This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Certified Operator Counselor is responsible for the operation of challenge course activities. The Certified Operator is responsible for ensuring a safe environment at all times, including equipment, and for the proper and effective use of the challenge course and its activities. The Certified Operator Counselor maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
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Recognize risks which are inherent in each activity.
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Conduct activities according to the YMCA’s guiding policies, procedures, and practices.
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Conduct and document a reasonably thorough, in-house monitoring of the challenge course activities and associated equipment including and not limited to life safety systems, activity support structures and life safety equipment.
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Conduct a pre-use check for each course element and related equipment according to a written checklist.
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Document maintenance issues discovered during periodic and pre-use inspections that pose a risk to participants or staff.
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Document remediation of critical maintenance issues.
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Properly fit and use challenge course equipment in accordance with manufacturer recommended procedures.
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Set up, operate, and take down equipment used for course operation.
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Evaluate proper equipment setup performed by others.
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Complete a participant briefing to communicate to participant’s necessary safety information prior to the use of any activity or element.
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Assess and confirm that activity corridors are clear of obstructions and hazards.
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Teach and manage or monitor movements and/or transfers from one life safety system to another.
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Identify and assess hazardous conditions that might require course operations to cease, and implement appropriate site-specific emergency procedures, including but not limited to:
- Interruption of critical communications
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Severe weather
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Environmental hazards
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Catastrophic event
- Provide assistance and emotional support for tour participants when needed.
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Perform appropriate interventions and/or technical rescues.
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Perform opening and closing duties for the challenge course activities.
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Assess self, other staff, and guests for proper gear set-up.
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Navigate all obstacles included on the challenge course activities.
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Assess challenge course for daily operations or emergency evacuations.
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Provides excellent active supervision and engagement for all participants throughout the program to ensure top-of-class safety and experience.
- Nurtures children through purposeful programming; plans and facilitates activities that are intended to achieve program goals and outcomes, are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with the Y’s values.
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Energetically engages with all participants through building positive connections, and models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Our goal is to build confidence and positive self-esteem.
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Successfully leads assigned group of youth participants through a daily program schedule with a theme of inclusion, compassion, discovery, belonging, and achievement.
- Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.
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Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; connects families to the Y.
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Follows all policies, procedures, and standards as established by the law or the Y (e.g., safety or emergency procedures, behavior guidance strategies, child abuse prevention policies); maintains the program site, equipment, and required program relate- record keeping.
- Attends and participates in program activities, team meetings, and training.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
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Minimum of 18 years of age
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High-school diploma
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1-2 seasons working in an outdoor experience environment
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Experience working within the challenge course, adventure park, or zip line tour industry.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Level 1 - High Only Challenge Course certification from an ACCT accredited PVM approved by the YMCA within 30 days of employment
- First Aid and CPR required or the ability to attain within 30 days of employment.
- Strong interpersonal skills. Able to foster positive communication with participants, families, team members, and supervisors.
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Passion for working with youth.
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Demonstrated evidence of emotional maturity, good moral character, judgment, integrity, and leadership capability.
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Commitment to inclusion. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds and beliefs.
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Complete all safety and risk training defined by the YMCA at the time of hire before the first shift worked.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
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Previous experience working with youth and diverse populations
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Ability to plan, organize, and lead age/developmentally appropriate-program activities and games.
- Ability to adapt and work in a fast-paced environment while utilizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Willingness to take the initiative in leading daily activities, devotions, and programs.
- Previous experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games.
Y-USA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising
Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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Stand for long periods of time
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Lift 25-50lbs unassisted
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Range of motion and flexibility
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Perform various positions and postures necessary to conduct practitioner tasks.
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Manipulate ropes, cables, and other related equipment used in tying knots, belaying, and rigging used in the setup, operation, and breakdown of various challenge course-related systems.
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Physically negotiate various terrain types and/or obstacles confronted in the course of both routine program delivery and emergency situations.
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Manual dexterity and motor skills
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Operate/utilize various challenge course-related gear and equipment including, and not limited to, ropes, harnesses, helmets, carabiners, safety lines, ladders, and pulleys.
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Ascend to, traverse at, and descend from heights that may exceed 25 feet (7.62 m).
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Relocate, ascend, and descend ladders and various other course access equipment including, and not limited to, cargo nets, stairs, climbing staples, and vertical cables.
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Endurance and stamina
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Possess ability and endurance to achieve certification for and carry out site specific first aid procedures and/or protocols which may include first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
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Perform required duties for extended periods of time while exposed to adverse conditions including, and not limited to, precipitation, temperature extremes, and wind.
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Sight and visual acuity
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Possess good corrected or uncorrected vision.
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Possess adequate depth perception to recognize safety hazards in a variety of normal and/or emergency environments.
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Possess the ability to see, read, and recognize safety hazards in a variety of normal and/or emergency environments.
