Staff

Classification: Part-time/Contract

Reports to: Center Director Position

Purpose:

Peaks Adventure Programs Staff cover different job responsibilities, serving as ropes course facilitators, canoe and archery instructors, as well as event staff, in response to programming needs. The Peaks Adventure Program Staff is responsible for facilitating and teaching activities and guiding participants in their personal growth through adventure. Peaks Adventure Staff also assist in all other event functions on and off site. The preparation, set-up, facilitation, and breakdown are all included as a part of this role. The Peaks Adventure Program Staff will report directly to the Center Director.

Essential Job Functions:

This position covers a wide range of duties at The Peaks. Applicants are not required to be qualified in all aspects of the position at hiring but should be ready to participate in on-the-job training to gain qualification on job duties. There will be the opportunity for staff to get certified as a ropes course facilitator, archery instructor, canoe instructor, and lifeguard. Special consideration for applicants who are currently lifeguard certified or are willing to become certified

Ropes Course Facilitator

1. Maintain high standards of safety in all ropes course activities for self, staff, and participants.

• Set up, take down and daily safety checks of all the elements on the ropes course.
• Be alert to ropes equipment and facilities to ensure proper use, care, and maintenance is adhered to; report necessary repairs promptly to camp director.

2. Assist in the direction, supervision, and safety of ropes course participants.

• Assure ropes course participants are properly supervised at all times.
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.

3. Participate in the development and implementation of ropes course activities for participants within the mission and preferred outcomes of the group.

• Responsible for leading and assisting with the teaching and facilitation of activities.
• Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.

Canoe Instructor

1. Maintain high standards of safety in all canoe activities for self, staff, and participants.

• Be alert to canoe equipment to ensure proper use, care, and maintenance is adhered to; report necessary repairs promptly to camp director.

2. Assist in the direction, supervision, and safety of canoe participants.

• Assure canoe participants are properly supervised at all times. Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.

Archery Instructor

1. Maintain high standards of safety in all archery activities for self, staff, and participants.

• Be alert to archery equipment to ensure proper use, care, and maintenance is adhered to; report necessary repairs promptly to camp director.

2. Assist in the direction, supervision, and safety of archery participants.

• Assure archery participants are properly supervised at all times. Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.  

Event Staff

1. Assist in the planning, preparation, production, and breakdown of special events: both private events and The Peaks events.

2. Provide feedback during the planning of special events.

3. Assist in special event production.

4. Help with customer parking, greeting, and/or tours.

5. Assist in program or curriculum facilitation, as needed.

6. Assist in event breakdown, as needed. a. Putting away and organizing any equipment that is property of The Peaks. b. Cleaning the facilities.

7. Bring relevant damages to the attention of the Facility Manager.

Lifeguard

1. Supervise all pool activities including camps and special events.

• Provide supervision during pool activities to help prevent and manage injuries.
• Provide rescues as needed.
• Perform first aid and CPR and other emergency management services as needed.
• Understand and implement appropriate response to changes in water conditions or weather conditions affecting the pool.
• Evaluate aquatics abilities of guests, including campers to ensure everyone is staying safe.

2. Assist in pool activity facilitation during camps and special events

• Ensure campers, staff, and guests follow safety procedures while participating pool activities.
• Act as reference for facilitation in pool activities. 

Other Job Duties:

• Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Assist with The Peaks facilities, programming, and events as directed by the Center Director.

Equipment Used:

Adventure Program Staff may be asked to use fire protection equipment, washers and dryers, dishwashers, specialty program equipment, 4-wheeler, and side-by-side ATV for the transportation of equipment.

Qualifications & Position Expectations:

• Must be 18 years of age or high school graduate.
• Must have or be able to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Be able to work on-site at the Center for extended hours, and willing to stay overnight in staff quarters for longer programs.
• Must be willing to get necessary certifications (lifeguard, challenge course, archery, etc.) (funded by employer if needed)
• Must submit health history record and examination form prior to first day of work.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from workplace.
• Must be thorough, attentive to detail, and comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to interact with all age levels.
• Eager to #MakeADifference.
• Have fun! 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in designated adventure program areas.
• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to participants and staff.

Physical Aspects of the Job:

• Ability to observe participant behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
• Must be able to assist participants in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury).

Some physical requirements of The Peaks Facilitator position include prolonged standing, some bending and stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs; willing to stay overnight in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities; daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals including insects, snakes, and bats, among others. 

Compensation: $18-22/hour

To Apply:

Submit a cover note and resume to PeaksJobs@CustomEd.org with Subject Line: Peaks Adventure Program Staff

About The Peaks Retreat & Adventure Center

The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center facilities include a 66-acre conference and event facility located 30 minutes outside of Roanoke, Virginia. On-site, the center features 8,500 square feet of indoor event space, a 1,000 square foot caterer’s kitchen, and on-site lodging for up to 80 guests. Amenities include an outdoor stage, amphitheater, hiking trails, zip-line, climbing-wall, low ropes course, swimming pool, pond, sand volleyball court, basketball court, disc golf course, and multiple large open fields.

About CustomED (www.CustomED.org)

CustomED is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that designs and implements extraordinary programs and experiences that solve challenges in education, training, and outreach for a variety of organizations. Our mission is to provide extraordinary educational experiences that inspire and motivate learners of all ages. We work with schools, nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, trade associations, and foundations.