Senior Outdoor Educator
Top Benefits
About the role
Hourly Rate: $19.51 – Check out the YMCA’s total compensation package!
Location: YMCA Camp Pine Crest
Work Hours: 44 hours per week
Employment Type: Contract Part Time Hourly (12 months)
Number of Vacancies: 1
Anticipated Start Date: December 15, 2025
Deadline to Apply: November 3, 2025 at 5:00pm
Be the Spark! Join our dynamic team at YMCA Camp Pine Crest, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!
The Senior Outdoor Educator 12-month contract leads and coordinates outdoor programs, delivering excellent customer service to ensure client needs are met. This role involves mentoring Outdoor Educators, managing program logistics, and overseeing activities such as team-building, canoeing, kayaking, archery, axe throwing, and low and high ropes. Focused on safety and program quality, the Senior Outdoor Educator supports the development of new initiatives and fosters strong relationships with staff, participants, and community partners.
The yearly work calendar for this role includes busy Winter (Jan–Mar), Spring (May–Jun), and Fall (Sep–Nov) seasons, as well as quieter periods during Summer (Jul–Aug) and shoulder seasons (Dec, Apr), allowing for a balanced mix of work and time off.
Accommodation and meals are provided on site at no additional cost; staff living on site may be scheduled for 2–3 on-call evening shifts per week.
In this role, you will:
- Coordinate and lead visiting Outdoor Centre groups, including creating staff schedules, planning logistics and program details, and serving as the main point of contact while the group is on-site
- Deliver engaging, fun, and safe programs to participants of all ages while coaching and mentoring Outdoor Educators to do the same. Lead activities such as low and high ropes courses, archery, orienteering, fire building, canoeing/kayaking, disc golf, initiatives, and more
- Act as the primary host and facilitator for individuals and groups, ensuring group goals are met and overall satisfaction with facilities, programs, and staff
- Support the Outdoor Centre Director in overseeing Outdoor Educators, contributing to performance appraisals, and actively participating in programs to ensure alignment with organizational standards
- Assist with research and development of new outdoor education and leadership programs. Support inventory, organization, and maintenance of all program equipment
- Monitor the safety of all activities and programs throughout the duty period and respond immediately to rectify any safety concerns. Complete and submit YMCA Accident/Incident and follow-up forms within 24 hours as required
- Maintain Health & Safety procedures, communicate responsibilities to the staff team to keep the camp clean, organized, and safe, and support kitchen and maintenance tasks to ensure the well-being of all camp participants
- Build and maintain strong relationships with participants, members, staff, volunteers, and community partners, representing the YMCA, Association, and Camp Pine Crest professionally
- Perform other duties as assigned.
You bring:
- Working towards and/or completion of post-secondary courses in Outdoor Recreation or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C required for the duration of the contract
- One of National Lifeguard Service (NLS) or ACCT Level 2 certifications required; both are considered an asset
- Wilderness First Aid certification (WFR, WAFA, WFA) is an asset
- Minimum 2 years prior experience working at an outdoor centre in a program facilitator role
- Challenge Course/High Ropes training and experience – ACCT Level 2 is an asset
- Demonstrated experience and passion for outdoor education
- Ability to lead a group and engage with people of all ages
- Ability to communicate ideas, rules, and concepts effectively and in an engaging, entertaining, and supportive manner
- Excellent communication skills
- Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate a warm, inclusive, and safe environment for guests and colleagues
- Ability to work independently and within a team to achieve a common goal
- Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and building a sense of belonging
If you are interested in this position and do not possess the necessary certifications and require assistance in attaining them, please indicate in your cover letter. Certain certifications may be eligible for Financial Assistance through the YMCA of Greater Toronto, or through referral to additional programs outside the YMCA that offer similar support. Eligibility is to be determined on an individual basis.
What you need to succeed:
- Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
- Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
- YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter
Why work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.
Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.
In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.
If you are hired, prior to your start date and as a condition of your employment, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a valid medical or other Human Rights Code-related exemption.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.
About YMCA of Greater Toronto
Everyone deserves a chance to shine.
That’s why the YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to promoting equity and boosting well-being across the GTA — but as a charity, we don’t do it alone. When many think of the Y, a charity may not be the first thing that comes to mind — but our ability to ignite the potential in people and spark change for the better is only made possible by the loyalty of our participants, the generosity of our donors, and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
Thanks to the breadth, quality, and inclusive nature of the services and programs we offer across our network of 500+ locations in the GTA, we attract a diverse and dynamic mix of participants and will never turn anyone away due to their financial circumstances. Many participate for life and many more choose to give back when they have the means, so that others can benefit from experiences like their own — experiences that can only be found at the Y.
Our focus on well-being means we help people thrive not only physically, but mentally and socially as well. We offer volunteering opportunities; safe spaces for teens; child care; camps; career guidance; employment services; support for immigrants; and a range of other services essential for individuals and communities to shine their brightest. No matter your needs or stage of life, when you join the Y community, you get to be part of something special.
Over our 170-year history, we’ve adapted to meet our communities’ most urgent needs. Today, these needs include mental health supports, affordable housing, accessible child care, help navigating our precarious labour market, and community for isolated older adults. By offering a safe destination where anyone can grow, lead, and give back, the Y has become both a beacon of inspiration and a trusted anchor of support driven by our knowledgeable, friendly, and caring volunteers and staff.
Senior Outdoor Educator
Top Benefits
About the role
Hourly Rate: $19.51 – Check out the YMCA’s total compensation package!
Location: YMCA Camp Pine Crest
Work Hours: 44 hours per week
Employment Type: Contract Part Time Hourly (12 months)
Number of Vacancies: 1
Anticipated Start Date: December 15, 2025
Deadline to Apply: November 3, 2025 at 5:00pm
Be the Spark! Join our dynamic team at YMCA Camp Pine Crest, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!
The Senior Outdoor Educator 12-month contract leads and coordinates outdoor programs, delivering excellent customer service to ensure client needs are met. This role involves mentoring Outdoor Educators, managing program logistics, and overseeing activities such as team-building, canoeing, kayaking, archery, axe throwing, and low and high ropes. Focused on safety and program quality, the Senior Outdoor Educator supports the development of new initiatives and fosters strong relationships with staff, participants, and community partners.
The yearly work calendar for this role includes busy Winter (Jan–Mar), Spring (May–Jun), and Fall (Sep–Nov) seasons, as well as quieter periods during Summer (Jul–Aug) and shoulder seasons (Dec, Apr), allowing for a balanced mix of work and time off.
Accommodation and meals are provided on site at no additional cost; staff living on site may be scheduled for 2–3 on-call evening shifts per week.
In this role, you will:
- Coordinate and lead visiting Outdoor Centre groups, including creating staff schedules, planning logistics and program details, and serving as the main point of contact while the group is on-site
- Deliver engaging, fun, and safe programs to participants of all ages while coaching and mentoring Outdoor Educators to do the same. Lead activities such as low and high ropes courses, archery, orienteering, fire building, canoeing/kayaking, disc golf, initiatives, and more
- Act as the primary host and facilitator for individuals and groups, ensuring group goals are met and overall satisfaction with facilities, programs, and staff
- Support the Outdoor Centre Director in overseeing Outdoor Educators, contributing to performance appraisals, and actively participating in programs to ensure alignment with organizational standards
- Assist with research and development of new outdoor education and leadership programs. Support inventory, organization, and maintenance of all program equipment
- Monitor the safety of all activities and programs throughout the duty period and respond immediately to rectify any safety concerns. Complete and submit YMCA Accident/Incident and follow-up forms within 24 hours as required
- Maintain Health & Safety procedures, communicate responsibilities to the staff team to keep the camp clean, organized, and safe, and support kitchen and maintenance tasks to ensure the well-being of all camp participants
- Build and maintain strong relationships with participants, members, staff, volunteers, and community partners, representing the YMCA, Association, and Camp Pine Crest professionally
- Perform other duties as assigned.
You bring:
- Working towards and/or completion of post-secondary courses in Outdoor Recreation or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C required for the duration of the contract
- One of National Lifeguard Service (NLS) or ACCT Level 2 certifications required; both are considered an asset
- Wilderness First Aid certification (WFR, WAFA, WFA) is an asset
- Minimum 2 years prior experience working at an outdoor centre in a program facilitator role
- Challenge Course/High Ropes training and experience – ACCT Level 2 is an asset
- Demonstrated experience and passion for outdoor education
- Ability to lead a group and engage with people of all ages
- Ability to communicate ideas, rules, and concepts effectively and in an engaging, entertaining, and supportive manner
- Excellent communication skills
- Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate a warm, inclusive, and safe environment for guests and colleagues
- Ability to work independently and within a team to achieve a common goal
- Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and building a sense of belonging
If you are interested in this position and do not possess the necessary certifications and require assistance in attaining them, please indicate in your cover letter. Certain certifications may be eligible for Financial Assistance through the YMCA of Greater Toronto, or through referral to additional programs outside the YMCA that offer similar support. Eligibility is to be determined on an individual basis.
What you need to succeed:
- Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
- Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
- YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter
Why work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.
Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.
In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.
If you are hired, prior to your start date and as a condition of your employment, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a valid medical or other Human Rights Code-related exemption.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.
About YMCA of Greater Toronto
Everyone deserves a chance to shine.
That’s why the YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to promoting equity and boosting well-being across the GTA — but as a charity, we don’t do it alone. When many think of the Y, a charity may not be the first thing that comes to mind — but our ability to ignite the potential in people and spark change for the better is only made possible by the loyalty of our participants, the generosity of our donors, and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
Thanks to the breadth, quality, and inclusive nature of the services and programs we offer across our network of 500+ locations in the GTA, we attract a diverse and dynamic mix of participants and will never turn anyone away due to their financial circumstances. Many participate for life and many more choose to give back when they have the means, so that others can benefit from experiences like their own — experiences that can only be found at the Y.
Our focus on well-being means we help people thrive not only physically, but mentally and socially as well. We offer volunteering opportunities; safe spaces for teens; child care; camps; career guidance; employment services; support for immigrants; and a range of other services essential for individuals and communities to shine their brightest. No matter your needs or stage of life, when you join the Y community, you get to be part of something special.
Over our 170-year history, we’ve adapted to meet our communities’ most urgent needs. Today, these needs include mental health supports, affordable housing, accessible child care, help navigating our precarious labour market, and community for isolated older adults. By offering a safe destination where anyone can grow, lead, and give back, the Y has become both a beacon of inspiration and a trusted anchor of support driven by our knowledgeable, friendly, and caring volunteers and staff.