Outings Primary Leader Camp Counselor

Under the direction of the Outdoor Programs Coordinator and Aztec Adventures Leads, the Outings Primary Leader Camp Counselor assists with the delivery of our Outings Programs, including enforcement of rules, policies, and procedures associated with our adventure programs. The Primary Leader assists with the delivery of at least three extended weekend programs per semester in the field in either a backpacking, camping/hiking, paddling or climbing capacity based on trained abilities. Becoming an integral member of a hard working team of full-time and part-time staff within Aztec Recreation, the Primary Leader should possess the ability to work independently and as a team member interacting with a diverse population of Aztec Recreation members and staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Functions

Assists with the delivery of our single and multi-day Outings programs during an entire academic year
Utilizes quality judgement, group dynamic managing to provide a safe learning environment encouraging participants to fully engage in the offered activities
Guides a group of 12 participants with a co-leader on single and multiple day programs utilizing acquired skills of camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, paddling, and team building
Manages individual trip logistics including: field equipment repairs/maintenance, trip equipment preparation, pre-trip meetings, food preparation and packaging, group and safety gear, trip member equipment issue & de-issue (returning gear in a clean and working condition), and reviewing all pertinent paperwork
Adheres to proper spending habits given specific program and budget: balancing petty cash, food purchases, proper tipping, and procurement card purchases
Instructs group participants in acquiring skills associated with specific programs including: personal hygiene, equipment proper use/care, activity skill, and appreciation of the natural world
Educates, explains and enforces all policies and procedures consistently to participants, members, and guests
Serves as an active member in the Emergency Action Plan if an incident were to occur
Maintains equipment facility space (ex. Storage, facility, back-shop, etc.) at all times keeping each area clean, neat and free of any hazardous objects noting any maintenance items needing attention
Is committed to continue to grow personal knowledge of activities and trip specifics
Attends and participates in all ARC, Aztec Adventures staff meetings and trainings

Customer Service and Collaboration

Establishes and maintains working relationships with various Associated Students and University departments
Ensures customer service standards are met; responding to customer inquiries in a timely manner
Maintains positive and effective working relationships with all customers
Informs supervisor of any customer issues

Safety

Ensures all operations are conducted with safety of staff and customers as first priority, and in accordance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and other safety policies
Adheres to Associated Students’ Code of Safe Practices
Reports accidents to supervisor and reviews changes required to avoid reoccurrence Ensures completion proper documentation is completed for each accident (employee and/or non-employee) and forwards to supervisor
Reports maintenance problems and/or broken and unsafe equipment to the appropriate party immediately

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education:

Must be currently enrolled at San Diego State University, taking a minimum of 6 units
Successful completion of Adventure Leadership I & II required
Successful completion of an ENS Outdoor Skills course preferred

Experience:

Proficient knowledge of Aztec Adventures operations and Aztec Recreation programs, facilities, and policies required
Specific experiences in the fields of backpacking, camping/hiking, paddling, and/or climbing as Secondary Leader are required
Proficient computer skills required: must be able to utilize Google Email and Calendar, create reports/presentations utilizing Windows XP, Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint as required/needed
Experience working with a variety of groups of customers ranging from student to corporate is preferred

License & Certification:

First Aid and CPR/AED certifications are required
Additional wilderness certifications (WFA, WFR, WEMT) required
Activity Skill specific certification: PCGI, Adventure Leadership Courses, ACA, AMGA, CWI, etc.) preferred
Valid California CDL Class B Driver’s License with proof of current insurance required

Trainings:

Must complete Gender Awareness training within 30 days of hire
Must have completed two tertiary leader programs, and one area specific secondary leader program in activity field (camping/hiking, backpacking, paddling, or climbing)

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Must be able to develop and maintain quality effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and co-workers within a diverse, frequently changing campus community
Must be able to work with confidential items and understand the importance of confidentiality in project work
Must be capable of maintaining positive working relationships with staff and customers
Must be able to exercise tact and exhibit sound professional judgment
Must be punctual and regular in attendance: arrive on time and ready for the workday
Must be able to work efficiently and show initiative
Must be able to physically lead and demonstrate the skill and/or activity
Must meet commitments and complete tasks satisfactorily by demonstrating thoroughness, completeness, follow through on presentation and appearance of work
Must be able to work independently and stay focused under pressure
Must be accurate and pay attention to detail with strong organizational skills
Must be able to follow oral and written directions and follow projects through to completion

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Evidence of and ability to articulate a strong, current, practical knowledge of outdoor programming
Ability to work with a diverse group of people effectively and diplomatically
Ability to manage information flow prioritizing tasks effectively (including internal, external and participant communication)
Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to relate and communicate effectively with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, colleagues and guests
Must have strong English language skills and the ability to read, write and verbally communicate at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
Ability to take the initiative for additional projects and be self-motivated to initiate interactions with participants

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a part-time position. Must be able to work up to 20 hours per week including evenings and weekends. Employee schedules vary according to business needs throughout a full academic year.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While working indoors, the lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available[PXM1] . Possible exposure to distracting/uncomfortable noise levels may require hearing protection to be worn when performing duties.

When working outdoors for program activities, exposure to sun, heat, wind, rain, weather and other outdoor elements expected. Outdoor areas will include trails, campgrounds, field areas, lakes, rivers, pools, and challenge courses located in forested areas.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Physical requirements include but are not limited to: walking, walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, climbing, and working in confined space, lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying loads up to 50 pounds (unassisted) and 75 pounds (with assistance), and using ladders. Work may require standing and moving for extended periods.

RELATIONSHIPS

Inside the Organization:

Position is supervised by the Aztec Adventures – Outdoor Programs Coordinator and Aztec Adventure Lead(s)
May include interaction other full-time staff within Aztec Recreation, including, but not limited to, Recreation Director, Associate Director of Programs, Associate Director of Member Services and Facilities, Facilities Supervisor, Member Services Supervisor and Coordinator, Building Services and Engineers, Member Services Supervisor, Marketing Coordinator, and Office Supervisor
Additional interactions may include part-time staff within Aztec Recreation

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered this position with Associated Students. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students employees who apply for the position.

MVR and DMV record review is required for positions that drive university vehicles and/or passengers for program related trips.