Outdoor Center Program Specialist
Title: Outdoor Center Program Specialist
Location: Big Cove Camp, Thorburn, NS
Position Status: Full-Time, Temporary
Start Date: April to June 2026
Compensation: $650+ per week
There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.
Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.
We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighborhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.
With us at their side, they can Shine On.
About the role:
During the spring and fall, Big Cove YMCA Camp operates an Outdoor Centre that runs pre-programmed and custom programs for a wide range of school groups, university groups, clubs and organizations.
Program Coordinators are those with previous years of Specialist experience who will assist in coordinating the outdoor ed seasons. Coordinators also act as front-line program staff. Program Specialists may be hired for both the spring and/or fall seasons of the Outdoor Centre and are the front-line staff with or Outdoor Ed groups. All applicants must have experience teaching all program areas of the Outdoor Centre. Experience in facilitating large groups is an asset. Big Cove YMCA Outdoor Centre staff are entrusted with a great deal of responsibility, so great care is taken to ensure the selection of skilled individuals with positive attitudes and strong work ethics for employment.
In this role, you will:
Program Delivery & Facilitation
- Deliver high-quality Outdoor Centre programs to school groups, universities, clubs, and other visiting organizations.
- Teach and lead all program areas of the Outdoor Centre, ensuring safe, engaging, and age-appropriate instruction.
- Facilitate large-group activities, team-building initiatives, and outdoor education experiences.
- Serve as front-line program staff, providing leadership, supervision, and positive role modelling during all program sessions.
Program Coordination
- Assist with coordinating spring and fall Outdoor Centre seasons, including scheduling, planning, and staff support.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to Program Specialists and newer staff.
- Help ensure program consistency, safety standards, and quality across all group visits.
Risk Management & Safety
- Maintain a high standard of safety in all activities, following YMCA policies and Outdoor Centre procedures.
- Complete ongoing safety checks of program areas, equipment, trails, and activity spaces.
- Respond calmly and effectively during incidents, emergencies, or unexpected program challenges.
Customer Service & Group Support
- Welcome and support visiting groups, ensuring their needs are met throughout their stay.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with teachers, group leaders, and participants.
- Adapt programming to meet the goals, abilities, and needs of each visiting group.
Teamwork & Professionalism
- Demonstrate a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to YMCA values.
- Work collaboratively with other staff to maintain a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
- Attend all required staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with kitchen duties, including dishes and meal cleanup.
- Support facility maintenance by cleaning shared spaces, cabins, and program areas.
- Participate in groundskeeping tasks such as outdoor tidying and basic upkeep.
- Assist with trail and campsite maintenance to ensure safe and accessible program spaces.
Education and skills qualifications:
Required:
- • Standard first Aid and CPR-C ,
- • Bronze Cross
- • WHIMIS
Recommended qualifications:
- NLS
- Wilderness First Aid
- Food Handler’s Certificate
- Class 4 Driver’s License
- Canadian Boating License
To apply:
Please clearly indicate on your application form that you are applying for spring and/or fall at Big Cove YMCA Outdoor Centre.
Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/.
Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:
- A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older
- A valid First Aid and CPR Training
Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.
At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.