Outdoor Education Team Leader

The Outdoor Education (OE) Team Leader is a year-round operational leader responsible for the development, quality, and cohesive execution of Overnight Camp’s Outdoor Education program. This position is responsible for the overall management of all Outdoor Education activities while providing direct supervision to the Outdoor Education Coordinators and Instructors. The OE Team Leader is the subject matter expert responsible for leading the development of all curriculum and instructional materials to ensure alignment with California State Educational Standards. Additionally, they serve as the critical liaison between the Outdoor Education staff and senior management, ensuring staff adherence to YMCA policies and fostering a high-quality, mission-driven experience for all participants. Above all, the OE Team Leader is accountable for maintaining a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all campers (ages 7-17) while fostering collaborative relationships with staff, parents/guardians, school leaders, and teachers. 

For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org) 

Pay & Benefits

• Weekly Pay: $825.64 - $855.60* This position is exempt from overtime because you will work as a camp counselor or program counselor of an organized camp, and you will be paid a weekly salary equivalent to more than 85% of the minimum wage for a 40-hour week, subject to deduction for the value of lodging you receive and all withholdings and deductions as required by law. 
• Schedule: 5 days per week
• What’s Included: Free on-site meals are included. On-site housing is provided, with a weekly housing cost deducted from your paycheck.

Schedule

• Start Date: January 4, 2027
• Weekly Schedule: 5 days a week

• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of all Outdoor Education and recreational classes, ensuring alignment with California State Educational Standards as well as maintaining Outdoor Education journal under supervision of the Program Director.
• Coordinate and train staff on all Outdoor Education areas and activities to ensure consistently high-quality instruction and program delivery.
• Serve as the liaison between the OE team and camp management and execute directives as assigned by the OE Program Director.
• Provide direct supervision, support, and mentorship to all Outdoor Education Coordinators and Instructors.
• Periodically set and review individual performance goals, provide continuous, constructive feedback, and lead professional development activities to ensure staff well-being and growth.
• Foster a positive and cohesive "team" approach through leading weekly staff meetings, facilitating team building, organizing in-service training, and resolving conflicts in a professional manner.
• Coordinate all informational technology (IT) needs for OE staff, including the setup and configuration of hardware, training and supervision of appropriate computer use, and developing efficient systems to interface with camp administration.
• Assist in the management, inventory, and maintenance of program equipment and supplies to ensure readiness and longevity.
• Serves as Manager on Duty for designated nights, assisting with the supervision of campers during critical times, including mealtimes, transitions, cabin chores, and in-cabin overnight duties and working collaboratively as part of the camp management team to ensure seamless daily operations.
• Maintains positive and responsive working relationships with all camp departments by addressing requests and needs quickly and efficiently.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• Formal education, usually obtained by a High School Diploma/GED, or training that ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance, supplemented by specialized training in science, education, recreation, or a related field AND,

Years of Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of direct experience working with children (ages 7-17) in an outdoor education, resident, overnight, or day camp setting.
• A minimum of one (1) year of leadership experience in an educational outdoor residential program or a related field.
• A minimum of one (1) year of guest communications, staff development, and program management.

Competencies

• Ability to utilize constructive methods to address sensitive issues, inappropriate behavior, or performance concerns, while proactively fostering staff well-being and positive relations.
• Physical ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills including standing, walking, hiking, and/or climbing for extended periods of time, often outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Visual and auditory ability and physical capacity to quickly identify, assess, and respond effectively to critical incidents and emergencies.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and a warm, approachable demeanor when interacting with children, parents/guardians, camp management, and community members and ability to quickly build trust, rapport, and supportive relationships.
• Proficiency with PC programs such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to liaise between OE team and senior management, effectively conveying information, needs, and directives.
• Required ability to live on-site during the full program season, maintaining professional standards with shared staff and campers in all areas at all times.
• Licensing, state law and our government funders are required that all staff (hybrid, remote, or onsite) within YMCA San Diego County are fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications.
• CPR and First Aid certification is required within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute.