Adventure Manager

Full-time/Year-Round/Non-Exempt

$21-$26 hourly (DOE) plus benefits

Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Outdoor Education Camp, Portola, California

Sierra Nevada Journeys seeks a full-time Adventure Manager at our Outdoor Education Camp in Portola, CA. The ideal candidate for this leadership role will have experience in safety and facilitation of challenge courses. The Adventure Manager will conduct training sessions for instructors and counselors in February and June, oversee overall challenge course activities for our overnight outdoor learning program during fall and spring, and support various programs by leading meals and evening activities.

In summer, in addition to overseeing challenge courses, the Adventure Manager is responsible for designing and organizing outdoor adventure trips, including selecting routes, planning itineraries, and coordinating logistics such as transportation and permits. This portion of the role involves conducting risk assessments, developing emergency response plans to ensure participant safety, and managing budgets and equipment inventory. The Adventure Manager will recruit, train, and supervise trip leaders, serving as participants’ primary point of contact by providing essential information and addressing concerns.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
55% Challenge Course operation, maintenance, and facilitation

• Course Oversight: Managing the operation and maintenance of the challenge course, ensuring all elements are safe, functioning properly, and compliant with ACCT and Third-Party inspection standards.
• Safety and Compliance: Developing and enforcing safety protocols and standards, conducting regular inspections, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Ensuring all camp activities meet health and safety standards, conducting risk assessments, and maintaining emergency procedures that adhere to all local, state, federal, and American Camp Association requirements. Maintain the organization of American Camp Association accreditation documentation.
• Staff Training and Supervision: Recruit, train, and supervise Ropes Leads, ensuring they are equipped to lead activities safely and effectively. Train all facilitators to site-specific proficiency.
• Program Development: Designing and implementing challenge course activities that meet the needs of various groups, including team building, leadership development, and personal growth.
• Participant Engagement: Interacting with participants to enhance their experience, addressing concerns, and fostering a supportive environment.
• Logistics Management: Coordinating logistics for challenge course activities, including scheduling, equipment management, monthly in-house inspections, and a yearly Third-Party inspection.
• Budget Management: Overseeing the budget for the challenge course and managing expenses.
• Risk Management: Conducting risk assessments and maintaining emergency response plans to ensure participant safety.
• Evaluation and Feedback: Collecting and analyzing feedback from participants and staff to assess program effectiveness and make improvements.
• Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed records of camper registrations, staff performance, and program evaluations for reporting and future planning.
• Ability and willingness to work up to 80 overtime hours through the summer camp season (June- August).

35% Manage preparation and delivery of high-quality adventure programs.

• Trip Planning and Development: Designing and organizing adventure trips, including route selection and itinerary planning.
• Logistics Management: Coordinating logistics such as transportation, permits, equipment rental, and supply procurement for trips.
• Safety and Risk Management: Conducting risk assessments, maintaining emergency response plans, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations and guidelines
• Staff Supervision and Support: Recruiting, training, and supervising trip leaders and support staff, ensuring they are prepared to manage various scenarios and participant needs. Acting as on-call when groups are off-site.
• Participant Communication: Serving as the primary point of contact for participants, providing trip information, managing registration software, facilitating Information Nights, answering questions, and addressing concerns.
• Budget Management: Overseeing the budget for adventure trips, including tracking expenses, ensuring financial sustainability, and submitting revenue reports to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
• Equipment Management: Overseeing the maintenance and inventory of gear and supplies, ensuring everything is in good condition and available for trips.
• Evaluation and Feedback: Collecting feedback from participants and staff post-trips to assess experiences and make improvements for future outings.
• Training and Instruction: Providing or facilitating participant training on outdoor skills, safety protocols, and Leave No Trace principles.

10% Support of program functions

• Train and mentor On-Site Coordinators, Lead Instructors, and Outdoor Program Instructors on Overnight Outdoor Learning and camp programming.
• Coordinate pre-trip communication and function as liaison for school and community groups.
• Facilitate Chaperone Orientation or group welcomes at the start of the program.
• Facilitate teacher or group-led debriefs at the end of the program.
• Teach Overnight Outdoor Learning (OOL) and Community Group programs.
• Function as liaison while OOL and Community Groups are on-site.
• Assist in the hiring process as needed.
• Support the facilitation of other programs within SNJ as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 2-3 years experience with Challenge Course management
• ACCT Challenge Course Practitioner Level 2 or higher certification and/or equivalent documented hours/skills (at least 200 hours of facilitation, 40 hours of training)
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification or acquire before May 1st.
• Ability to collaborate with people with special needs.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and to be accountable for deliverables in an open space office.
• Ability to work irregular hours, days, and nights to meet program needs.
• Ability to analyze information, formulate work plans, articulate goals, and produce required reports.
• Professional demeanor in all contacts with participant groups
• Experience with basic power tools and hand tools
• Ability to pass a background check.
• As a condition of employment, all employees must attest in writing that they have up-to-date immunizations against the diseases needed for public school attendance in the state where they work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Universal and Accessible Challenge Course High Ropes elements
• Experience developing, teaching, and leading outdoor environmental education programs.
• Bilingual in Spanish
• Hold current lifeguard certification.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Competitive Compensation: $21-$26/hr. (depends on experience) plus up to 80 hours of paid overtime during the summer programs (June – August)
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Phone use reimbursement at $15 per paycheck.
• Optional 403(b) retirement plan and up to a 4% match by Sierra Nevada Journeys
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish – an additional 3% differential added to the hourly rate/annual salary.
• Earned paid time off.
• Meals while at camp
• Discounts on all SNJ camp programs of 50% for children

EMPLOYMENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Home base for living, working, exploring, and recreating in the beautiful Sierra Valley
• Employment with an innovative company focused on improving outdoor education delivery.
• Professional development toward outdoor education leadership or classroom teaching goals