Official Job Description
Hemlock Overlook is seeking dynamic experiential
educators to maintain our level of excellence and
professionalism in the delivery of high quality
Experiential/Outdoor Education programs and activities;
(Low and High Team Development Challenge Courses
and Environmental Education Programs). As you work
with a variety of clients including elementary,
middle, and high-school students as well as occasional
adult groups, you will develop your group management
and teambuilding skills, gain knowledge of the local
environment, ecology and history, have opportunities
to assist with outdoor education administration
including curriculum enrichment and design, and
participate in paid staff trainings. Work projects
for property upkeep are integral parts of this position.
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.
|