Program Coordinator, DoE and Operational Support

Outward Bound

Tharwa, ACT

Full time

Outward Bound Australia (OBA) was established in 1956 and has a proud history of delivering outdoor education programs. Outward Bound programs provide inspiring and challenging experiences in the outdoors to help people with character development, relationships with others and an appreciation of our natural environment. Since its inception, OBA has delivered programs to around half a million Australians – significantly impacting many lives and creating a passionate community of alumni.

Outward Bound Australia is a member of the Outward Bound International network, the most experienced provider of outdoor development programs in the world. Founded in 1941 in the UK and based on the personal development principles and values of Kurt Hahn (who also designed the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme) Outward Bound has since spread to over 37 schools in 34 countries and 6 continents.

OBA’s activities are centred on the national base at Tharwa in the ACT. In recent years, operations areas have included Buchan in the Snowy Mountains area of Victoria and Walpole in Southwestern WA. OBA also undertakes philanthropic endeavours through the Australian Outward Bound Development Fund (AOBDF) to provide disadvantaged Australians with opportunities to participate on OBA programs.

Summary:

The Program Coordinator - DoE and Operational Support at Outward Bound is responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering outdoor education programs, with a focus on Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) programs. Working closely with the Head of Operations, they ensure programs meet client needs while managing logistical requirements. Additionally, the Program Coordinator - DoE and Operational Support works closely with the Equipment and Logistics Coordinator and the Tharwa Campus Program Coordinator to support high quality operational delivery and campus management at Tharwa.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, develop, and coordinate outdoor education programs, focusing on the Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) program.
• Ensure logistical arrangements align with client needs and program requirements.
• Support high-quality operational delivery and campus management at the Tharwa location.
• Lead and facilitate outdoor education programs.
• Train, mentor, and appraise group leaders.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure program safety.
• Maintain and implement educational and experiential learning standards.
• Oversee equipment procurement, maintenance, and inventory.
• Ensure compliance with safety and industry standards.
• Organize and facilitate repair and maintenance of operational gear.
• Monitor budgets and forecast equipment needs.
• Manage client accommodation and on-site support.
• Conduct inspections and ensure facility upkeep.
• Maintain stock and oversee resource management.
• Address campus-related issues and ensure a safe environment.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and standard operating procedures.
• Assist in decision-making for program safety, evacuation, or modifications.
• Support the review and development of risk management policies.

Qualifications:

• Cert IV or Diploma in Outdoor Leadership or equivalent – with the following elective preferred: bushwalk, abseil, top-rope climb, high ropes elements, canoeing flat water, rafting white water, mountain biking.
• Cert III or above in Business Administration or similar
• Wilderness First Aid and current CPR.
• Bronze Medallion.
• Current WWCC and/or WWVP
• Manual driving license, unrestricted (preferred but not essential).
• Cert IV in Training & Assessment (preferred but not essential).
• Light Rigid Licence or above (preferred but not essential).

Experience

• Demonstrated experience leading and coordinating outdoor education programs and DoE Journeys.
• Demonstrated experience with a variety of client groups to deliver technical activities.
• Demonstrated experience with a variety of client groups to deliver facilitated activities and educational outcomes.
• Experience in leading and facilitating multi-days and multi-groups programs.
• Experience with all coordinating digital systems including Sharepoint, TEAMS, Word, Excel etc…
• Experience with assets management software Gear Log
• Experience with annual budget preparation, financial management and forecasting

Attributes and Abilities

• A strong understanding of outdoor and experiential learning with a desire to further that skill set through coordinating and developing programs.
• Proactive positive communicator able to work well in a team.
• Ability to lead peers in day-to-day tasks.
• Ability to make proactive critical decisions in incident management.
• Ability to take on projects and lead them to completion in the allocated timeframe.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver quality feedback to peers.
• Proactive practical ‘can do’ attitude and problem-solving skills.
• Strong work ethic, enthusiasm and passion driven to deliver quality work.
• Care for the environment and love of the Australian bush.

Please apply via our website Outwardbound.org.au