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Assistant Adventure Director

Job Title: Assistant Adventure Director
Department: Adventure
Reports To: Adventure Director
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. May require evenings and weekends as well as working in varying weather conditions. $20.34/hour.

Position Summary
The Assistant Adventure Director supports the strategic development, daily operation, and safe delivery of the Clark Sports Center’s adventure‑based programming. This role assists with indoor climbing wall operations, low ropes initiatives, cycling programs, and experiential learning events such as Odyssey and Outward Bound‑style trips. The Assistant Director works closely with the Adventure Director to foster a culture of exploration, resilience, and personal growth while ensuring programs reflect the Center’s mission of wellness, leadership, and community connection. This is a hands‑on position that actively participates in program delivery, staff training, and facility readiness. The Assistant Director will be the department point person in the Director’s absence.  The supervisor reserves the right to assign additional duties as needed to support organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Adventure Program Support & Delivery

  • Adventure Program Support-Assist in designing, implementing, and evaluating adventure programs for youth, adults, and families, ensuring high‑quality participant experiences.
  • Climbing & Challenge Course Operations-Support daily climbing wall operations, open climb sessions, and low ropes facilitation, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.
  • Experiential Learning Trip Support-Assist with planning, logistics, and on‑trip leadership for Odyssey and wilderness‑based programs.
  • Cycling Program Delivery-Help expand road and mountain biking instruction, group rides, and safety education.

Safety, Risk Management & Operational Support

  • Safety Standards-Ensure all programs follow industry best practices for safety and instruction.
  • Equipment Inspection-Assist with routine inspection, maintenance, and documentation of climbing and challenge course equipment.
  • SOPs & Emergency Readiness-Support implementation of SOPs, emergency action plans, and participant waivers.

Staff Support, Training & Culture

  • Staff Support & Oversight-Assist the Adventure Director with supervising part‑time and seasonal instructors, guides, and program assistants to ensure smooth daily operations.
  • Recruitment & Onboarding-Support recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding of new staff, ensuring understanding of departmental expectations and safety protocols.
  • Training & Skill Development-Provide hands‑on training in climbing operations, belay techniques, ropes course facilitation, cycling instruction, and wilderness safety skills.
  • Professional Development-Offer ongoing coaching, ensure working knowledge and practical application of Club Automation, and complete annual evaluations for support staff as needed.
  • Culture & Team Standards-Help foster a team culture rooted in safety, inclusion, professionalism, accountability, and experiential learning.
  • Operational Readiness-Assist with scheduling, verifying certifications, confirming equipment readiness, and supporting pre‑program briefings.

Community Engagement & Representation

  • Community Partnerships-Assist in coordinating custom adventure experiences with schools, youth organizations, and community groups.
  • Program Promotion-Support outreach events, presentations, and community engagement efforts.
  • Ambassador Role-Serve as a positive representative of the Adventure Department and its experiential learning philosophy.

Budgeting & Resource Support

  • Budget Support-Assist the Adventure Director with budget tracking, purchasing, and resource allocation.
  • Inventory Management-Help maintain equipment inventory, storage organization, and replacement planning.

 Qualifications

 Required

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in adventure education, including challenge courses, rock climbing, wilderness travel, team development, and expedition-based programming.
  • Advanced technical knowledge of climbing systems, ropes courses, rescue procedures, equipment inspection, maintenance, and risk management.
  • Proven ability to supervise staff while maintaining safe, organized, and efficient operations.
  • Demonstrated leadership, communication, mentoring, and organizational skills.
  • Current CPR, Wilderness First Responder, and Lifeguard and/or Boating Safety/Swiftwater Rescue certifications (or ability to attain).
  • New York State Guide Licenses for camping, canoeing, climbing, and boating (or ability to attain).
  • Experience working with youth, schools, community organizations, volunteers, and adult participants.
  • Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to climb, belay, bike, and hike in varied terrain and weather conditions.
  • Lift and transport equipment (up to 50 lbs).
  • Comfortable working at height and in outdoor environments for extended periods.

Note: Management reserves the right to change or reassign job duties or combine positions at any time.  Clark Sports Center is an at-will employer.

Stop in and fill out an application at the Main Desk or download the employment application (PDF, 96KB) and send by mail with your resume to: The Clark Sports Center, Attn: Dana Conte, P.O. Box 850, Cooperstown, NY 13326. For information, please contact Dana Conte or call (607) 547-2800, ext. 105.