Outdoor Recreation Specialist

The Outdoor Recreation Specialist leads and assists with the planning, implementation, evaluation, and instruction of outdoor recreational activities to enhance the appreciation of nature and support health and wellness initiatives for people of all ages and abilities. 

1. Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.
2. Plans, designs, promotes, and leads outdoor recreation programs/activities to diverse audiences: Determines level of ability of the group and appropriate activity and location; plans for equipment availability; checks for conflicts in locations and equipment, and gathers necessary equipment based on activity and weather; teaches/leads activities (activities include hiking, youth summer camps, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, sailing, fishing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, rock climbing/rappelling, backpacking, special events, adaptive recreation); depending on position may prepare food for outing; manages risks of outdoor activity and group dynamics; researches and develops educational and promotional material for programs including brochures, handouts, and presentations; plans and implements community education programs; assists in planning and lead Cleveland Metroparks public programs with other Outdoor Experiences staff.
3. Maintains, repairs, and stores equipment, facilities, program outposts, storage areas and vehicles, trailers, bicycles, and vessel fleets: Manages, stores, repairs, and inventories equipment needed for outings, including vehicles, trailers, canoes, kayaks, bicycles, snowshoes, cross-country skis and all the associated accessories.
4. Assists with administrative tasks, including answering phones, creating promotional materials, planning programs, and other tasks as required.
5. Assists with program and event preparation, gear preparation, and clean-up.
6. Operates pick-up trucks and vans with trailers to transport equipment, including the ability to drive, back-up, and park trucks and vans with trailers to various park locations.
7. Researches, develops, promotes, pilots, and executes program expansion with new activities and groups: Identifies and contacts potential new community partners for groups and program opportunities: Meets with staff/volunteers of organizations to plan cooperative programming; builds relationships with new and/or potential groups; evaluates existing programs and potential programs for risk management, fit and feasibility.
8. Engages the community as content experts through staying current through attending conferences, workshops, and trainings while also interfacing with local recreation groups, clubs, and organizations.
9. Engages other departments in their programs as visiting experts when they need/desire help developing and delivering active outdoor recreation themed programming. Occasionally, conduct trainings to help them enhance their skills (kayaking, SUP, Map and Compass, hiking safety, etc.).
10. Keeps direct supervisor promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.
11. Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and the public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.
12. May be required to work overnight programs.
13. Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.

Requirements

• At minimum of one year of experience in outdoor recreation
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license under the laws of the State of Ohio. Must possess and maintain the First Aid/CPR/AED certification and have the American Canoe Association Kayak or SUP Instructor certification, or the ability to obtain both upon hire.
• Must be 18 or older.
• Candidates must demonstrate proficient skills and experience in most of the following: mountain biking, rock climbing, backpacking, camping, paddling, sailing, gear clean-up/prep and/or event assistance.
• Enthusiasm to lead outdoor recreation activities for all ages and abilities in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to plan and implement outdoor recreation programs to a variety of audiences, including youth, teens, adults, and seniors. Preferred skill areas include, but not limited to, mountain biking, camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, sailing, rock climbing, backpacking, adaptive recreation, event planning, and winter activities.
• Ability to operate trucks and vans with trailers to transport equipment, including ability to drive, back-up, and park trucks and vans with trailers.
• Proficiency in software programs including all Microsoft Office programs.
• Mature professional attitude and considerable discretion, including ability to manage confidential information.
• Management skills and strong business acumen, including problem solving, vision, ability to manage multiple programs and meet deadlines, collaboration, leadership, decision making and ability to analyze diverse facts and develop clear and concise reports and recommendations
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.
• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.
• Ability to work overnight night programs as required/needed

Work Schedule:  Varies; Outdoor Recreation offices are located at Garfield Park Center but staff will deliver programs throughout Cuyahoga County and beyond

Filing Deadline:  04/06/2022

How to apply:

Please visit our career site at www.clevelandmetroparks.com or copy and paste the following link into your web browser: https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?c=1151751&d=ExternalCareerSite&r=5000810445206&_fromPublish=true#/