Youth Opportunities Program, Logistics & Trip Support Associate- Boston, MA.

Organization: Appalachian Mountain Club

Position Title: Youth Opportunities Program, Logistics & Trip Support Associate

Location: Boston, MA.

Hours & Compensation: Full time.

Application Deadline: March 1, 2014

Job Description:

The AMC’s Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) makes the outdoors accessible to 30,000 urban and at-risk youth each year. We accomplish this by providing training and support to hundreds of youth agencies, schools, and youth workers throughout the Northeast who independently lead youth groups into the outdoors. YOP’s continuum of services includes outdoor leadership training, free equipment loans, trip planning assistance, reduced lodging rates at AMC destinations, professional development, and youth adventures. This unique model enables our YOP-trained partners to use the outdoors to meet their youth development goals. YOP is expanding rapidly and looking for talented individuals to join our team which aims to serve at least 50,000 youth per year by 2020.

The YOP Logistics & Trip Support Associate will be responsible for supporting all aspects of YOP’s Boston-based trainings, workshops, and member assistance. This includes overseeing all five outdoor equipment sites operated by our Boston office, which are located in Boston, Randolph, North Andover, Worcester, and New Haven, CT. This position will ensure YOP equipment sites operate efficiently and effectively in order to best serve YOP Members and staff. Key areas of work include scheduling, inventory, distribution, education, organization, safety, maintenance, research, and repair.

The Associate will also provide a wide variety of logistical support for YOP trainings and workshops. Logistical support will include, but is not limited to preparing equipment, food, paperwork, and educational materials. Roughly 70% of the position will be devoted to managing equipment. The other 30% involve providing logistical support for YOP trips and trainings.

This full-time position reports to the YOP Senior Manager for New England and offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits. The position is based at AMC’s Boston headquarters and regional travel is expected.

Responsibilities:

• Equipment Site Management: Clean, repair and maintain outdoor equipment to ensure safety and longevity. Keep equipment rooms clean and organized. Develop and follow year-round management plan for equipment sites including schedule for cleaning, testing, repairing, resupply, and washing.
• Equipment Inventory: Manage an accurate overall inventory of equipment for YOP’s Boston program base. This includes remote equipment sites in the Blue Hills, North Andover, Worcester, and New Haven. Determine annual equipment needs, purchases, and repairs within the YOP budget. Conduct annual equipment inventory. Repair all equipment in a timely manner. Collaborate with YOP Senior Manager to determine priorities for repair and replacement, and make suggestions for future purchases.
• YOP Member Support: Schedule and attend appointments with YOP Members for equipment pick up and return. Coordinate equipment usage to maximize availability to YOP Members. Ensure equipment loans correspond to YOP Leader Profile, meeting risk management standards. Work closely with AMC lodging reservations staff to ensure successful booking of YOP groups at budgeted and approved rates.
• Logistics: Provide logistical support for Outdoor Leadership Trainings, workshops, and direct service trips. Prepare equipment for trainings and workshops. Plan menus and handle food requisitions and purchases for YOP trainings and workshops.
• Volunteers: Coordinate volunteers and interns to assist with equipment room tasks. Train interns in equipment room procedures. Plan and oversee regular equipment repair events to utilize volunteer assistance with maintenance and repair of outdoor equipment.
• Reporting: Collect and monitor trip statistics and payments from YOP Members that utilize AMC lodging facilities. Document gear usage at each equipment site.
• Risk Management: Provide backup logistical and emergency support to trips in the field. Provide on call coverage. Ensure equipment sites are secure and that YOP Members and staff follow safety policies and procedures to prevent equipment loss and manage risk.
• Material Development: Create educational materials, signage, and equipment usage guidelines.
• Fund Raising: Assist with equipment related fundraising tasks.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• B.A. or B.S. in Outdoor Leadership or Recreation, Environmental Education or Studies, or related field, preferred.
• Proven ability to work with a variety of diverse populations including youth, adults, volunteers, and staff.
• Experience working with outdoor equipment required, along with experience with repair and maintenance.
• Strong organizational and communication skills. Logistical skills for outdoor program planning.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Experience working with youth in an outdoor adventure program preferred. Experience with urban youth, desirable.
• At least one year previous experience facilitating outdoor related activities.
• Working knowledge of outdoor skills, primarily camping, backpacking, and winter travel.
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR preferred.
• Familiarity with the Boston area very desirable.
• Sense of humor, patience, flexibility, and hardworking, a must.
• Ability to drive 12-passenger van safely and possession of a clear personal driving history. Must hold valid driver’s license and be able to pass a DOT medical exam.
• Ability to hike and camp in mountain terrain carrying a 40-50 pound pack, in all weather conditions. Ability to lift 65 pounds from ground to waist high.
• A general knowledge of the AMC and its mission, desirable.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings.

Benefits of Working with the AMC The AMC offers a great benefits package! Here is a partial list that highlights some benefits offered for our regular full-time employees. Benefits may vary based on position.

• Group Health Plan, 75 percent employer paid.
• Group Life Insurance, 100 percent employer paid.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance, 100 percent employer paid.
• Vacation: four weeks accrued each year. Holidays: 13 paid holidays/year.
• Use of AMC Facilities, free and discounted rates.
• Free AMC membership.

The Appalachian Mountain Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity in the workplace. AMC has zero tolerance for the abuse of children. Any employee or intern with access to children will have a criminal record check performed and have references checked regarding their past work with children.

How  to apply:

Please email resume, cover letter and salary requirements to [email protected]. No phone calls, please. Expected start date: March 1, 2014.