As an Outdoor Recreation Facilitator, you'll work with a team in Skowhegan, Maine, to plan and execute free outdoor recreation activities, events, and trainings for our residents. Member-led programming will range from low-impact activities like nature hikes and birdwatching to high-impact activities like mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and whitewater paddling. You'll plan multiple activities each week, and you'll work with local organizations, schools, and stakeholders to promote programming and encourage participation. Help us sustain the program for years to come by growing and managing our gear library, recruiting volunteers, and fine-tuning our volunteer engagement and management practices.
Service Activities
All Outdoor Recreation Facilitators (ORF) will:
• Work as a team to plan outdoor recreation activities, trainings, events, and workshops.
• Lead and co-lead multiple community outdoor recreation programs each week, in collaboration with other ORFs, Main Street Skowhegan staff, and volunteers.
• Organize details of outdoor recreation programs, reserving location and transportation, securing equipment.
• Track program registrations and communicate program details to registrants.
• Co-lead after-school programming for middle school students weekly.
• Draft program descriptions and emergency action plans (EAPs) before leading each community outdoor recreation program.
• Collect and record data and anecdotal information after leading each community outdoor recreation program.
In addition to collaborating on the responsibilities listed above, each ORF will select a specific role and assume these responsibilities:
Gear Library Coordinator
Marketing Coordinator
Lake George Regional Park Liaison
Community Outreach Coordinator
Community Need Addressed
Improve health and wellness of community residents by implementing programming that will get people outside, active, and engaged with nature.
Position Outcomes
Increase participation in outdoor recreation activities, change perception of recreation, and ultimately improve health and wellness of local residents through outdoor recreation.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Housing already secured for you at a reduced rate of $500 per month (everything included)
Position Perks, Training, and Professional Development:
ORFs will work hard and play hard. Each OFR will enjoy opportunities to scout new locations for activities and programs while logging service hours. OFRs will also practice, hone, and learn new skills in outdoor recreation, marketing, event and program management, volunteer leadership, and other areas of interest.
Each member will have the opportunity to take advantage of:
• Wilderness First Aid certification
• Lifeguard and/or ACA Swiftwater Rescue training
• Outdoor recreation skills trainings as deemed necessary for program execution, including whitewater paddling, mountain biking, or other
• Outdoor recreation skills trainings as determined by individual interest (as budget allows)
• Regular lunch & learn trainings led by staff, volunteers, and peers
• Federal- and state-sponsored AmeriCorps training and professional development programs
Facilitators will leave the program with experiences that will bolster their resume and put them a step ahead of others as they search for their dream career.
Fulfilling Work in a Rural Community:
Skowhegan, Maine, is a historic mill town nestled in the heart of the Kennebec River Valley. Centrally located between Maine's rocky coastline and the peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, Skowhegan is a town in the midst of a renaissance—one that's transforming the community into an outdoor recreation mecca and local food hub.
Outdoor Recreation Facilitators (ORFs) will play a critical role in this transformation, as they will plan and implement FREE outdoor recreation programming, providing opportunities for Skowhegan residents to get outside and active. ORFs will catalyze a community shift toward a healthy lifestyle through active engagement with nature.
ORFs will help improve the quality of life for everyone—all while living in a vibrant community that offers a laid-back way of life and plentiful recreation opportunities with a host of trail systems in and around Skowhegan, beaches and more at Lake George Regional Park, and easy access to the mountains, woods, and river. And, in 2023, construction will begin on Maine's first whitewater river paddle and surf park and recreation area.
Education Benefits
Wilderness First Aid certification
Lifeguard and/or ACA Swiftwater Rescue training/certification
Skills you will gain
Team work, outdoor recreation leadership, marketing, communications, volunteer management
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment