Challenge Course Manager, YMCA Camp Classen

Description

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: YMCA Camp Classen, [Davis, OK]

Department: Program

FLSA Status: Exempt / Full-Time

Position Summary

YMCA Camp Classen is seeking an experienced and dynamic Challenge Course Manager to launch and oversee our newly constructed, state-of-the-art adventure facility. This facility includes a comprehensive Low Ropes Team Building course, a Natural Rock Wall, and an expansive Adventure Park featuring 66 distinct elements.

The Challenge Course Manager will serve as the primary guardian of safety, programming quality, and operational efficiency for all adventure activities. This role involves two distinct focuses: (1) Operational Excellence: overseeing staff training, equipment maintenance, and strict adherence to ACCT, ACA, CWA, and OSHA standards; and (2) Program Growth: Designing and marketing high-impact programs to new demographics, including corporate retreats, universities, and schools.

Requirements

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

1. Program Management & Operations

• Oversee daily operations of the Challenge Course, Natural Rock Wall, and Adventure Park across all program lines: Outdoor Education, Adventure Guides, Resident Summer Camp, Partner Camps, and Retreats.
• Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Local Operating      Procedures (LOPs), and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for all high and low elements.
• Maintain comprehensive operational logs, including usage reports, incident/near-miss reports, and equipment inspections.
• Ensure the program meets or exceeds industry standards set by the Association for      Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), American Camp Association (ACA), Climbing Wall Association (CWA), and OSHA.

2. Staff Training & Leadership

• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate a seasonal and/or year-round team of facilitators and belayers.
• Design and execute site-specific training curricula that cover technical skills, rescue procedures, group facilitation, and soft skills.
• Conduct regular skill-checks and audits of staff to ensure technical competency and safety compliance.
• Foster a culture of "Safety First" combined with exceptional customer service.

3. Strategic Growth & Marketing

• Design custom curriculum and programming packages specifically for untapped markets, including Corporate Team Building, Collegiate Leadership Programs, and School District Daytrips.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to actively market the new Adventure Park to external groups.
• Act as the "face" of the adventure program, conducting site tours for prospective large-group clients.
• Evaluate program feedback to continuously innovate and improve the guest experience.

4. Maintenance & Inspection

• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly internal inspections of all hardware, element structures, PPE (harnesses, helmets, carabiners), and the natural rock wall site.
• Coordinate annual professional external inspections with qualified vendors.
• Manage the physical maintenance of the course environment (e.g., ground cleaning, trail maintenance, access control).

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation, Recreation Management, Education, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in challenge course management or high-volume adventure programming.
• Certification:
  • Current ACCT Level 2 Practitioner or Challenge Course Manager certification (required).
  • Current CPR/AED and First Aid (required); Wilderness First Responder (WFR) (preferred).
  • CWA instructor certification or single pitch climbing instructor certification (highly preferred due to Natural Rock Wall).
• Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of belay systems, zip line operations, natural rock site management, and rescue techniques.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to climb, lift 50 lbs., work at heights for extended periods, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions typical of the Arbuckle Mountains.

Key Competencies

• Risk Management: Ability to identify hazards proactively and mitigate risks in a high-adrenaline environment.
• Business Acumen: Understanding of how-to price, package, and sell adventure experiences to maximize revenue without compromising safety or mission.
• Facilitation: ability to debrief complex team dynamics for corporate and adult groups.

YMCA Competencies (Team Leader Level)

• Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community.
• Collaboration: Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y.
• Operational Effectiveness: Integrates bird’s-eye vision and day-to-day thinking to create sustainable results.

Salary : $48,000 - $52,000