The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
This position is subject to the satisfactory completion of required background checksJob End Date
February 28, 2029
This is a 3-year term position
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
Wild & Immersive is an outdoor educational program currently geared towards children and youth (pre-K through grade 12) that aims to create environmentally curious and healthy individuals through inspiring nature-based experiences. Established by the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (MKRF) in 2018, Wild & Immersive was launched by the Alex Fraser Research Forest (AFRF) in Williams Lake in 2021. Wild & Immersive in Williams Lake has been recognized as an enterprising development in the community for offering educational programs including Pro-D day camps, field trips, home school ‘forest school’ sessions, spring break day camps and summer day camps. To date, Wild and Immersive has operated on a fee-for-service business model with the intent of minimizing competition for grants with other community organizations and providing the incentive to deliver high-quality programming.
The Wild & Immersive Education Program Supervisor will be responsible for developing and executing Wild & Immersive’s educational programs, including creating content and facilitating programs. As the program grows, this position will be required to supervise a team, develop and maintain budgets, and participate in the development and construction of physical structures, trails, and outdoor spaces. The successful candidate is responsible for ensuring that programming meets Wild & Immersive and UBC standards and policies.
Organizational Status
Under the day-to-day supervision of AFRF’s Director, the successful candidate will receive strategic support and overall program direction from the Director and will, in coordination with the Wild & Immersive team at MKRF, receive guidance for overall program direction. The successful candidate will work closely with all AFRF administrative and forestry staff, as well as supervise local Wild & Immersive team members. Training will be conducted in co-ordination with Wild & Immersive staff at MKRF; this position is based at the Alex Fraser Research Forest in Williams Lake, BC.
Work Performed
Developing engaging, nature-based curriculum and content for Wild & Immersive programs, including birthday parties, events, camps, tours, and workshops; marketing and advertisement of programs.
Leading the development and organization of programs and camps.
Leading and/or assisting outdoor educational programs for youth and adults as required, and also flexible in back-filling staff absences.
Ensuring the proper organization and preparation is conducted prior to an event, camp, or program.
Ensuring program materials are organized, cleaned, and in safe working condition; performs site checks and safety assessments prior to the start of programs.
Filling out appropriate documentation for events, camps, and programs (e.g., schedules, waivers, student progress reports, parent contact information and medical forms).
Addressing caregiver or parent concerns and questions as they arise.
Assisting in the hiring process of Wild & Immersive team members, including selection and onboarding.
Assigning tasks and providing feedback to ensure team productivity and performance.
Leading the training of the Wild & Immersive team in Williams Lake.
Identifying the needs and opportunities for specialized educational programming based on client requests or community interest.
Performing outreach and coordinating programs with local school districts and community organizations.
Works closely with the Wild & Immersive team in Maple Ridge to ensure programs are in line with Wild & Immersive standards, and for support in program development and promotion.
Develops a 5-year business plan for Wild & Immersive programming in Williams Lake.
Researches and sources grant and donation opportunities to support Wild & Immersive’s business functions and continued operating costs while avoiding competition with other local, outdoor education programs.
Assisting in developing budgets and working within budgets.
This position will require physical activity and working outdoors in all weather conditions.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Must exercise judgment based upon a thorough knowledge of procedures, guidelines, and regulations. Must exercise judgment based upon the safety and liability of our team and guests. Incorrect decisions will directly affect the University's and department's reputation with government authorities, community and faculty, staff and students and general public and could require intervention by supervisory and or senior management.
The Alex Fraser Research Forest is a self-funded facility that depends on business revenues for its ongoing operation. This position provides support to the ongoing success of Wild & Immersive programming. Failure to provide quality, service and value to clients could negatively affect the financial performance of the Forest. Failure to make sound business decisions will adversely affect sales.
Supervision Received
This position will work with a high level of independence. Working under the AFRF Director’s supervision, deliverables will be reviewed regularly to ensure consistency with overall unit objectives.
Supervision Given
Directly supervises all volunteers, employees (i.e. Workshop Facilitators) and contractors who are hired to assist with Wild & Immersive programming.
Minimum Qualifications
University degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
A completed degree in an environmentally-related or educational field.
Experience working with groups, specifically children.
Leadership and team building experience.
Experience creating and developing program content.
Remote First Aid, or willingness to acquire.
Class 5 Driver’s License with a clean driver’s abstract.
Current Criminal Record Check
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written as well as interpersonal, customer service, problem resolution and organization skills.
Strong leadership and supervision skills.
Strong understanding of childhood development.
Ability to assess and manage risks in outdoor settings.
Strong understanding of British Columbia’s ecology.
Comfortable managing and speaking to large groups.
Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
Comfortable working alone and in team-settings.
Ability to exercise patience, tact and discretion.
Computer skills and fluency with office applications.