Description

Nature of Work

EPRD is seeking a Program Director to lead our summer rock-climbing & High Adventure Day/overnight camp for ages 12-17. You’ll own safety and risk management, staff training, daily operations, parent communications, and program quality across multiple sites/crags. Ideal for an experienced climbing educator who can combine field leadership with smooth logistics and excellent customer care. This position will be paid a weekly wage of $850-$1200 per week, depending on experience.

Essential Functions

Program Leadership

• Design a progressive, age-appropriate curriculum spanning movement skills & belaying, MTB handling & trail ethics, rafting trip readiness, challenge-course facilitation, camp craft, and Leave No Trace.
• Build weekly schedules: crag/flow trails/river days/overnights; balance progression, rest, and weather contingencies.
• Maintain and iterate SOPs and Emergency Action Plans for each venue and activity.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Lead daily briefings and site hazard assessments; make go/no-go calls for heat/smoke/lightning/trail conditions etc., and have contingencies planned.
• Oversee technical systems for single-pitch top-rope climbing (helmet/harness checks, anchors), MTB group management (sweep/lead, spacing, features), and challenge course (belay methods, pre-use inspections).
• Coordinate rafting days with a licensed outfitter; verify guide credentials, trip plans, ratios, flow cutoffs, and waivers.
• Ensure compliance with permits/land managers (e.g., USFS/BLM/State Parks), insurance requirements, and relevant standards (ACA—American Camp Association; ACCT—challenge courses).
• Manage incident/near-miss reporting, post-incident debriefs, and parent notifications.

People & Culture

• Recruit, hire, schedule, and coach seasonal staff (Instructors, Leads, Logistics/Drivers).
• Plan/delivery staff training: technical systems (climb/MTB/challenge), youth development & behavior support, DEI, risk management, and parent communication.
• Foster an equitable, camper-centered culture; handle performance and behavior concerns promptly.

Operations & Logistics

• Create daily movement plans, transportation matrices, gear lists, and site assignments; secure/track permits and campsite reservations.
• Manage inventory and inspections: ropes/hardware, bikes & tools/spares, helmets/PPE, challenge-course elements, first-aid kits, stoves/tents. Retire gear per manufacturer guidelines.
• Oversee vehicle readiness: 12–15-passenger vans and trailers (if used); enforce transportation protocols.
• Own family communications: pre-season info, daily updates, incident notes, and end-of-session showcases.

Quality & Measurement

• Conduct field observations and give feedback; track KPIs (attendance, satisfaction, incidents, budget adherence).

All other Duties as Assigned

Requirements

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Age 21+ with clean MVR; confident driving vans and (ideally) towing small trailers.
• 2+ seasons leading youth outdoor programs with multi-activity scope and staff supervision.
• Technical fluency in: single-pitch top-rope site management; group MTB on green/blue trails; basic challenge-course facilitation; overnight camping systems.
• Strong judgment in dynamic field conditions; clear communicator with youth, parents, staff, land managers, and vendors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Climbing: AMGA Single-Pitch Instructor (SPI) or higher training.
• Medical: Wilderness First Responder (WFR)/Wilderness First Aid (WFA) + CPR (minimum accepted: CPR).
• Challenge Course: ACCT training/experience; belay facilitation and inspections.
• MTB: BICP/PMBIA Level 1 (or equivalent) and bike maintenance basics.
• Rafting/Vendors: Experience coordinating trips with licensed outfitters; Swiftwater awareness a plus (not as a guide).
• Leave No Trace Trainer; familiar with ACA standards and state youth-camp regulations.
• Experience securing permits and running multi-site programs at scale.

Certifications & Background Checks

• Current [WFR/WFA] and CPR by [start date].
• Pass background check and mandated reporter training per state law and EPRD policy.
• Eligible to work in USA; able to complete vendor/land-manager onboarding.

 Physical & Schedule Requirements

• Lift/carry 50 lbs; hike uneven terrain with gear; ride MTB on green/blue trails; work outdoors in variable weather.
• Early starts, some evenings, [weekend/overnight] rotations; comfortable working at height and around water within program protocols.