Wilderness Canoe and Adventure Program Coordinator

Wilderness Canoe & Adventure Program Coordinator

About Echo Pond:
Echo Pond Environmental Education Centre is a unique hub for environmental education and outdoor adventure in the heart of the Avalon Peninsula’s boreal forest (Newfoundland and Labrador). Our mission is to inspire sustainable living and ecological awareness through innovative summer camps, school programs, and hands-on outdoor learning experiences.

Location: Echo Pond Environmental Education Centre, 1 Tower Rd, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0B 1G0

Overview:
This is a dynamic, multi-phase position for an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for environmental education and wilderness adventure. You will work closely with our facilities manager, senior camp staff, executive director, and volunteers to launch our new guided wilderness canoe program and support both our summer camps and school programs. Even if you don’t meet every single qualification, if you believe you’d be a great fit, please apply!

Position Type & Duration:

  • Environmental Education School Program: April–May (part-time; $17/hr) – optional
  • Wilderness Canoe Program Planning: Mid-May–June (part-time; remote planning available; $20/hr)
  • Summer Camp Adventure Support: July–August (full-time; $20/hr)
  • Additional School Program Support: September–October (part-time; $17/hr)
    Accommodations, meals, and transportation support are provided onsite.

Key Responsibilities:

  • School Programs (April–May) – optional:
    • Collaborate with a small team to deliver hands-on environmental education to school groups.
  • Wilderness Canoe Program Planning (Mid-May–June):
    • Design and pilot a new wilderness canoe program for small groups.
    • Map safe, engaging routes and portage trails.
    • Research, order, and organize gear and supplies.
    • Develop comprehensive risk management and safety plans.
    • Lead pilot trips to refine the program.
  • Summer Camp Adventure Support and Camp Counselor (July–August):
    • Lead overnight canoe out trips and other outdoor adventures with campers (ages 7–16).
    • Instruct wilderness skills such as shelter building, outdoor cooking, and whittling.
  • Additional School Program Support (September–October):
    • Assist our environmental education team to further deliver and refine program elements.

Qualifications & Desired Skills:

  • Outdoor Expertise: Experience in canoeing, backcountry navigation, route mapping, and portaging.
  • Wilderness Skills: Practical skills in shelter building, outdoor cooking, whittling, etc., are a plus.
  • Certifications:
    • First Aid and CPR (required)
    • Wilderness First Aid (or willingness to be trained) – asset
    • Paddle Canada Certification – asset
    • Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector check (required)
  • Program Development: Prior experience in designing and leading outdoor adventure or educational programs is highly desirable.
  • Organizational & Interpersonal Skills: Strong planning, research, and communication skills; ability to work effectively with youth and diverse teams.
  • Adaptability: Self-motivated and comfortable working in both remote outdoor environments and in team settings.

What We Offer:

  • A collaborative, mission-driven role with opportunities to shape and pilot innovative outdoor programs.
  • Flexible work arrangements (with remote planning options) and comprehensive onsite support (accommodations, meals, transportation).
  • Competitive pay: $20/hr for wilderness canoe and summer camp work; $17/hr for school program work.
  • Professional growth in wilderness leadership, outdoor education, and program development.
  • We welcome candidates from all backgrounds—even if you don’t meet every qualification, we’d love to hear from you!

How to Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@echopond.ca.
Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis—apply early!

 

Echo Pond Summer Camp is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for both campers and staff. Our motto is ‘to support both ecological and human diversity’. We welcome applications from LGBTQ2+ identifying people, people of all genders, as well as people from all ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.