"Outdoor Program Manager"

Outdoor Program Manager

Company:
Western New Mexico University

Job Location:
Silver City, 88062

Category:
Athletics - Recreation Services

Type:
Full-Time

Position Classification: Staff

Employment Type: Full-Time

Benefits: Full Time Benefitted

Department: Natural Sciences

Summary

Responsible for the coordination, implementation, management, and daily operations of the co-curricular outdoor program.

Duties

1. Manage and supervise daily operation of the outdoor gear rental facility, which is open to the public. Recruit, supervise, schedule, train and mentor student employees and maintain regular business hours of the facility.
2. Responsible for inventory and maintenance of inventory and program equipment. Track rental inventory for appropriate replacement following industry standard practices.
3. In coordination with the program director, plan and provide oversight of co-curricular outdoor programs to include budgeting, implementing, assessing, and maintaining best practices, risk management and environmental stewardship. Interface with students and other campus constituencies on logistical planning and implementation.
4. Lead multi-day trips as appropriate. Maintain records and documentation of all trips for assessment and risk management purposes.
5. In coordination with the program director, develop and implement co-curricular student leadership training focused on leadership skill development, risk management, customer service, and peer mentoring strategies.
6. In coordination with the program director, develop, manage, and lead a wilderness orientation program for incoming freshmen. Assist with single-day new student orientation programming to include student training and supervision.
7. Engage in program assessment.
8. Oversee general maintenance of the public disc golf course, including quarterly trash cleanup and ensuring the area remains safe and welcoming for community use.
9. Assist in coordinating logistics for wilderness medicine certification courses.
10. Follow risk management policies and procedures established for university outdoor programming.
11. Maintains a supportive environment with students, other faculty and staff and supports the development of an empowering work environment.
12. Provides professional contributions within areas of expertise as appropriate.
13. Participates in departmental and University committees and special projects.
14. Provides a broad range of administrative and supervisory functions. Supervises assigned staff in accordance with WNMU personnel practices including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, guidance, etc. Participates in the process of ongoing personal and professional development. Maintains comprehensive communication among all contacts (internal and external). Models professional standards and ethics in accordance with WNMU philosophy.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Background

B.A or B.S. in Recreation Management, Parks, Tourism, Leisure Studies, Outdoor Recreation, Outdoor Education, Environmental Science, Adventure Education, Outdoor Education, or other closely related field, plus four years of demonstrable post-degree professional experience directly related to the assignment. M.A. or M.S. with one-year post graduate degree experience preferred. Experience with college/ university outdoor programs preferred; familiarity with the Association for Experiential Education, Association for Outdoor Recreation Education, the Wilderness Education Association, National Outdoor Leadership School, Outward Bound, National Recreation and Park Association, and/or similar professional organizations. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

Job Knowledge

Possess a broad background in outdoor education, environmental education, parks and recreation, and/or experiential education. Demonstrated field experience leading and working with others in a variety of outdoor settings. Must understand professional standards of practice in the outdoor industry. Working knowledge of accreditation standards for adventure programs is a plus. Experience working with diverse groups. Experience working with first-generation students in small classroom settings and remote field environments. field is a plus. Ability to teach with a nationally recognized certification such as AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, ACA, LNT, Swiftwater Rescue as appropriate. Must become knowledgeable of university policies and procedures. Must be able to handle multiple deadlines and maintain accuracy. Must be sensitive to cultural differences within the university and community. Fluent in Microsoft Office Applications.

Working Conditions/ Physical Demands (With or Without Accommodations)

Required to work in outdoor settings, occasionally over multiple days, or additional hours. Frequent exposure to harsh outdoor conditions in a variety of terrains, in all seasons. Ability to handle outdoor conditions for a majority of the work of time. Ability to move around campus and outdoor settings. Ability to work flexible hours to include nights, weekends, and holidays. Required to travel for trips. Must be able to stoop, bend, squat, climb, sit on floor and ambulate over uneven surfaces including stairs, steps, hills, mountains, etc. Ability to comprehend and work with a variety of information from various sources. Able to clearly communicate with a diverse population of individuals. Ability to compose correspondence and reports and remain in a sedentary position for prolonged periods of time. May be required to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.

Other Requirements

1. Requires a valid New Mexico driver's license.
2. Must pass a Defensive Driving Course within 6 months of hire date. (If applicable)
3. Must hold Wilderness First Responder certification, or equivalent, or be able to secure certification within 2 months from hire.

Location: Silver City

Salary Range: $48,500

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