Outdoor Programs Coordinator

Careers Empowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation’s most pressing social issues. 

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

Position Summary

Are you passionate about connecting youth and families to the great outdoors? Join our team as the Outdoor Programs Coordinator, where you’ll lead innovative and impactful nature-based programs that promote environmental education, community engagement, and climate justice. Under the supervision of the Outdoor Programs Director, this role offers the opportunity to create meaningful outdoor experiences for participants in the Bayview/Hunters Point and Chinatown neighborhoods, fostering a deeper connection to nature for historically underrepresented communities.

The Outdoor Program Coordinator is a dynamic role that combines leadership, program development, and hands-on engagement in outdoor spaces. Hours may vary based on program needs and the SFUSD calendar, allowing flexibility to create impactful experiences.

Outdoor Program Coordinator Responsibilities

• Program Supervision and Coordination
  • Oversee and manage youth and family nature programs, including Nature Engagement Afterschool Programming, Community Garden coordination, and Y Rangers programming.
  • Coordinate and implement programs funded by the Outdoor Equity Program (OEP) Grant in Bayview/Hunters Point and Chinatown neighborhoods.
• Program Development and Implementation
  • Develop, organize, and maintain high-quality environmental education and climate justice curriculum tailored for marginalized communities.
  • Plan, organize, lead, and supervise outdoor activities for youth and families.
• Partnership and Collaboration
  • Serve as a liaison for the Presidio YMCA’s Y-USA/NPS Partnership (Y Rangers), connecting YMCA branches and program participants.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for city, state, and non-profit partners involved in the Y Rangers program.
  • Foster and maintain strong relationships with all program partners to enhance collaboration and program success.
• Administrative Responsibilities
  • Collect and maintain attendance records and program narratives.
  • Ensure timely and accurate documentation to support program reporting and evaluation.
• Staff and Volunteer Supervision
  • Supervise and support program staff and volunteers, providing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Community Engagement
  • Promote programs to increase community participation and engagement, particularly within marginalized groups in Bayview/Hunters Point and Chinatown.
• Program Monitoring and Quality Assurance
  • Ensure all programs are delivered safely and effectively, meeting established quality standards.
  • Regularly evaluate programs to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.
• Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Adjust working hours and responsibilities to align with SFUSD calendar, program needs, and Outdoor Programs Director priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• 21+ years old 
• Monday – Friday, some weekends required 
• A minimum of 12 units of education, natural sciences, recreation or related field. 
• Knowledge in at least some of the following areas: general ecological concepts, natural and cultural history, geology, team-building, storytelling, gardening, social and environmental health. 
• Must be flexible to accommodate varied schedule for programs.  
• Must have access to reliable transportation.
• Experience working in youth outdoor education programs  
• Experience with providing instructions to large groups 
• 2+ years of experience in youth work and knowledge of a variety of behavior management techniques preferred.  
• Ability to organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.  
• Recent supervisory experience 
• Experience in risk management and emergency response 
• Experience in fiscal program management  
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage complex logistics 
• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills 
• Proficiency with MS Office and computers 
• A passion for social justice and knowledge of the challenges faced by low-income San Francisco residents 
• Proven ability to work with people from a variety of different ethnic, socio-economic, educational, religious, sexual and generational backgrounds 
• Must be an independent worker and able to multi-task, adept at working on a team, and maintains a flexible and positive attitude 
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation 
• Ability to adequately observe participants in activities, enforces safety regulations, and apply appropriate management techniques 
• YMCA approved CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and YMCA Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date 
• TB test clearance required 

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree 
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification (training provided if necessary) 
• Knowledge, familiarity, and experience working in or with schools within SFUSD 
• Bilingual language skills in Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and/or Arabic 

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The Outdoor Program Coordinator role involves both office-based administrative tasks and active, outdoor program facilitation in various environments, including parks, gardens, and community spaces. The position requires frequent walking, standing, and participation in outdoor activities, sometimes in varying weather conditions. Lifting and carrying program materials up to 30 pounds may be necessary. The role also involves regular interaction with youth, families, and community partners, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description

The Outdoor Programs Coordinator position offers a competitive salary ranging from $24.00 – $34.45 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. Compensation is in accordance with program budget requirements.