About the Department

The Outdoor Adventure Supervisor develops and manages the outdoor adventure program and events with a strong focus on fun, exceptional customer service, and the overall visitor experience. The Supervisor ensures participant safety, manages equipment, leads excursions, and delivers high-quality outdoor experiences across diverse environments.

Position Duties

Program Development & Execution

Fosters enthusiasm and a contagious excitement for leading and managing active recreation opportunities throughout Metro Parks.
Manages, designs, and implements diverse outdoor adventure programs, classes, and special events tailored to Columbus and Franklin County’s diverse population, with a primary focus on safety, fun, and encouraging repeat visitation.
Instructs participants in outdoor adventure programs by demonstrating proper techniques and providing clear, safety-focused instruction.
Expands community reach by developing innovative programs and initiatives designed to attract new and historically underserved populations.
Promotes programs by collaborating on marketing materials and generating engaging social media content.
Integrates basic natural resource information and nature-oriented programming into outdoor activities when applicable, assisting with community outreach efforts as needed.
Utilizes online systems to write and input program descriptions for publication and registration, and maintains accurate statistical data and attendance records.

Leadership & Personnel Management

Supervises daily staff functions and assists with the recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members.
Assigns responsibilities, delegates tasks, creates work and program schedules, and sets expectations and goals for staff.
Approves timekeeping and leave requests.
Fosters a positive work culture. Addresses employee concerns in a timely and professional manner.
Provides continuous guidance, instruction, and support to employees and volunteers assisting with programs and events.
Administers personnel management, including preparing and delivering performance evaluations, coaching, and disciplinary actions under the direction of the Park Manager.
Monitors and supervises visitors and participants during programs and events to ensure an orderly and enjoyable environment.

Safety, Risk Management, & Compliance

Implements emergency protocols, conducts thorough risk assessments, monitors weather conditions, and ensures all operations align with safety regulations.
Ensures strict compliance with all park rules, regulations, and safety protocols; maintains required professional certifications and attends relevant professional development seminars.
Resolves visitor inquiries, issues, or complaints regarding programs, events, and related operational matters in a professional manner.

Operations, Logistics, & Budgeting

Coordinates equipment logistics, including ordering, managing, and distributing gear, rentals, and supplies throughout the park district.
Maintains gear inventories and oversees routine equipment maintenance and repairs to ensure all technical gear meets strict safety standards.
Collaborates seamlessly with park staff, volunteers, and external work units to ensure successful program implementation, setup, teardown, and cleanup.
Assists with facility rentals, providing support for shelter and day lodge rentals, including setup, teardown, and light janitorial duties as needed.
Supports the budgeting process and completes financial administrative tasks as required.

Scope of Activities & Programming

The Outdoor Adventure Supervisor will oversee, lead, and develop programming across a wide array of activities, including but not limited to:

Backpacking, Camping, Fishing, Off-Trail Hiking, Creeking, Nature Exploration, Orienteering & Geocaching, Outdoor Cooking, and Survival Programs.
Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddle Boarding.
Archery, Disc Golf, Rock Climbing, Via Ferrata, Slacklining, and Challenge/Obstacle Courses.
Yoga.
Sledding, Ice Skating, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing.

Note: The above Example of Duties represents the essential and most significant duties of this position. This description is not intended to exclude other work assignments, duties, or responsibilities as required by agency needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience
Associate Degree in Parks & Recreation, Outdoor Education, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Education, or any combination of education and experience experience in outdoor recreational programming. Significant knowledge and demonstrated experience in outdoor recreational programming required. Management experience preferred. Public and/or non-profit sector experience preferred.

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification preferred. American Canoe Association (ACA) Paddlesports Certification preferred. CPR/AED required within the first 6 months of employment.

Team-Oriented
Works on a team. Outstanding customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other professionals, the general public, and public officials.

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

Language Skills
Ability to communicate professionally and courteously on a daily basis with coworkers, vendors, volunteers, and the general public. Ability to accurately communicate in writing. Ability to recognize and understand non-verbal symbols and cues.

Mathematical Skills
Strong knowledge of basic mathematics; ability to deal with symbols in formulas, equations, or graphs; ability to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports; ability to calculate fractions, decimals, percentages; ability to recognize errors and make corrections. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; ability to make decisions and respond to employee and customer questions, requests and concerns, etc.

Technology Skills
Demonstrated experience using computers, web-based programs, payroll and budgeting software, reservation systems, email, internet, intranet, Microsoft Office products, Adobe, scanners, printers, multi-line phone systems, and basic office equipment.

Licenses, Registrations
Possession of a valid Ohio driver license, insurable by Metro Parks' insurance carrier, and ability to conform to the driving standards policy. Possession of valid standard first aid card and CPR cards within six (6) months of employment.

Physical Demands
Employee is required to perform vigorous physical activities and lead others while doing so (e.g., archery, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, etc.). Employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear, lift, etc; walk over a variety of terrain and varying elevations, carry a variety of equipment of different shapes, sizes, and weights, as well as using standard office equipment (computers, printers, etc.). Ability to take the necessary precautions to work safely and wear appropriate safety gear in the performance of duties. Ability to move objects weighing above 15 lbs. on an frequent basis. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. manually or up to 100 lbs. with assistance. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, equipment, or controls, and reach with hands and arms, etc.

Work Environment
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. The employee is required to travel to parks throughout the District. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Work Hours
The schedule will including evenings, weekends, overnight trips, and holidays as required.

Other Qualifications

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.

Benefits

: Full-time benefits include:

Medical
Dental
Vision
EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, Children
Vacation Leave
Personal Leave
Sick Leave
Bereavement Leave
8 Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement
Uniforms for specified positions
Agency paid training & conferences
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
Deferred Compensation Programs

Supplemental Questions

Are you at least 18 years of age?

Do you possess a valid Ohio Driver's License?

Do you have 6 or more points on your Driver's License?

Yes
No
Will Explain in Interview

I acknowledge that this position will work outside in a variety of weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures, snow, rain, and exposure to ticks, other insects, and poison ivy.

Due to operational needs and responsibilities of this position, the work hours will include evenings, weekends, overnight trips. and holidays. Are you available to work evenings, weekends, overnight trips, and holidays?

I acknowledge that if I am selected and conditionally offered this position I must successfully pass a pre-employment 9 panel drug screen and a criminal record check to be appointed to this position.

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks
Address: 1069 W. Main St.

Westerville, Ohio, 43081
Phone: 614-891-0700
Website: http://www.metroparks.net