wilderness program manager (rocky mountains)

Outward Bound Canada is passionate about building and sustaining representation and diversity within the outdoor industry. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPoC, 2SLGBTQ+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply, even if your experience doesn’t precisely match the job description for this role.Your experience, skills, and passion will set you apart so tell us about your achievements and journey to date, and the things you learned along the way.

WHO WE ARE

Outward Bound Canada (OBC) is a charity that equips youth for the future through adventures in nature. These experiences develop resilience, social and emotional intelligence, and environmental leadership to prepare youth with skills to contribute to a better, more compassionate, and resilient society. Read about the impact of our work and our statement on Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.The Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals is an OBC initiative to address challenges within the outdoor sector related to high unemployment by providing training for aspiring outdoor instructors. Equally importantly, it addresses barriers to access for marginalised populations to ensure Canada’s next generation of outdoor sector employees reflect Canada’s diversity. 

THE ROLE

In collaboration and under the direct supervision of the Head of Western Canada the Rockies Wilderness Program Manager will ensure that the transformational journeys experienced by the students are planned and delivered in a highly organised, responsible manner. This role will manage employees, program site areas, and programs for Rockies expeditions including course administration, course planning, program delivery, logistics, risk oversight, supervision, and evaluation. In addition, the Program Manager provides support to instructors, clients, partners and all other organisational relationships. This position is based in Canmore, BC. The expeditions are delivered year-round and currently include expedition backpacking, canoeing and snowshoeing.

WHAT WE OFFER

Location: Rocky Mountains
Salary: 60-67K yearly
Benefits: Healthcare Spending Account for eligible employees
Term: 39.5 hours per week
Application Deadline: October 18th, or until the position is filled
Anticipated Start Date: November 2023

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Coordinates the execution of the program plans to enhance and develop programming; developing initiatives, course mix, operations and logistics, and other projects assigned.
  • Works in conjunction with the Head of Western Canada in the hiring, training, evaluating, and mentoring of employees.
  • Manages and supervises instructional employees, ensuring high-quality program delivery, educational outcomes are met, program and instructor evaluations are complete.
  • Create a positive work environment where professional development and community are foundational
  • Supervise and monitor logistics and maintain contractor relationships which include but are not limited to; food service providers, transportation, admissions, route planning, staffing, emergency response and curriculum plans to maintain appropriate risk management and oversight of safety systems.
  • In times of need: field ready to replace a staff member on course. (asset)
  • Other duties as assigned

 

Risk Management:

  • Achieves the objectives of the OBC National Risk Management Policy and acts as the Regional Safety Officer.
  • Supervise the evacuation systems and other field responses, manage field staff training for evacuations and act as the primary contact regarding course challenges, addressing and facilitating all incident reporting processes.
  • Provides risk management briefings and debriefings to field staff and course support positions.
  • Ensures students are briefed as to participation expectations and safety requirements.

 

Administration:

    • Ensures the workspace is compliant with Health and Safety standards in collaboration with HR.
    • Provides direct customer care for participants and their families/teachers/agencies.
    • Coordinates the transfer of course information from key sources to instructors.
    • Works with the team to schedule and deliver on-call service, manage evacuations and other field responses.
    • Organises and facilitates program evaluation and paperwork process.
    • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current industry trends and standards.
    • Participates in national OBC team meetings and retreats, providing regional leadership and representation as required.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Post-secondary education in one of the following fields: environmental science, education, recreation, therapy or similar.
  • 3 years in a supervisory role, supervising seasonal faculty and administrative staff members is an asset.
  • Understanding and application of OBC policies and philosophies and pedagogy is preferred.
  • Proficient in behaviour management, crisis intervention and problem solving.
  • Experience with tripping practices and principles.
  • Experience in adventure and experiential educational module delivery.
  • Focus on providing high levels of customer service.
  • Ability to be a significant contributor to several small teams as well as working unsupervised.
  • Experience in managing and maintaining a positive instructor team and community.
  • Highly organised, computer, database, and social media proficient.
  • High level of mentorship, professionalism and follow through
  • Must be willing to maintain a flexible schedule and to work on weekends and holidays, as needed.


CERTIFICATIONS

  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
  • CPR-C
  • Class 4 Driver’s Licence
  • Paddle Canada Canoeing Certifications (asset)
  • ACMG AHG/ HG certifications (asset)
  • Position requires a police background check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check


WORKING CONDITIONS

  • This position requires heavy lifting, working in adverse weather conditions, long hours seated, long hours driving.

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-Please provide your cover letter and resume in one pdf file. Please title the document using the following convention (First Name_Last Name_Job Title).
-Fill out the webform by clicking the “Apply Now” button above.
-Attach your cover letter and resume pdf to the web form. Note: you cannot complete the webform without this step.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please let us know if you require accommodations at any stage during the hiring process, please inform us at hrsupport@www.outwardbound.ca in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.