Green River Preserve Adventure Director

Job Description

The mission of Green River Preserve is to inspire environmental stewards through a joyful connection to nature.

Green River Preserve’s Adventure Director is responsible for Green River Preserve Expeditions and Campout programs and assists with summer camp and environmental education programs. You will assist with logistics, facilities, and properties, coordinating with GRPs Administrative & Leadership Teams. You are the Chief Officer responsible for ensuring GRP’s Expeditions are resourced, sustainable, and effective for GRP to fulfill its mission.

As the Adventure Director of Green River Preserve, you hold a position of great importance and great responsibility, reporting to the Executive Director and Programs Director, as a part of Green River Preserve’s Administrative Team. Your professionalism, strong work ethic, organizational skills, and demonstrated leadership skills are essential to the achievement of this role. Your warmth, enthusiasm, willingness to share knowledge, and sensitivity to the needs of each program participant and staff contribute profoundly to the success of our program.

Expeditions 

• Responsible for executing a summer expeditions program for ages 14-18, based in Western North Carolina, including:
  • Programs to include major elements of backpacking, Leave No Trace, orienteering, mountain biking, rock climbing, whitewater canoeing, and development of primitive skills
• Oversee program planning, trip logistics, supply orders, budgets, seasonal hiring and training, permits, inspections, emergency protocols, session management
• Hire, train, schedule, & manage Expeditions Leaders
• Assist in Expedition registration, enrollment management, and parent communication
• Maintain Expedition handbooks
• Evaluate and supervise Expedition activities
• Manage Expedition budgets with leaders
• Ensure Expedition base camps and equipment are kept clean, neat, and organized
• Ensure Expedition staff appreciation 

Base Camp Programs

(Duties span Spring & Fall shoulder season programs - SEE & KALE - and Summer Camps)

• Support comprehensive staff training
• Support GRP Waterfront Supervisor, Canoeing Lead, & Climbing Lead
• Develop Base Camp curriculum that provides a foundation for Expedition experiences and coach instructing staff
• Instruct programming as needed
• Coordinate Campout Programs - Summer Only
• 3-day, 2-night backpacking “trip” (off-Base, on property) for 2- and 3-week Summer Camp program
• Coach counselors in trip planning
• Collaborate with Kitchen team to source supplies and instruct counselors in pack-out procedures
• Coordinate gear rentals, fittings, and deliveries with support of seasonal staff
• Participate in “CampIn” team duties, such as responding to radio calls, visiting campsites, and responding to emergencies in the field according to EAPs
• Lead debrief meetings upon camper/staff return to Base Camp to support and coach growth of counselor skills and leadership readiness
• Serve as a camp host, announcing schedule and program reminders to groups of over 100 campers and staff
• Mentor and provide one-on-one coaching to seasonal staff

Administrative Duties

• Support seasonal staff recruitment and management for Summer Camp, Expeditions, farm, KALE, and SEE staff
• Assist with issuing seasonal staff contracts, performing background checks, and confirming certifications 
• Assist in maintaining staff records, evaluations, documentation for Expeditions, Campout, and other summer programs
• Participate in the ‘on-call team’ during the summer months
• Contribute to GRP communications such as community emails and the blog

Equipment & Vehicles

• Monitor GRP Expeditions, Campout, and relevant Base Camp activity equipment for safety and quality
• Propose purchases to support programs, purchase equipment within budget, as approved
• Maintain relevant documentation for GRP equipment
• Maintain inventory of GRP equipment of substantive value
• Comply with vehicle check and log procedures; train others on proper use of vehicles

Events

• Participate and assist in the hosting of all GRP weekend and special events, including set up and clean up as assigned
• Give presentations highlighting Expedition programs to increase camper retention and recruitment

Risk Management and Compliance

• Assist with Emergency Action Plan, including regular review, drills, and documentation
• Assist American Camp Association Camp Accreditation and Compliance 
• Coordinate with Leadership Team to complete all relevant training, inspections, visitations, and certifications
• Maintain appropriate annual trainings, including ACA compliance for CEU credits

Year-Round Team Responsibilities

• Meet regularly with the Administrative Team and Leadership Team
• Monitor Expeditions organizational budget and finances and assist with the Summer Camp Budget
• Contribute to marketing efforts on behalf of the Expedition and Summer Camp programs
• Organize events, communicate with new families, propose and create marketing materials
• Collaborate with Operations Teams (Facilities, Kitchen, etc) to support excellent customer service and safety
• Support the strategic plan 
• Manage and mitigate risks
• Maintain camp identity, branding, representation
• Maintain a knowledge of current employment law and other relevant regulations

Other Duties

• Make decisions consistent with the mission of Green River Preserve
• Represent GRP positively to stakeholders*
• Build community morale
• Energetically serve in miscellaneous duties to keep camp clean, neat, and organized
• Be a team player
• Participate in staff and community meetings
• Communicate in a timely and professional manner
• Meet deadlines 
• Fulfill other duties as assigned

Essential Functions

• Read written documentation both on paper and on screen
• Listen to and comprehend oral communication
• Effectively communicate in both verbal and written communications
• Work several days in a row, sometimes with little rest
• Work with and have patience for children for up to 24 hours a day
• Be comfortable and work effectively in an outdoor or natural setting
• Walk up to five miles each day
• Lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds
• Make decisions in high-stress situations
• Function and thrive in a community with very little personal space
• Respect and obey authority
• Live and work with other people up to twenty-four (24) hours a day
• Utilize discretion when faced with sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality
• Work in a team and perform interactive behaviors
• Maintain personal hygiene and health (bathe, eat, use the restroom) without the assistance of others
• Be on call for 24 hour+ periods

Skills and Certifications (current or willing to obtain)

• CPR and AED Certification
• CDL certification
• Lifeguard Certification; Lifeguard Instructor preferred 
• Wilderness First Aid; Wilderness First Responder preferred
• Youth Mental Health First Aid
• Other certifications benefitting operation and training at GRP
• Proficient in computer technologies, including Google Workspace and CampMinder

Requirements

• Successful completion of a comprehensive background check
• Ability to meet and adhere to driving requirements as necessary for the role
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in youth programs
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification
• Required to reside full-time on camp premises during programming April - October
• Report to the office (camp premises) one day per week during the off-season
• Capability to be on call for 24 hour+ periods

Benefits:

• Salary: $41,000 – $46,000 DOE
• Semi-private housing provided on camp premises for the convenience of the employer
• 15 days of pre-approved non-accruing paid time off during the off-season 
• 10 days of sick leave
• 22 days of holiday leave following GRP’s holiday schedule
• Full Health, Life, and Dental Insurance
• Retirement contribution
• GRP tuition remission for dependents
• Camp store credit
• Flexible work environment during off-season
• Full room and board (meals, laundry) during summer season
• American Camp Association membership
• Professional development opportunities and support