Outdoor Education Facilitator

Organization Overview

The Mel Jr. & Marty Zajac Foundation is a not-for-profit organization based in Vancouver, BC, dedicated to supporting children, seniors, and individuals with special needs through innovative community projects that foster lifelong skills, independence, and connection.

Our current major focus is Zajac Ranch, a fully accessible camp located on over 40 acres of pristine forested land on the shores of Stave Lake in Mission, BC, approximately one hour east of Vancouver. During the summer, Zajac Ranch provides camp experiences for children and young adults with chronic, life-threatening, and/or debilitating conditions. During the off-season, the Ranch welcomes school groups, community groups, retreats, weddings, and private rentals. Revenue generated from site rentals helps support Zajac Ranch's medical summer camp programs.

• Location: Zajac Ranch, Mission, BC
• Reports To: General Manager or designate in the Camp Leadership Team
• Schedule: Based on operational needs and provided in advance

Position Summary

Outdoor Education Facilitators (OEFs) deliver program instruction, interact directly with children and other participants, and provide positive customer service to site rental groups. With the support of the Camp Leadership Team and General Manager, OEFs deliver experiential, participant-focused programming for elementary and high school students, adult retreat groups, and other Ranch guests.

OEFs are trained in the Ranch's applicable program areas and execute programming in accordance with all risk-management requirements, policies, procedures, and the scope of their training. They also support kitchen duties, facility maintenance, cleaning, and general site upkeep as operationally required.

Key Responsibilities

Apply the skills and knowledge learned in training to facilitate safe, engaging, and effective programming

Deliver experiential, participant-focused activities within the scope of assigned training and certifications

Interact directly with children and encourage positive, inclusive interaction among participants

Provide welcoming and professional customer service to schools, private rentals, retreats, weddings, and other guests

Explain and consistently reinforce program expectations, camp rules, and safe participation requirements

Ensure participants and staff respect one another, the facility, equipment, and the natural environment

Inspect program areas and equipment as required and promptly report hazards, damage, incidents, or maintenance concerns

Assist with kitchen duties, general maintenance, cleaning, site preparation, and operational support as required

Work collaboratively with Ranch leadership and colleagues to respond to changing group and site needs

Complete other related duties as assigned

Program Areas, Training & Experience

Outdoor Education Facilitators may be scheduled to support or facilitate a range of Ranch programs based on operational needs, previous experience, completed training, current certifications, and demonstrated competency. Program assignments may include:

Challenge-course programming, including the climbing wall, vertical playground, low ropes, high ropes, and Skynet

Waterfront programming, including canoeing, kayaking, and swimming-pool activities, subject to water conditions, required supervision, and applicable certifications

Land-based outdoor education, including archery, orienteering, scavenger hunts, team-building activities, and wilderness-survival programming

Recreation and group programming using the amphitheatre, basketball gym, soccer/baseball field, and other designated activity spaces

Animal-program support, including the horse program and petting zoo, within assigned duties and training

Previous experience facilitating one or more of these activities is considered an asset. OEFs must participate in all required orientation, site-specific training, skills assessment, and refresher training before independently facilitating an assigned program area.

Ropes and challenge-course activities require particular attention to technical competency and risk management. OEFs assigned to these programs must successfully complete the required ropes or challenge-course training, demonstrate competency in the applicable operating and rescue procedures, and receive authorization from Zajac Ranch leadership before facilitating. No employee may lead or supervise an activity beyond the scope of their training, certification, demonstrated competency, or authorization.

Qualifications & Experience

Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification

A satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening issued no more than six months before the start date

Two satisfactory professional reference checks

Experience working with children, youth, school groups, or diverse participant groups is preferred

Experience in outdoor education, recreation, camping, facilitation, or a related environment is an asset

Additional Qualifications Considered Assets

Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) Level 1 or Level 2 certification

National Lifeguard certification, or willingness to obtain it

Education or training in child development, education, recreation, outdoor leadership, or a related field

Skills & Competencies

Confident group facilitation and participant-engagement skills

Clear, respectful, and age-appropriate communication

Strong customer-service skills and a welcoming, professional approach

Sound judgment, situational awareness, and commitment to risk management

Ability to follow detailed procedures, activity plans, safety requirements, and directions

Dependability, adaptability, and willingness to support varied operational needs

Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of the broader Ranch team

Health & Safety

Follow all WorkSafeBC requirements, Zajac Ranch policies, program procedures, and risk-management protocols

Facilitate only those activities for which training and authorization have been provided

Use program equipment and facilities safely, responsibly, and as instructed

Report hazards, unsafe conditions, incidents, injuries, and equipment concerns promptly and through the required process

Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for participants, staff, visitors, and rental groups

Physical Requirements

Ability to remain active for extended periods; stand, walk, bend, lift, and move over varied outdoor terrain; work indoors and outdoors in seasonal weather; and safely handle program supplies and equipment appropriate to assigned duties

Work Environment

Work takes place onsite at Zajac Ranch in Mission, BC

Hours and days of work vary according to school-group, rental, event, and seasonal operational needs

Schedules are provided in advance whenever possible and may include weekdays, evenings, and weekends

The role includes direct participant programming as well as kitchen, cleaning, maintenance, and general site-support duties

Reliable transportation is required because the Ranch is located in a rural area

Why Join Zajac Ranch?

Working at Zajac Ranch means helping create safe, inclusive, and memorable experiences in a beautiful outdoor setting. Outdoor Education Facilitators play an important role in welcoming each group, building participant confidence, and bringing the Ranch experience to life through engaging programs and thoughtful service.

Commitment to the Zajac Ranch Mission

All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to the mission of Zajac Ranch: providing life-changing camp experiences for children and young adults with complex medical conditions and disabilities.