Backcountry Instructor

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we're looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state.
At the Y, we're an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.
Job Title/Job Code: Backcountry Instructor
Department: Resident Camp
Branch: HAY
Supervisor: BOLD & GOLD Program Administrator
As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest, most nimble and essential nonprofits in Atlanta. Mission-bound to serve, we are an organization designed to meet all people where, how and when they need us. In times of peace, we are a catalyst for connection; in times of crisis, a source of comfort and security. Join us as we carry out our commitment to positively impact lives and communities across the state.
The opportunities to serve are vast, and we're looking for a diverse mix of people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY, to join us and do their best work.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our people, our members, and our partners. We are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other wonderful characteristics that make us different.
Nature and Scope:
Under the direction of the BOLD & GOLD Program Administrator the Backcountry instructors will be responsible for the physical, mental, and emotional safety of up to ten participants on six separate week-long outdoor based expeditions. Programs are based out of YMCA Camp High Harbour at Lake Allatoona.
The BOLD (Boys Outdoor Leadership Development) & GOLD (Girls Outdoor Leadership Development) Program is dedicated to inspiring courage and confidence in diverse groups of adolescent youth through outdoor adventures. Activities may include, but are not limited to: backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, mountaineering, fishing, yoga, art, music, literature, backcountry cooking and having FUN! Our goal is to increase confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, wonder, and community awareness in participants. We believe these traits are the foundations of leadership and work to inspire participants to develop their own leadership style. We prepare young people to be the next generation of thought leaders through multicultural experiential education in the natural world.
Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the learning of outdoor skills during wilderness-based courses.
• Ensure a physically, mentally and emotionally safe environment.
• Create value-forming experiences for participants.
• Create an inclusive environment for all in the outdoors
• Supports operating plans to promote program growth, program impact and safety for the YMCA.
• Works cooperatively with professional staff and other program staff
• Assures compliance with state and local regulations.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (files, reports, rosters, health records, etc.)
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Follow and maintain sanitary habits in accordance with CDC guidelines and YMCA Safety Protocol.

Minimum Requirements:

• Instructors must be available for training in April and May
• Strong customer service skills and personal commitment to service and hospitality.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, problem solve and possess effective time management skills.
• Ability to establish, collaborate and maintain relationships with staff, YMCA members, and volunteers
• Exemplify YMCA values (caring, honest, respect & responsibility) and a professional image.

Preferred Requirements:

• 21 or older years of age
• Current WFA, WFR, or W-EMT and CPR. Medical training may vary depending on location

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of outdoor locations.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.

Keys to Instructor Success:

• Professional instructing experience in hired course type.
• Commitment to working with diverse groups.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills in adverse environments.
• Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict management skills.
• Experience facilitating activities addressing issues facing adolescent youth of all kinds.
• Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the lives of our participants once they are home.
• Knowing how to have fun!

Dates of Employment: Summer programs operate from May 30th through July 30th with training beginning in April or May. Instructors are contracted on a full summer position or on a course-by-course basis. Opportunities exist for additional work based on interest and availability in the beginning of May and continuing into late July. Must be available evenings and weekends. Full summer commitment is preferred; however, instructors do not have to be available for all dates.
Employment Requirement:

• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening and motor vehicle record (MVR) according to company policy.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship.

This job posting is subject to change at any time.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence. The opportunities to serve are vast, and we're looking for a diverse mix of people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY to join us and do their best work.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Location:
YMCA Camp High Harbour at Lake Allatoona