Challenge Course Facilitator

Position Title: Challenge Course Facilitator  

Department: Recreation and Wellness  

Division: Student Affairs  

Reports To: Coordinator, Outdoor Recreation and Education 

Hours Per Week: Varies 

Starting Wage: $16/hr 

Department Overview 

The Department of Recreation and Wellness, housed in the Division of Student Affairs, believes in a balance of social, mental and physical wellness creates a foundation for successful, healthy individuals. We foster comprehensive wellness by engaging students and the UNCG community in experiential and educational opportunities. We promote lifelong success through meaningful and inclusive programs and resources. 

Position Description 

Challenge course facilitators are responsible for assisting the Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation and Education with the administration, delivery, and assessment of initiatives, expedition course, and combination programs for members of the UNCG community. Hours are flexible and dependent upon the number of programs scheduled.  

Task & Supervision 

Challenge Course Facilitator report to the Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation and Education and will receive work requests from the Graduate Assistant of Operations and more experienced facilitators.  

Facilitators are expected to create a safe and welcoming environment that fosters a “Challenge by choice” philosophy. Responsible for assisting in the development of program plans. Facilitators will also be responsible for facilitating and debriefing various initiatives and elements on both the expedition course and on surrounding “low ropes” elements. Facilitators will also assist with administration of open enrollment Expedition Course programs (i.e. Climb and Zip). Additionally, facilitators must maintain required certifications and attend all required training.  

Current employment with Outdoor Adventures as an Assistant is required to serve as a Challenge Course Facilitator. Challenge Course Facilitators will be assigned to ‘program days’ prior to the beginning of each semester and will be required to work weekly shifts in Outdoor Adventures throughout the semester. Mandatory training occurs during the week prior to the start of each semester, attendance is required and can impact the ability to lead programs during the semester. All Facilitators will be expected to maintain their skills and take ownership of their development. Continued education opportunities will be offered at regular intervals throughout the semester to enhance technical and interpersonal skills. 

Challenge Course Facilitator responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Program Facilitation (50%) 

Create an environment where all participants feel welcome and challenged that  

Assist in the development of expedition course program plans that aim to deliver the groups’ desired outcomes.  

Assist in the delivery of program activities that utilize built and non-built elements and initiatives.  

Assist with conducting effective debriefs that encourage participants to reflect, observe, and conceptualize their experiences beyond the program. 

Safely and effectively guide participants through the expedition course.  

Ability to effectively move through the expedition course with movement that inspires confidence.  

Staff Training and Development (30%) 

Must attend all required staff training and meetings. 

Participate in mandatory Recreation and Wellness semesterly All-Staff training. 

Demonstrate a commitment to improving facilitation skills by actively participating in program debriefs, reflecting on programs and program delivery.  

Risk Management (15%) 

Conduct high quality briefings before each activity that identify hazards and include mitigation measures. 

Demonstrate ability to conduct non-technical and technical rescues from the expedition course. Apply the right techniques, at the right place, at the right time.  

Assist in completing pre-program inspections of facilities, gear, and equipment to ensure appropriateness for activities and safety for participants.  

Respond to all emergencies within the scope of training provided.  

Implement Emergency Action Plan (EAP) as needed. 

Administrative (5%) 

Respond to email communication in a timely manner 

Manage and review participant paperwork including Health Statements and Waivers to ensure that they are completed.  

Manage personal schedule to effectively incorporate the responsibilities of a Challenge Course facilitator.  

Indicate NACE Career Readiness Competencies that are related to tasks using superscript at end of each task. Multiple competencies may be assigned to a task. Not all tasks may have a competency associated. All NACE Career Readiness Competencies may be used. 

Required Skills, Experience, and Certifications  

Enrollment at UNCG and in good academic standing (2.5 GPA minimum required). 

UNCG Outdoor Adventures Belay Certification 

Willingness to make a minimum of a 2-year commitment to the program. 

Ability to work in a team-oriented environment. 

Willingness to learn and develop practical and transferable facilitation skills. 

CPRO Certification and First Aid Certification (can obtain after getting hired offered through RecWell).   

Include all skills, experiences, and certifications that are mandatory for the position. This may include ability to conduct specific tasks. 

Preferred Skills, Experience, and Certifications 

Previous experience as a participant in Challenge Course programs 

Previous experience managing groups in adventure activities 

ACCT Level 1 Challenge Course facilitator certification 

Include all skills, experiences, and certifications that would comprise an ideal candidate for the position.