Ropes Instructor

Overview

The job of a ropes course instructor/facilitator involves leading groups safely through high and low ropes courses, which includes providing instructional briefings, safety briefings, debriefs, supervising participants, and equipment and course inspections. The role requires excellent communication, problem solving skills, leadership, and risk management skills to foster teamwork and a positive experience when conducting activities with inherent participant risk.

• Safety and Supervision:
  Conduct pre-use equipment and course inspections, provide clear safety briefings, ensure participants follow rules, and supervise all activities to ensure the physical and emotional safety of the individual and group to ensure a secure, enjoyable, and impactful learning experience
• Facilitation and Instruction:
  Serve as a positive professional role model for all participants. Lead groups through high and low ropes elements, provide instruction, assist with the proper fitting of personal protective equipment, and facilitate debriefs as assigned.
• Group Management:
  Guide participants in activities and discussions to build teamwork, confidence, leadership skills, and communication skills, tailoring the experience to individual and group needs/goals. Conduct High Ropes & Low Ropes instruction to ensure that trainees are adequately prepared to participate in the individual ropes’ elements, understanding the overall challenge to be solved. Escort trainees while on the course site, maintaining orderly behavior and a professional learning environment.
• Equipment and course upkeep:
  Assist with the inspection, setup, takedown, and proper storage of equipment. Assist with the upkeep of course elements and grounds. Report any concerns.
• Emergency procedures:
  Be prepared to execute emergency procedures and assist where necessary.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Level of Supervision:
None

No

• Education:
  
  High School Diploma or G.E.D

• Experience working with children & adults (e.g., coaching, tutoring, teaching) desired or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Comfortable working in high environments is a must. Must possess excellent communication, problem solving, and risk management skills to instruct and teach others. Must be a positive role model.

• Walking and climbing ladders and poles (up to 50 ft)
• to set-up, facilitate, and access course elements.
• Standing for long periods of time (4-6 hrs.) or for duration of shift instructing & facilitating course elements.
• Carrying and lifting equipment, supplies, and objects up to 50 lbs.
• Assist in maintaining the upkeep of all equipment, course elements, and the course grounds.
• Bending, kneeling, and reaching to set-up and access course elements and store and retrieve supplies.
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment in hot summer temperatures (should not exceed 105° F heat index, Winter temperatures down to 40°F wind chill).
• Talking and hearing to communicate with supervisors, guests, trainees and employees in person, email, text and over the telephone.

Strong verbal and interpersonal skills are essential for communicating with participants, co-workers, and supervisors.

Training:
Must be able to complete the 2–3-week training period and pass all required tests (practical as well as written) as specified by Course management.

Previous experience in a similar ropes course instructional, work environment a definite plus.

• Must be available to work a full shift (day, night or weekend) based upon the Center’s needs and the individual’s preference and availability.

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.