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. Plans, designs, promotes, outfits, and leads outdoor recreation programs/activities to diverse audiences: Determines level of ability of 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.
2. 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. Depending on position, may clothe and provide safety equipment necessary to outfit youth for any weather condition.
3. Assists with administrative tasks including but not limited to answering phones, creating promotional materials, and planning programs.
4. Assists with program and event preparation, gear preparation, and clean-up.
5. Operates pick-up trucks and vans with trailers to transport equipment, including ability to drive, back-up, and park trucks and vans with trailers to various park locations.
6. Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.

Qualifications:

• 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.  Must be available to work mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.
 
Filing Deadline:  Open until filled