Ropes Challenge Course Manager-Coordinator (Seasonal)

Position Title: Ropes Challenge Course Manager-Coordinator
Reports To: Outdoor Program Manager/Sr. Director of Outdoor Programs
Department: Outdoor Programs / Camp / Property
Status: Seasonal
Location: Girl Scouts of Western New York Camp Properties

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS:

Are you mission-driven, looking to work in a dynamic team environment, and influence the lives of girls? If so, take the time to check out Girl Scouts of Western New York.

Since 1912, Girl Scouts has empowered girls to develop the skills and the voice to become successful and productive citizens. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

If you’d like to be part of this exciting, empowering, and valuable experience, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!

SUMMARY:

The Ropes Challenge Course Manager-Coordinator is responsible for the overall coordination, operation, safety, training, and administration of the ropes challenge course and programs at Girl Scouts of Western New York camp properties. This position oversees ropes challenge course operations, supervises facilitators and facilitators-in-training, coordinates program scheduling, conducts training and assessments, maintains equipment and records, and ensures compliance with all applicable standards and regulations.

The Ropes Challenge Course Manager-Coordinator works closely with the Sr. Director of Outdoor Program to provide safe, engaging, and high-quality ropes challenge course experiences for youth and adults while promoting teamwork, personal growth, leadership development, and risk management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Program Leadership & Administration

• Coordinate and schedule all ropes challenge course program requests.
• Recruit, schedule, and supervise off-season and seasonal ropes challenge course facilitators.
• Develop and implement progressive ropes challenge course experiences for participants.
• Teach games, initiatives, team-building activities, and introductory ropes challenge course programs.
• Provide participants with attainable and appropriate challenges that promote growth and confidence.
• Serve as the primary resource for ropes challenge course operations and programming.
• Complete required evaluations, reports, timesheets, and other program documentation.

Training & Staff Development

• Conduct annual training and certification refreshers for ropes challenge course facilitators and facilitators-in-training.
• Facilitate skill assessments and evaluations for facilitators seeking advancement to higher levels.
• Mentor and support facilitators to ensure safe and effective program delivery.
• Ensure facilitators maintain required certifications and demonstrate competency in ropes challenge course operations.
• Participate in and assist with all required ropes challenge course trainings and professional development opportunities.
• Must maintain level 1 & 2 ropes challenge course certification along with ropes course management certification.

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), American Camp Association (ACA), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and local operating procedures (LOPs).
• Lead by example and maintain a strong culture of safety at all times.
• Conduct routine inspections of ropes challenge course elements, equipment, and facilities prior to use.
• Immediately report accidents, incidents, hazards, and concerns to the Sr. Director of Outdoor Program.
• Maintain accurate safety records and equipment logs.
• Ensure proper use, care, storage, and maintenance of all ropes challenge course equipment.

Equipment & Facility Management

• Maintain inventory of all ropes challenge course equipment and recommend purchases as needed.
• Ensure ropes challenge course logbooks and equipment records are complete, accurate, and current.
• Coordinate seasonal setup and takedown of ropes challenge course elements in partnership with camp site managers.
• Assist with annual inspections, permitting requirements, and regulatory compliance processes with NYS Health Department, ACA, GSUSA and NYS Labor Department.
• Monitor equipment condition and remove damaged or unsafe equipment from service.

Participant Supervision & Customer Service

• Provide direct supervision and instruction to youth and adult participants.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of participants and staff.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment.
• Deliver excellent customer service to participants, volunteers, staff, and community members.
• Assist campers and participants during emergency situations as needed.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality;
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities;
• Commitment to diversity and ability to interact with diverse populations;
• Strong time management skills with ability to work independently and effectively prioritize duties and tasks.
• Capacity to manage stress effectively and work well under pressure;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly;
• Proven capability to work in a collaborative, service-focused environment;
• Capacity to work well with others in a congenial and effective manner;
• Ability to effectively manage and foster relationships with council staff, volunteers within the camp community;
• Subscribe to the principles of the Girl Scout Movement and become a registered member of GSUSA;
• Successfully pass the required background checks at hire and thereafter;
• Maintain reliable transportation to and from home and work/camp;
• If travel is required, must possess a valid driver’s license, meet minimum state auto insurance requirements, and meet the insurance carrier’s requirements for coverage.
• Assist the campers in emergency situations.
• Lift 35 pounds.
• Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of campers.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, self-control and ability to adapt well to changing situations.
• Participate in structured and unstructured activities.
• Accept and follow directions both in verbal and written form.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Willingness to abide by the policies, procedures, and practices of Girl Scouts of Western New York.
• Current Lead Facilitator, Ropes Course Trainer, or equivalent challenge course leadership experience approved by the Sr. Director of Outdoor Program.
• Certification as a Challenge Course Manager through Project Adventure or the ability to obtain certification.
• Demonstrated experience leading challenge course programs and supervising staff.
• Minimum of 120 documented challenge course program hours preferred, including:
  • 60 hours as a Facilitator-in-Training
  • 60 hours as a Facilitator
  • Equivalent documented experience may be considered.
• Current certification in American Red Cross Responding to Emergencies (RTE), CPR Pro or willingness to obtain certification.
• Demonstrated ability to guide, supervise, and mentor youth and adults.
• Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the mission of Girl Scouting.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and irregular hours as required.
• Active membership in Girl Scouts of the USA (or willingness to obtain membership upon hire).

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
• Possess the strength, stamina, and endurance required to safely facilitate challenge course activities.
• Maintain constant supervision of participants in both structured and unstructured settings.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, patience, self-control, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
• Follow directions and procedures in both verbal and written form.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and Supervision
• Risk Management and Safety Awareness
• Team Building and Facilitation
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Customer Service
• Organization and Time Management
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Adaptability and Professionalism
• Commitment to the Girl Scout Mission and Values

PAY RATE:

$175/Half Day - $225/Full Day

GIRL SCOUT MEMBERSHIP:

All Employees of Girl Scouts must maintain an active, annual membership in Girl Scouts of Western New York. This membership must be renewed annually, and all newly hired employees are expected to enroll with GSWNY within the first 30 days of their employment.

EXEMPTION:

Girl Scouts of Western New York seasonal camp and camp-related positions are subject to the Federal and New York State exemption laws under Section 13(a)(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Seasonal staff working at camp may be paid in accordance with this exemption. Seasonal employees are not eligible for company-sponsored group benefits.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL:

Girl Scouts of Western New York celebrates diversity in all forms and is committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment for all. All employment decisions are based qualifications, merit, performance and the needs of the organization. As an equal opportunity employer, GSWNY does not discriminate on the basis of any qualified applicant’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status or any other groups or persons protected by federal, state or local law.