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Part-time Outdoor Adventure Programmer

Company:
Franklin County, OH
Location:
Columbus, OH, 43216
Posted:
October 05, 2025
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Description:

Purpose The Outdoor Adventure Programmer will plan, program, supervise, and implement a variety of outdoor adventure programs and events with a focus on fun, customer service, and park visitors/participants.

Example of Duties Exhibits a contagious excitement for leading active recreation opportunities throughout Metro Parks including, but not limited to, the following areas: Camping Backpacking Camp Fires Biking Canoeing and Kayaking and Paddle Boarding Fishing Sports & Physical Fitness Dog Walks/Dog Events Kite Flying Off Trail Hikes Creeking Natural Play Area Use - fort building, capture the flag, relay races, etc.

Archery Geocaching Orienteering Obstacle Courses Bridle Trails/Horses Survival Programs, Skills, and Challenges Winter Activities - Sledding, Ice Skating, Cross Country Skiing Yoga Develops and designs outdoor adventure programs and events through research of visitor interest, timely anticipation of interest based trends; implements these programs, activities, classes and special events to serve all segments of a diverse population with the primary goal of having fun and enticing visitors to return to Metro Parks.

Compliments nature-oriented programs and community outreach efforts.

Provides basic natural resources information during programming when applicable.

Supervises children and adults participating in programs/events.

Finds ways to attract new populations and/or underserved populations through outdoor adventure-oriented programs, events, and classes.

Maintains, orders, or coordinates equipment and supplies needed for use in programs and events; may coordinate use of said equipment and supplies throughout the park district.

Maintains and records statistical data on programs and events.

Recommends and implements marketing strategies for programs and events.

Works with park staffs, visitors, and other work units to provide successful program/event implementation and clean up.

Interacts with visitors/participants to resolve issues or complaints dealing with programs/events and related operational issues.

Makes recommendations for the annual park budget to incorporate expenses, supplies, and equipment needed for programs/events; monitors expenses related to said programs/events.

Writes and inputs program/event descriptions into online system for publication and reservations/sign-ups.

Provides instruction and guidance to fellow employees and/or volunteers assisting with programs and events.

Provides social media content from programs and events or for promotion of programs and events.

Assists as needed by serving as a facility attendant for groups renting shelters and day lodges; setting up and tearing down rental rooms, cleaning rooms including mopping, vacuuming, and trash removal; assisting users by answering questions and providing guidance.

Performs special projects and related duties as required or assigned.

The above Description represents the essential and most significant duties of this position.

It is not intended to exclude other work duties, assignments and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

Qualifications Education/Experience: Possession of or currently pursuing a degree in Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources, Environmental Science or other related field and some experience in outdoor programming or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Excellent skills in problem identification, problem resolution, detailed documentation, time management, interpersonal communications, and customer service.

Team-Oriented: Works on a team.

Outstanding customer service, communications and interpersonal skills.

Attendance: Being present at work is an essential function of the position.

Technology Skills: Demonstrated experience using computers, programs, email, internet, intranet, Microsoft 365, Google Docs, Adobe, multi-line phone systems, and other basic office equipment.

Language Skills: Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to coworkers, other professionals, the general public, and public officials; ability to explain technical information in everyday language which non-technical people can understand; ability to train others.

Communication occurs daily.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate fractions, decimals and percentages; deal with non-verbal symbols in formulas, equations or graphs; proofread technical materials, recognize errors and make corrections.

Ability to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and develop appropriate recommendations to resolve identified problems; ability to gather, collate and classify information about data, people, and things.

Licenses, Registrations: Possession of a valid Ohio driver license, and insurable by the Park District's insurance carrier.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will at times work inside an office environment and outside in a variety of outdoor elements.

Employee is required to perform vigorous physical activities and lead others while doing so (examples, but not limited to, canoeing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, archery, etc.). Employee is required to walk over a variety of terrain and varying elevations, carry a variety of equipment of different shapes and sizes and weights, as well as using standard office equipment (computer, copiers, calculator, etc.). Ability to take the necessary precautions to work safely and wear appropriate safety gear in the performance of duties.

Ability to move objects weighting above 15 lbs.

with the help of equipment/devices, on an infrequent basis.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

manually or up to 100 lbs.

with assistance.

Work Environment: See above under physical demands.

The employee is required to travel to parks throughout the District.

Any Additional Information: Ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other professionals, the general public, and public officials.

Other Information Work Hours: The typical workweek is 20 hours, however scheduling must be flexible to accommodate programming and event needs.

Work hours will include evenings, weekends, and holidays and may include some overnight events.

Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks has a longstanding commitment to provide a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment.

Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks' employees and to the security of the organization's equipment and facilities.

For these reasons, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment.

Supervision Received: Outdoor Adventure Supervisor Given: Volunteers, Interns; General guidance to other employees working the programs/events.

FLSA Status Given the nature of this classification's duties/responsibilities, it has been designated as Non-Exempt under the governing Fair Labor Standards Act and, therefore, is entitled to formal overtime compensation and/or formal compensatory time.

Core Values Attendance: Is at work as scheduled; reports to work on time; follows proper procedures for requesting leave or calling off.

Policies & Procedures: Follows established policies and procedures; inquires of supervisor if unclear on policy/procedure, includes following safety policies, procedures and protocols.

Professionalism: Handles the responsibilities of the position in an effective manner; maintains integrity and appropriate behavior in dealing with conflicts and challenges with the public, co-workers, and managers; offers differing points of view in an acceptable manner.

Team Player: Supports other members of the organization in accomplishing their goals and projects; recognizes and credits others for their contribution in achieving goals.

Positive Attitude: Supports Metro Parks established priorities at all times; cultivates team environment; exhibits enthusiasm while carrying out responsibilities; looks for solutions to work conflicts and challenges.

Productivity: Thoroughly completes work in a timely manner; organizes and plans assignments well or follows supervisory instructions well with little explanation; follows-up as needed.

Quality: Demonstrates technical competence, meets job expectations; completes assignments with few errors.

Initiative: Does not wait to be told what to do; appropriately makes suggestions for improvements; does not hesitate when things do not go according to routine and quickly adjust to meet exceptions.

Interpersonal Communication: Interacts with others with tact and courtesy; communicates clearly and effectively; shares information with supervisor or coworkers to achieve goals; responsive to the public.

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