Program Director

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POSITION SUMMARY

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This position supports the work of Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning (HMCOL), a registered charity and non-profit society working to strengthen people’s connection with nature. HMCOL believes that increasing access to the outdoors is the best way to inspire people to become better stewards. That is why we deliver mostly free or low cost outdoor programs and events for all ages and abilities, spanning all seasons. Our programs are professionally led, with educational experts who explore topics ranging from ecology and human history to backcountry skills, and more.

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Reporting to the Executive Director, the Program Director’s key responsibilities are three-fold: 1) planning and delivery of monthly education-focused beginner and intermediate level outdoor recreation programs to the public; 2) the management and support of environmental education school programs and the staff (currently two Outdoor Educators) who coordinate and deliver them; and 3) our Go Grizz wildlife conservation and advocacy program.

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The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated, highly organized, diplomatic “people person” for whom the mountains run through their veins. They have mastered the art of maintaining work-life balance when work and life demands inevitably throw them curveballs. As the effective leader that they are, they see challenges as opportunities, and manage problems by creating solutions. They are able to remain positive and professional when interacting with people of all ages and walks of life. They thrive equally in both outdoor and office environments as while much of the job is out in the field delivering programs, an equal or greater amount of the work is done at home behind a computer and out in meetings connecting with partners, co-workers and the community. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge about the natural ecosystems found in the Coquihalla and Cascade ranges and a passion to enjoy and conserve them. They will find joy in all levels of mountain activities from nature walking, hiking, snowshoeing, mushroom foraging and star gazing, to backpacking, river paddling, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Mostly though, the ideal candidate will love what they do, and see the work as not just a job but also as a great opportunity to help fulfill their personal interest of helping to create a sustainable planet where both people and nature thrive in harmonious balance. 

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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

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PUBLIC PROGRAMS

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Plan, coordinate, deliver and report on monthly education-focused beginner and intermediate level outdoor recreation programs to the public

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• Plan, coordinate, and deliver a minimum of one public outdoor program every month. Ensure all relevant protocols are followed, partners engaged, safety plans created and circulated, and that participants are safe and happy.  

• Work with the ED to create an annual plan each summer of public programs that are in line with HMCOL’s Public Program Planning Guidelines and that operate on budget.

• Edit content for website program registration drafted by AD.

• Work in collaboration with the AD and ED to update the post-program surveys sent to participants. Work with AD to ensure surveys are sent after every program and that information has been updated in the database and that a summary is shared in your monthly board report.

• Build and maintain a network of local Subject Matter Experts to contract for inclusion with public programs.

• Work in collaboration with AD to ensure that the Annual Operating Plan has been submitted in line with your annual plan and that the Park Use Permit has been applied for on time.

• Ensure program stats and information are updated in databases, that all information is shared in monthly board reports and the ED Annual Report, and that photos of programs are taken and uploaded into Flickr as appropriate.

• Ensure that our equipment is clean and maintained, and that the storage locker is organized and secure.

 

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

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General management and support of our environmental education school programs (preschool through grade 6) inside the classroom throughout SD78 and out in the field, and the staff (currently two Outdoor Educators [OEs]) who coordinate and deliver them.

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• Work in collaboration with the OEs to ensure: program content is in line with current curriculum, schools have been communicated to with ample time for scheduling, all programs have been scheduled and delivered, program delivery is high quality, props are all cleaned and maintained, and that storage locker is organized and secure. Step in to deliver program(s) if and when OE(s) is/aren’t available and when extra support is needed.

• Take the lead while working in collaboration with the Admin Director (AD) and Executive Director (ED) to create a program evaluation system with SMART metrics so that HMCOL can measure success of programs.

• Work in collaboration with AD to ensure that all permits have been applied for and received prior to delivering programs in the field.

• Work in collaboration with OEs to ensure program stats and information are updated in databases, that all information is shared in monthly Program Director board reports and the ED Annual Report, and that photos of programs are taken periodically with appropriate permissions and uploaded into Flickr as appropriate to ensure we have annual photos of program delivery.

• Work with the ED to recruit, hire, train, develop, schedule and direct program staff and volunteers as needed. Review and evaluate OE staff performance annually along with ED. Develop and implement strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.

 

GO GRIZZ

 

Engage the public in reporting grizzly bear sightings, and provide public education and visibility of the concern over shrinking grizzly bear populations.

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• Monitor the grizzly sightings reporting hotline 1-855-GOGRIZZ, follow up on calls, and notify partners of findings.

• Garner media attention, put up posters, and utilize social media to promote hotline and bear conservation.

 

OTHER

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• Represent HMCOL at various community events throughout the year such as the Vancouver Outdoor Show.

• Identify gaps in program delivery and rectify.

• Ensure programs align with contract and funding agreement deliverables.

• Implement documentation practices to capture knowledge and processes, and work with all relevant team members to ensure programs align with organization objectives and expectations.

• Work with the AD to ensure that our annual insurance policy covers all current equipment in education storage locker, and activities planned for upcoming year.

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with all relevant stakeholders.

• Assist the Executive Director in the development and monitoring of program budgets to meet fiscal objectives.

• Provide ED information as needed for funding applications and reports.

• Attend weekly staff meetings, monthly board meetings, and annual AGM and Strategic Planning Session.

• Perform all other duties as needed.

 

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REQUIREMENTS

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• Biology, ecology, education, guiding, conservation and/or resource management studies diploma, degree, certification, or related and equivalent work experience. Other relevant areas of study/experience may be considered.

• Experience teaching and/or leading outdoor programs.

• Strong leadership skills to provide coaching, development and performance management to reporting staff.

• Self-motivated, driven, and able to work both independently and as a team player.

• Strong public speaking, interpersonal, organizational and time management skills.

• Comfort working outdoors across a variety of mountain activities in every season and weather condition. Programs run rain or shine.

• Ability to carry a 40lb backpack on day hikes and overnight backpacking trips

• English fluency

• Driver’s license, regular access to a vehicle with winter tires, and experience/comfort driving on mountain and forest roads in all conditions.

• Current Remote/Wilderness First Aid certificate or willingness to get certified asap.​

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*Successful applicant will be subject to a Criminal Records Check including a Vulnerable Sector Check

 

 

ASSETS

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• Extensive knowledge and interest in local wildlife, plants, environment conservation issues, various British Columbia ecosystems found in the Hope region.

• Interpretive skills and experience.

• Passion for mountain culture.

• Flexible schedule.

 

 

TERMS

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The position is a remote job requiring you to work from your home office, as well as outdoors at various locations throughout the Hope area for program delivery including provincial parks, remote backcountry, regional parks, and schools.

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This is a full-time regular position 40 hours per week involving some evening and weekend work as well as weekday work. Salary is $62,400/year. HMCOL will provide CPP, EI and WCB coverage. 50% employer-paid health and dental benefits is available after three-month probation period. Three weeks of paid annual vacation is provided. 

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Mileage from Hope centre to work location outside of Hope is reimbursed according to CRA guidelines (currently $0.70/km). Partial phone and business vehicle use insurance allowance will also be provided.

 

Position begins as soon as the right candidate is found so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please submit your resume along with a cover letter in a single document no later than October 27, 2024 by email to Kristine Perez de Leon at kperezdeleon@hopemountain.org.

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