Climbing & Challenge Director

Overview

We Have a Strong Commitment to Equity

The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Tell Me About This Job!

This position provides direct supervision to overall operation of adventure program and challenge course counselors at Camp Colman on the beautiful Key Peninsula in Longbranch, WA. The role is a member of the Resident Camp management team and works with other on-site managers to ensure the successful operation of all camp programming.

To learn more about working with Camp & Outdoor Leadership at the Y, please visit us online at www.campingandoutdoorleadership.org.

Compensation: $95/day, Staff returning to the same or equivalent job for the second season : $101/day, Staff returning to the same or equivalent job for third season : $107/day, staff returning to the same or equivalent job for 4 or more seasons : $113/day.

What You'll Get From Working at The Y

Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle

Free access to mental health resources

Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO) available immediately upon hire

Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

Supervises campers and staff using the Challenge Course. Ensures that all staff are accounting for campers and safety at all times

Plans, schedules, and facilitates program activities that are developmentally appropriate and which promote camper skill and character development, e.g. village and cabin activities and skill periods

Maintains safety and cleanliness standards; takes special note of individual camper/staff health needs or concerns on a daily basis; shares cleaning duties with fellow staff

Ensures that counselors are planning and organizing activities

Communicates personal or camper/staff needs to supervisor in a timely manner

Maintains equipment in sound and safe order

Ensures proper documentation of challenge course usage, including (but not limited to) ropes use logs, equipment checks, and more

Attends meeting and trainings

Maintains current ACCT certification for self and attends annual professional development opportunities

Partners with Camp's full time Challenge Course Manager to address any safety or procedural concerns that may arise

Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, program and equipment inspection written documentation, and emergencies

Other duties as assigned

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements.

Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.

Work Environment

This job operates at a seasonal residential camp, both inside and outdoors. Staff housing is apartment style, shared housing.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift store or janitorial products and supplies, up to 50 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, seasonal position ( May 31, 2027 - August 25, 2027) . The usual camp workweek is six day on and one day off, including training, staff meetings, and regular duties.

Travel

This position is required to live onsite at camp. Travel is primarily local during work shifts, although some out-of-the-area travel may be expected. This is an Authorized Driver position, read more in the Position Requirements.

Code of Conduct for Applicants

Qualifications

What We're Looking for in an Applicant

Current W-EMT, WFR, and WFA certification*

Current state approved first aid certification*

Current state approved CPR certification*

Ability to mentor staff in technical backcountry skills, including backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and mountaineering

Two years or more of related experience, with proven experience in training others

One or more years of experience with staff and volunteer supervision, program development, and budget management

Experience with and knowledge of youth behavior management and child abuse prevention

Intermediate computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office suite

*CPR/First Aid training will be provided onsite.

Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience

Level 2 Challenge Course Certified or have the ability to become certified within 6 months

Bachelor’s degree in relevant program or equivalent education or experience

Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful

Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building

Our Mission

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

YMCA of Greater Seattle's Core Values

• Respect • Responsibility • Honesty • Caring • Passion for Excellence

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.

All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.

Essential Functions

Supervises campers and staff using the Challenge Course. Ensures that all staff are accounting for campers and safety at all times

Plans, schedules, and facilitates program activities that are developmentally appropriate and which promote camper skill and character development, e.g. village and cabin activities and skill periods

Maintains safety and cleanliness standards; takes special note of individual camper/staff health needs or concerns on a daily basis; shares cleaning duties with fellow staff

Ensures that counselors are planning and organizing activities

Communicates personal or camper/staff needs to supervisor in a timely manner

Maintains equipment in sound and safe order

Ensures proper documentation of challenge course usage, including (but not limited to) ropes use logs, equipment checks, and more

Attends meeting and trainings

Maintains current ACCT certification for self and attends annual professional development opportunities

Partners with Camp's full time Challenge Course Manager to address any safety or procedural concerns that may arise

Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, program and equipment inspection written documentation, and emergencies

Other duties as assigned

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements.

Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.

Work Environment

This job operates at a seasonal residential camp, both inside and outdoors. Staff housing is apartment style, shared housing.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift store or janitorial products and supplies, up to 50 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, seasonal position ( May 31, 2027 - August 25, 2027) . The usual camp workweek is six day on and one day off, including training, staff meetings, and regular duties.

Travel

This position is required to live onsite at camp. Travel is primarily local during work shifts, although some out-of-the-area travel may be expected. This is an Authorized Driver position, read more in the Position Requirements.

Code of Conduct for Applicants

What We're Looking for in an Applicant

Current W-EMT, WFR, and WFA certification*

Current state approved first aid certification*

Current state approved CPR certification*

Ability to mentor staff in technical backcountry skills, including backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and mountaineering

Two years or more of related experience, with proven experience in training others

One or more years of experience with staff and volunteer supervision, program development, and budget management

Experience with and knowledge of youth behavior management and child abuse prevention

Intermediate computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office suite

*CPR/First Aid training will be provided onsite.

Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience

Level 2 Challenge Course Certified or have the ability to become certified within 6 months

Bachelor’s degree in relevant program or equivalent education or experience

Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful

Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building

Our Mission

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

YMCA of Greater Seattle's Core Values

• Respect • Responsibility • Honesty • Caring • Passion for Excellence

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.

All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.