Job Description
Outdoor Program Specialist
Company Overview
The Olympic Peninsula YMCA is a non-profit organization that oversees Y programs and focuses on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our mission is to build strong minds, bodies, and spirits throughout the communities we serve. We strive to promote the values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty. We are open to people of all ages, beliefs, incomes, races, genders, and abilities.
Job Description
Position: Outdoor Program Specialist – Junior Ranger Angler Program
Job Type: Part-time, Seasonal
Working Conditions: Active, dynamic environment primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions, including parks, trails, shorelines, lakes, and other outdoor recreation sites. Regular local travel and off-site field experiences required.
Schedule: Two 2-week program sessions, full days Monday–Friday
* Program dates: Must be available July 6–17 and August 10–21. Onboarding, training, prep time, and debrief are scheduled before and after each session—potential for additional programming beyond the listed dates.
General Function:
The Outdoor Program Specialist assists with the planning, leadership, and daily operation of YMCA outdoor youth programming under the supervision of the Branch Operations Manager. This position will lead the Junior Ranger Angler Program, a four-week seasonal program offered in two, two-week sessions, focused on outdoor exploration, fishing education, environmental stewardship, recreation skills, and youth development.
This role oversees day-to-day program activities, supports participant safety and engagement, manages supplies and schedules, communicates with families, provides staff mentorship and guidance, and ensures compliance with YMCA standards and risk management practices. This seasonal position may expand into additional outdoor recreation and youth programs as opportunities arise.
Key Responsibilities
Program Quality & Youth Experience
- Lead and support the implementation of the Junior Ranger Angler Program and related outdoor youth activities.
- Facilitate safe, engaging, and age-appropriate experiences focused on fishing skills, outdoor recreation, environmental education, teamwork, and confidence-building.
- Supervise participants during all program activities, including transportation, shoreline/waterfront activities, hiking, games, and field experiences.
- Create a welcoming, inclusive, and positive environment where youth feel connected and supported.
- Adapt activities based on weather, group needs, skill levels, and safety considerations.
- Build strong relationships with participants and families; communicate regularly and respond to questions or concerns in a timely manner.
Program Leadership & Operations
- Coordinate daily schedules, supplies, equipment setup, and activity flow.
- Maintain inventory and organization of fishing gear, outdoor equipment, first aid kits, and program materials.
- Assist with staff or volunteers assigned to the program by providing direction, support, and coaching.
- Serve as lead staff on-site during program hours and ensure smooth daily operations.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
Safety, Compliance & Administration
- Uphold YMCA policies related to youth supervision, transportation, water safety, emergency response, mandated reporting, and professional boundaries.
- Conduct routine safety checks of sites, equipment, and activities.
- Maintain accurate attendance, incident reports, medical information, permission forms, and daily records.
- Ensure participants use equipment safely and responsibly.
- Support registration, enrollment communication, and program documentation.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles and model environmental stewardship.
Additional Expectations
- Complete all YMCA onboarding and required training within designated timelines.
- Support YMCA events, community partnerships, and fundraising efforts when applicable.
- Flexible availability for occasional evenings/weekends tied to outdoor events or future programming.
- All other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- At least 21 years of age or older
- 1–2 years of experience working with youth required, preferably adolescents.
- Experience in outdoor recreation, camp, environmental education, fishing, parks, or youth leadership preferred.
- Strong leadership and group management skills.
- Comfortable leading youth in outdoor settings and around water with appropriate safety protocols.
- Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergencies.
- Strong communication skills with youth, families, and staff.
- Reliable organization and time management skills.
- Ability to hike moderate terrain, carry supplies, stand for extended periods, and work outdoors in changing weather.
- Ability to pass background and reference checks.
- Basic computer and communication skills.
- CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
- Ability to complete Child Abuse Prevention and all YMCA required trainings.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience teaching fishing, boating, ecology, wildlife, or outdoor skills.
- Knowledge of local parks, waterways, and outdoor recreation resources.
- Experience supervising seasonal staff or volunteers.
- Associate degree or higher in recreation, outdoor education, environmental studies, education, or related field.
- Age 25+ for YMCA vehicle driver eligibility.
- Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification preferred
- Interest in continued seasonal or year-round outdoor programming opportunities with the YMCA.
Driver Requirements
Private Vehicle, Requesting Reimbursement
- Valid driver’s license
- Proof of Insurance
YMCA vehicle
- 25 years of age or older
- Valid driver’s license
- Driving record that meets or exceeds YMCA standards, a driver records request will be submitted.
Physical Requirements
- Able to bend at the waist to pick up supplies, sit on the floor, play games, and perform daily cleaning tasks
- Ability to lift 30 lbs.
- Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods
- Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting the voice across distance in normal and loud situations
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computers and office equipment
- Vision capabilities are adequate to monitor the youth in the program
- Hearing and speaking to exchange and gather information, and provide assistance to youth and parents/guardians in the program
YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer