Facilitation Specialist

Job Description

• The OEC Facilitation Specialist is a hybrid position leading both single day and overnight programs held at the WVU Outdoor Education Center
• Upon this completion and acceptance, staff will work a variety of programs scheduled the WVU Outdoor Education Center. This includes a mixture of low rope, high rope and other experientially based programs.
• Staff will be employed to work single day and overnight events at the WVU Outdoor Education Center. Opportunities to work Destination Basecamp programs will also exist on a case-by-case basis.
• Destination Basecamp is an extended version of the standard Destination WVU program, in which students come to the OEC for a day and overnight prior to their Destination experience. Facilitation Specialist staff facilitate the entire experience: low and high ropes, group facilitation, structured discussion, overnight, etc.
• This position typically runs between May–November, with options to renew or extend the position after that. Flexible scheduling allows students to work during fall and spring semesters as well. The nature of the work will vary from month to month. All staff must commit to all parts of the training and employment.
• Applicants will develop/practice a wide range of skills, including the management of technical challenge course and/or canopy tour systems, leadership, collaboration and education. More specifically, applicants will assist with the management of groups, the facilitation of custom created programs, gain experience working in small leadership teams, learn more about experiential education and program delivery, develop their own individual leadership style, practice presenting to groups and experience the management of risk in an outdoor setting.

Duty and Responsibilities

• Safety and Supervision: Responsible for the safety of self, staff, and participants. Work will include the proper set up and take down of challenge course facilities as well as inspecting equipment and property, and documenting these inspections.
• Leadership and Planning: A Facilitation Specialist may be responsible for conducting a needs assessment with the participant contact, and for developing programming specific to the participants needs. Must be able to work independently, be self-motivated and be skilled with the empowerment of others
• Physical: Programs take place in an outdoor, adventure orientated setting. Therefore, facilitators should have the ability to perform their required duties for extended periods of time while possibly being exposed to adverse conditions.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills are required. Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to both participants and other staff members
• Teamwork: Team oriented and dedicated to the goals set forth by the WVU Outdoor Education Center. Works as a valuable team member with others in scheduling, facilitating and operating the various elements of the WVU OEC.
• Dependability: Responds to scheduling requests in a timely manner. Is reliable when scheduled. Conducts needs assessments, develops program plans and communicates to assistant staff in a timely manner. Arrives at facilitation site on time. Has reliable transportation to and from facilitation site. Maintains a commitment to the success of the course. Follows local operating procedures.

Job Requirements

• Must be an enrolled as a WVU student
• Adventure WV has a preferred GPA of 3.0 for all student staff
• Must be in good standing with the university and under no academic or behavioral sanctions
• Must successfully certify as a Level 1 challenge course facilitator in both high and low ropes
• Completion of new employee probationary period. Includes attending all staff meetings and periodic skill development days prior to full employment.
• Meets/maintains requirements for ACCT certification at Level I or higher.
  • Logs fifty hours of facilitation annually and
  • Retakes at least 20 hours of re-training annually and
  • Undergoes skills verification periodically throughout each program year
• Capable of performing all set-up/tear down responsibilities associated with activity facilitation.
• Stays active by facilitating a minimum of 20 programming days annually.
• Maintains a log of hours for facilitation, training, maintenance and/or other related activities.
• Has a current First aid and CPR certification through a reputable organization
  • Can obtain through Adventure WV if necessary
• Able to assist in a rescue and execute the emergency action plan.
• Approved by the AWV OEC Management Team.
• Minimum age of 18
• Has completed all mandated trainings as specified by the University and Adventure WV (e.g. Title IX, Youth Protection, etc.).
• Ability to work varied hours outside of a normal workday (such as evenings, weekends, and holidays)

Benefits

• $10.00/hour starting wage
• Professional development opportunities for any major or discipline
• Opportunity to work with professional staff members and gain relevant skills and experience
• Be a part of a supportive team
• Optional to gain nationally recognized certifications in high rope and/or canopy tour facilitation