmental conditions.
• Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects with or without an accommodation

Management Preference: 

• Certified Adaptive Recreation and Sports Specialist