Educator-Challenge Course Coordinator

Description

Hidden Villa is seeking a creative, collaborative educator who is growth and solutions oriented. The Challenge Course Coordinator reports to the Senior Manager of Education and provides engaging instruction for the pre-K through 12th grade environmental education and challenge education programming of Hidden Villa. The responsibilities for this position primarily center around teaching and facilitating groups (75%). Other responsibilities (25%) include managing the challenge course, communicating with other departments, and developing specialty curriculum. During the summer season, this position provides primary leadership in challenge course and team-building activities for the Summer Camp program. The start date for this position will be late May 2026.

Hidden Villa has over 50 years of providing experiential, place-based learning opportunities that focus on building connections with food & farms, wilderness exploration, environmental stewardship, and environmental and social justice. The Challenge Course Coordinator works closely with the Senior Manager of Education and other instructors to deliver high quality experiences that connect participants to climate change mitigation, healthy local food systems, an antiracist and just society and place-based outdoor education for all.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction

Deliver Hidden Villa’s environmental education programs to students and participants of all ages (PreK-adults). Lessons include but are not limited to hiking, gardening, farm animals, teambuilding, cooking, field science, sustainability, and the challenge course.
Provide training and mentorship for staff on using the challenge course as a teaching space in accordance with our program goals and educational approach, including challenge course instruction, belay technique, risk mitigation and documentation
Contribute to department and organizational strategic efforts around service, access, outreach, impact and program design and delivery
Support educational program logistics and administrative systems
Support training and mentorship of Summer Camp staff in challenge course protocols and activities
Occasionally support organization-wide weekend or evening events
Other tasks and duties as assigned from time to time

Challenge Course Coordination

Oversee maintenance and care of challenge course elements, facilities, surrounding environment, and gear.
Maintain updated records and documentation for challenge course use, inventory, policies, and procedures
Assist in developing and managing the challenge course budget, ensuring expenses align with allocated resources and financial goals
Stay familiar with Association for Challenge Course Technology Standards and relevant American Camping Association Standards and ensure Hidden Villa site policies and procedures are aligned

Candidate Qualifications

DESIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE:

Level 2 certification from the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT)
At least 2 years of experience in environmental education, garden/farm education other related fields
Experience, skills or abilities with: working with diverse populations, and working with volunteers
Organized team player, capable of working with or without supervision, with excellent communication skills
Must pass a Livescan background check
Willingness to become certified in CPR and First Aid upon employment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Regular and consistent attendance and the ability to sit and work with hands and arms for at least eight (8) hours per day and five (5) days per week
Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds
Ability to walk/hike 3 miles with elevation change over uneven terrain

Terms of Employment

This is a nonexempt, full-time position. Workdays are Monday through Friday. The pay rate for this position is $28.50/hour. Occasionally weekend or evening shifts will be required to support organization/board events. This position is fully benefitted, including health insurance, paid time-off (vacation & sick), and retirement.

How to Apply

Email cover letter, resume and three professional references to [email protected].