Jobs at Pathfinder
Interested in joining the Pathfinder community? We are always looking for dynamic, passionate people who are highly motivated to foster a positive atmosphere, sense of community, and commitment to our mission.
Outdoor Education Facilitator
We are hiring for the 2024/25 season. Key dates - you must be available mid-August through end of September for training.
Program overview:
· Pathfinder provides 1 to 4 day outdoor adventure programs to groups of youth and adults in a variety of settings, primarily camp and conference centers in central Florida.
· Pathfinder is accredited through the Association of Experiential Education (AEE) and uses the experiential model as its guiding educational principle.
· Facilitators lead groups through team building activities, low and high challenge course, canoeing, outdoor skills, tree climbing, and environmental education classes based on the client’s selected schedule.
· A typical staff day is 8:00 am -10:00 pm and includes breaks and meals.
· Staff facilitate from 6 to 25 participants at a time depending on the activity. They will work alone and in teams at various times according to the schedule.
· Client groups range in size from 5 – 175 participants and range in age from elementary to adult.
· Programs are held in the “front country” - i.e. lodging is in climate-controlled dorms. Meals are served in a dining hall and there is access to electricity. Most sites have moderate cell coverage.
· Meals and lodging are typically provided while on program. Staff lodging is separate from clients.
· Long term lodging is not provided as part of this position.
Job description:
Each facilitator works with groups of participants following the customized program schedule. The facilitator is responsible for establishing a tone of fun, inclusion, and growth; helping the group set agreements; and working toward the group’s goals. Facilitators assess the needs of their group and work within the limits of the schedule to select activities that will provide a fun and meaningful experience. The facilitator is responsible for the safety of the group and must follow Pathfinder procedures and policies. All the facilitators assigned to a program work as a team to prepare, set up, clean up, and debrief the event.
Technical and content-oriented skills:
Technical skill training is provided. Previous experience with any of the following is preferred:
· Facilitation of team-building activities, social emotional learning, and self-development.
· Facilitation of low challenge course and high ropes.
· Facilitation of canoeing.
· Facilitation of tree climbing.
· Facilitation of outdoor living skills (fire-building, shelter building, night hikes etc.).
· Facilitation of environmental programs with an emphasis on Florida ecology and conservation.
· Degree in outdoor education, environmental education or related field is not required but is a plus.
Interpersonal skills:
Facilitation training is provided and ongoing. The most successful facilitators have already cultivated some of the following abilities:
· Be punctual and dependable.
· Role model healthy and empowered decision-making skills.
· Demonstrate compassion, patience, and sensitivity to diverse populations.
· Build rapport with and experientially engage groups of various backgrounds and ages.
· Facilitate group discussions which result in social skill building and goal-setting.
· Assess learner needs and adapt lesson plans accordingly.
· Be proactive, flexible, and willing to both give and receive feedback in productive, growth-oriented ways.
Qualifications:
· Ideally some experience working with youth in a camp or educational setting.
· Ability to work full and active days outside in Florida weather.
· Reliable transportation to our partner sites (see website for locations).
· Ability to lift and/or move up to 40 lbs.
· Internet access and ability to communicate regularly by phone and email.
· Minimum 20 years of age.
Work schedule, start date, and training:
· Working weeks averages 20-30 hours over 2-3 days including evenings and weekends.
· Amount of work varies from month to month or different seasons.
· Start date: training and observation is available at select times.
· First Aid, CPR/AED, Lifeguard, Challenge Course, High Ropes and Tree Climbing training are provided during this time or on an as-needed basis.
Application process:
· Review our website.
· Complete the Pathfinder Employment Application online and attach a copy of your resume and a cover letter. You may also download a PDF and email your materials to breanne@pathfinderoutdooreducation.org, or send via mail to 1310 22nd Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705.
· Interview and, if local, observe programing at one of our sites.
· If employed, a background check will include fingerprinting and criminal history.
Compensation Range: $15.50 and up per hour depending on experience and educational background.
Pathfinder is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse community that is inclusive of people from all backgrounds.
People of color, LGBTQIA+, bilingual and bicultural people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Pathfinder's Vision:
Communities of inclusion, integrity, and sustainability.
Pathfinder's Mission:
To deliver fun, challenging adventures that help people learn about themselves, others, and the environment.
Pathfinder's Core Values:
Respect. Integrity. Choice. Cooperation. Fun. Caring. Growth.