Responsibilities include group management, group processing, promoting transfer of experiences, and risk management as you "solo" lead a group of approximately 10-15 participants on our Team Development Course (TDC.) Ideal TDC programs create a learning environment where individuals and the group as a whole develop effective communication, problem solving, and cooperation in achieving a common goal. Our goal is to help their new skills and insights transfer successfully to the participant's school and/or work environments. This is a unique opportunity to work in an outdoor environment at the largest Challenge Course program in the US, developing your own skills and experience while helping people grow.

This is an excellent opportunity for college students or graduates seeking professional development and experience in Outdoor/Experiential Education.

About Hemlock Overlook

Created in 1985, Hemlock Overlook Center for Experiential Education is celebrating 20 years of helping people of all ages grow in wonderful ways! We are accredited by the American Camping Association, jointly operated by George Mason University and Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority to provide an opportunity for people of all ages to participate in Experiential and Outdoor Education activities and programs. Hemlock Overlook is located within 5,000 acres of Regional Park land along the western border of Fairfax County, Virginia (Washington DC Suburbs). Our 225 acres are rich in regional Civil War history along the banks of Bull Run and offer wooded hiking trails, a pond, overnight cabins, two picnic pavilions, and features the Center’s 68 element Low and High Challenge Course.

The Center is open six days a week and serves more that 25,000 people throughout the year. A diverse population benefits from Hemlock Overlook programs, including public and private schools, religious groups, community groups, sports teams, universities, corporations, professional organizations, special needs groups, as well as local, state, and federal government and military agencies.

We employ about 60 seasonal staff along with 9 full-time administrative/management staff.

Qualifications
Required: Willingness to learn and improve professionally, excellent communication skills, proven group management skills, sound judgment, emotional maturity, desire to work outdoors in all weather, interest in working with children and adults, a knack for connecting with youth in a beneficial way, and the ability to have FUN while representing Hemlock Overlook in a professional manner.
· Facilitators will happily work 1-2 Saturdays a month.
· Current First Aid and CPR certification (on-site certification is available.)
· Must be 18 years or older.
· Current driver's license and own transportation are also needed (no public transportation is available.)

Strongly Preferred: Background facilitating experiential education programs including ropes/challenge courses, ground initiatives and games, environmental education, and teambuilding.
· Adults pursuing a college degree or graduates in youth or education related fields including recreation, education, psychology, or social welfare.
· Excited to give and receive constructive feedback with facilitators and the Challenge Course Manager.
· Ability to commit to the full season is a big plus.
· Flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to changes make everyone's life here easier (and happier!)

Benefits
Traditional employer-paid benefits are not available. However, as employees of George Mason University, certain privileges are available:
1. Limited tuition allowance at GMU (1 free class every 500 hours worked-earn a Masters or PhD!)
2. Opportunity to contribute up to 25% of your income into tax-sheltered retirement savings (403b)
3. Pro-Deals on outdoor gear and clothing and nationally recognized training certifications free or at cost (such as 1st Aid/CPR, WFR)
4. Access to university facilities (gym, pool, library, etc,) Discounts on events, shows, concerts and Discounts at local area merchants.
5. Not to mention making a difference in people’s lives while working with a great staff on 225 acres of wooded parkland 22 miles from Washington DC.


Position Type
Full and Part-Time, Seasonal (Spring, Summer, Fall), Field-based

Start Date
Prefer March 13, 2006. Rolling start dates in Spring/Summer/Fall

Pay Rates
Starting at $9 - $11 per hour based on education and experience

Detailed Job Description

To Apply

Send your letter of interest and resume via fax (703.266.7781) or e-mail (applyho@gmu.edu) or mail to: GMU-Hemlock Overlook Center for Outdoor Education Attn: Kandi Mauchley (Recruitment Coordinator) 4400 University Drive - MSN 5B9 Fairfax, VA 22030-4444

All Hemlock Overlook employees are subject to a background check and may be asked to submit an official driving record after hire. Hemlock Overlook is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers.