Outdoor Adventure Program Aide #2410-1013-02

This position offers an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about outdoor recreation, environmental education, and community engagement. In this role, you will support and help coordinate a variety of programs that promote outdoor adventure, team-building, and environmental science education in New Haven’s parks. Working alongside Park Rangers and under the guidance of the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator, you will play a key role in engaging participants of all ages, particularly youth, in nature-based activities. Your responsibilities will range from maintaining trails and outdoor equipment to assisting with program logistics and providing hands-on instruction in both classroom and outdoor settings.

• Present and support natural history, natural recreation, team building, and outdoor adventure programs for people of all ages.
• Helps set up equipment and materials needed for each program.
• Supervises participants of all ages to ensure their enjoyment and safety during activities.
• Assists with administrative tasks such as promotion of programming, registration, attendance tracking, record keeping.
• Assists in supervision of volunteers and students in nature recreation activities year-round.
• Communicates well with program participants, parents and program staff.
• Assists with maintaining access, cleanliness and orderliness of program areas and equipment.
• Represents the department at citywide and community events, meetings and facilities.
• Follows safety guidelines and protocols established by the department.
• Perform related work as required.

Recent high school graduate, college student or recent college graduate. Ability to work with groups ranging from age 5 - 95. Basic First Aid skills, including CPR, Heimlich Maneuver, treatment of allergic reactions, and concussion protocol is highly desirable. Experience in natural history, information interpretation, environmental education or recreation, or a combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Previous experience working with the public, comfortable with public speaking and working with groups. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• A working knowledge of general natural history, organized recreation, and outdoor adventure activities.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work well in a team environment with shared goals.
• Ability to work independently, once trained.
• Ability to use basic hand tools, battery/electric operated tools and follow instructions pertaining to trail maintenance and improvement of amenities.
• Ability to support in delivery of nature education and outdoor adventure programs for participants of all ages, including those adapted for individuals with physical or mental challenges.
• Ability to work with diverse groups interested in the advocacy of parks programs.
• Ability to accurately enter program records and information into spreadsheets and word processing programs.
• Effective planning, prioritization and organizational skills.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, as programming may include evening and weekend schedules.
• Bilingual ability (Spanish preferred) desired but not required.
• A valid driver’s license is not required but is preferred.

• Ability to work in various conditions, including inclement weather such as rain or snow, and a variety or temperatures.
• Agility and physical fitness to be mobile and stand for extended periods of time.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.