Outdoor Education Program Lead

Camp Otonabee
1620 Sixth Line Road
RR #1
Dunrobin, ON K0A 1T0, CAN

Description

Overview

The YMCA is a charity that has been helping Canadians improve their lives since the first Y opened in 1851. Y programs are offered at more than 1,700 locations across Canada and help more than 2.25 million people annually become healthier in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA of the National Capital Region proudly serves people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and works to address critical social needs in our community. We are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential.

This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of excellence, compassion, dignity, accountability and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

Working for the Y

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals.

Vacancy Status: This job posting is for a new position. This is a part-time contract position from August 24th, 2026 to December 31th, 2026.

What do we offer?

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to be a leader, partner and catalyst that empowers individuals, dismantles barriers and transforms communities.

Our competitive wage and benefit package include:

• Free YMCA gym membership;
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps);
• Access to our YMCA Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, and financial advice, among other 12 suites of services;
• Health and Dental Insurance;
• Long-term Disability and Life Insurance;
• Access to our Canadian YMCA Retirement Fund pension plan;
• Up to 25 vacation days per year including two float days, and one birthday vacation;
• Maternity leave benefits for up to 18 months.

*Some benefits may vary based on employment terms

What do you offer?

The YMCA of the National Capital Region's Y Outdoor Centre offers outdoor education, high ropes activities, leadership development, and experiential learning programs to school, community, and corporate groups throughout the year. The Program Lead is responsible for delivering high-quality outdoor education and leadership programming while providing day-to-day operational coordination for staff and groups participating in Outdoor Centre programs. In addition to facilitating programs such as canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, high ropes, outdoor living skills, nature education, and team-building initiatives, the Program Lead supports the coordination of group schedules, instructor assignments, equipment readiness, and program flow. The Program Lead serves as a key resource for Program Instructors and Group Leaders, helping ensure a positive, safe, and well-organized experience for participants and staff. The Program Lead acts as a role model for YMCA values and standards, demonstrating exceptional leadership, professionalism, and commitment to participant safety. This position contributes to the success of programs by supporting staff development, fostering strong relationships with teachers and group leaders, and assisting supervisors with daily operational needs.

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• Communicates detailed program information, operational requirements, policies, and procedures through meetings, presentations, and individual discussions.
• Provides leadership, guidance, coaching, and constructive feedback to staff to support performance, program quality, and participant safety.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders through effective communication and collaboration.
• Responds to participant, parent, staff, and partner concerns with professionalism, tact, and sound judgment, resolving moderately complex issues and conflicts.

What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?

At the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education

• Formal post-secondary education in an Outdoor related discipline (environmental studies, outdoor recreation, outdoor adventure, etc.) or equivalent experience.
• Formal post-secondary education in Child and Youth Care, Recreation, Education, or a related field is considered an asset.

Language

• Fluent in English, oral and written
• Other languages are an asset

Experience, Skills and Abilities

• Paddle Canada, LSS Instructor, ACCT Level I/II, or other relevant certifications will all be strongly considered as assets for this position
• Minimum of two seasons experience working in outdoor education, camping, experiential education, or related recreation programming.
• Previous experience coordinating schedules, facilitating staff communication, or leading daily operations is considered an asset.

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
• A Police Record check, not more than 6 months old is required.Police Records checks are reviewed on an individual basis and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.
• Semi-annually, staff must complete the mandatory training for the protection of Children & Youth and submit the certificate of completion.

Core Competencies:

Excellence: Identifies and implements improvements that enhance work quality.

Compassion:Involves warmth and supportive communication. Fosters understanding and collaboration, leading to a positive work environment.

Dignity:Involves respecting every individual’s worth, promoting fairness and valuing perspectives. It encourages a culture of integrity, mutual respect, and empowerment.

Accountability:Manages tasks, projects, and processes effectively.

Inclusion: Demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to IDEA, ethics, and well-being.

About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y:

Inclusivenessis a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve and as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to accessibility in employment and to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with AODA, the YMCA will endeavour to provide accommodation to people with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please email peopleandculture@ymcaottawa.ca upon scheduling your interview.

Statement on Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions:

At the YMCA, we are committed to maintaining a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for any positions of employment. All employment decisions are made by our dedicated People and Culture team, ensuring that each candidate is evaluated on an individual basis with the utmost consideration for their unique qualifications and experiences.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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