Cycling Specialist in Ctr. Tuftonboro, New Hampshire at AMERICAN YOUTH FOUNDATION

American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

Cycling Specialists are part of a team of leaders facilitating 3–6-day cycling trips with youth aged 13–16. Rather than working with one group for the whole session, the Cycling Specialist accompanies groups of campers and their leaders on the cycling portion of their trip schedule. Trips take place in a mix of front- and back-country environments, on a mix of gravel trails and paved roads. Trip groups can be single-gender or coed and range in size from 4–10 campers with two adult leaders, and are supported by a vehicle that carries gear between campsites. Extensive training in element-specific safety, skills, and protocols is provided. When not on trail, Cycling Specialists fold into the logistics team and participate in all-camp programming and activities alongside campers and other staff.

Job Locations

• Merrowvista – Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire
• The Merrowvista site necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• The Cycling Specialist lives onsite during staff training and the two camp sessions, in shared housing when onsite and in tents when on trail, including weekends and evenings, to be available 24 hours/day in case of emergency response.
• Housing and all meals are provided.

Job Type

Seasonal

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Position Responsibilities

• Accompany trip groups on cycling trips and provide expertise on cycling safety and technique, as well as bike maintenance.
• Facilitate and teach cycling skills to campers.
• Help manage individual and group behavior on cycling trips: resolve conflict and enforce community standards of respect for all.
• Ensure the safety of campers at all times, following and implementing all safety standards, and assist campers in need throughout the day and night when on trail.
• Build relationships with campers to foster friendly, nurturing, and age-appropriate group dynamics.
• Maintain proper social boundaries with campers, ensuring all conduct and conversations are above reproach.
• Communicate daily with supervisor, attend staff meetings, and follow guidance and instruction from Coordinators, Managers, and Directors, especially pertaining to trip routes, logistics, and trail safety.
• Contribute to the logistics team when in-camp, including assisting with bike maintenance and care of gear.
• Participate in all camp programming: early morning and evening activities, meals, and daily reflections.
• Assist with camp programming and provide staff coverage when needed.
• This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Wilderness First Responder, or Wilderness First Aid and CPR (training available onsite for employees needing certification).
• Minimum age: 21 years old (proof of significant relevant experience may make candidates under 21 eligible).
• Extensive experience in one or more of the following: bicycle touring, mountain biking, or bikepacking.
• Experience fixing and maintaining bicycles in the field (e.g., fixing flats, broken spokes, truing wheels).
• Possess or be willing to learn camping skills.
• 1–3 years working or volunteering with youth in recreational or educational settings.
• Academic or professional experience from which leadership experience and/or skills have been gained.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth-centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.

Preferred:

• Professional or academic experience in the field of outdoor or experiential education or a related field.
• A personality and character that exudes leadership, flexibility, trustworthiness, creativity, energy, inspiration, and positivity.
• Professional experience leading multi-day cycling trips.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.