Outdoor Program Coordinator (Y Rangers)

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.

Program Coordinator Responsibilities

• Oversee and deliver high-quality programs, including Nature Engagement Afterschool Programming, Community Garden coordination, and the Y Rangers initiative, part of the national YMCA/National Park Service (NPS) partnership.
• Serve as the primary liaison for Y Rangers programming, collaborating with city, state, and nonprofit partners to enhance program delivery and participant experience.
• Provide direct service to youth and families, implementing engaging environmental education and climate justice curricula aligned with the goals of the Outdoor Equity Program (OEP) Grant.
• Manage program administration, including attendance tracking, narrative reporting, and quality program development.
• Recruit, train, and supervise program staff and volunteers to ensure a supportive and inclusive program environment.
• Plan and lead outdoor activities that inspire participants and build a lasting appreciation for nature.

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