Head of Outdoor Operations Full Time

180 Degrees Trust (180) was established in 2008 to offer a lifeline to our most vulnerable at-risk young people.  Through the use of adventure-based therapy and mentoring, 180 is empowering young people to make positive and sustainable changes in their lives.

To help support the ongoing delivery of our services we are looking for an enthusiastic and energetic Head of Outdoor Operations to lead, grow and develop our unique Adventure180 programmes, which consist of outdoor and high-country activities, camps and expeditions. Working with client referrals from Oranga Tamariki, New Zealand Police and local schools, they will develop and deliver appropriate programmes that meet the needs of the trust, the clients, and our partners.

The ideal candidate will be someone who is confident and experienced in the high and back country and who is passionate and knowledgeable about the NZ environment, its history and culture.  They will have a can-do attitude and will be willing to impart their knowledge and teach their experiences to others. They will also provide life coaching advice and role model the behaviours needed to help support our clients and their wider whanau. Therefore compassion, understanding and a willingness to help create a positive change in a young person’s life is critical to this role.

A high degree of flexibility is also required as they will need to coordinate a busy schedule throughout the year. This position is a demanding role which will often require time away from home comforts, as they lead the 180-outdoors team and clients on various activities, camps, and expeditions.

Role

• To work with the 180 CEO and team to develop and run outdoor adventure-based camps, expeditions and activities that expose clients to a collaborative team environment which is positive, rewarding, challenging, and motivating.
• Generate new outdoor activities, camps and expeditions that will inspire and support the overall service delivery to 180 clients.
• Be responsible for planning and leading all camps, expedition, and activities for Adventure180.
• To act as overall Health and Safety lead and ensure the safe delivery of all services to all clients.
• To support young people through mentoring and guidance, primarily during outdoor engagements but from time to time outside this environment.
• Work with the CEO to develop and secure ongoing relationships with key stakeholders, including Oranga Tamariki, the New Zealand Police, schools and corporates funders where required.
• Complete all administrative functions as required including time recording, updating database records, managing budgets/expenses and other systems as required in a timely and accurate manner.
• Recruit and manage appropriate staff, volunteers, and contractors to ensure the smooth and safe operation of all Adventure180 activities.

Essential

Skilled outdoor experience covering all components of camping, tramping and survival skills, safe negotiation of rivers and lakes, understanding of weather patterns, respect, and appreciation of the environmental, and an appreciation and knowledge of our native flora and fauna.

Key skills, competencies and experience include:

• Planning, logistics management and administration.
• Group management, in an outdoor / adventure-based setting.
• A history of attention to detail around health, safety, and wellbeing.
• Communication skills, particularly the ability to talk with and mentor young people at their level.
• An understanding of conservation and the New Zealand native landscape.
• Provide a service and promote an environment that values Te Ao Māori concepts of wellbeing, care and cultural identity.
• Effective methods of teaching and transferring knowledge.
• Risk management skills, and the ability to respond to emergency situations,
• The ability to manage their own time and workloads, work independently without supervision.
• Experience working with vulnerable and/or at-risk young people.
• The ability to care for their own well-being, a sound level of health and fitness.
• A full driver’s licence is a necessity and your ability to get a Passenger Endorsement licence an asset.
• Keep a First Aid Certificate current.
• Outdoor qualifications e.g., NZOIA / NZMGA / NZQA and/or a background in outdoor education and experience or training in teaching and curriculum will be looked on favorably as will other relevant experience.

Desirable

• Has provided mentoring/support to young people.

What 180 can offer

• A competitive salary package.
• 180 will encourage and support you in upskilling for both outdoor practice qualifications and practice policies.
• An opportunity to make a difference in young people’s lives. A difference that could change the path they take, resulting in a positive and fulfilling life.
• Work out of the best office in the world, being the Canterbury outdoors and high country.
• Work with people who are also passionate about the outdoors and creating positive change in young people’s lives.

If you would like to join the 180 Degrees team, please submit your up-to-date resume and cover letter via Seek.  If you would like to know more, please email [email protected]

Employer questions

• Your application will include the following questions:
• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
• Are you willing to undergo a pre-employment medical check?

Do you have a current New Zealand driver’s licence?

Tagged as: outdoor operations