Wilderness Ranch is a horseback riding camp located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains of SW Alberta. The Wilderness Ranch mission states: “To provide in a wilderness setting a program of education and fellowship where faith and trust is Jesus Christ is integrated into daily living.”
This is a part-time, contract position. Estimated to take about 1,000 hours per year with the bulk of
those being from May through to September at the camp sites.In collaboration with the Board of Directors of Wilderness Ranch, the Executive Director will be
responsible for managing camp operations, programs, logistics, staff development and conflict.
The Executive Director will cover a vast array of duties but will ultimately provide the campers, staff,
rental groups with an exceptional experience in the outdoors. The role will be responsible for the care,
safety, protection and supervision of campers, staff, parents, volunteers, visitors, animals, and
environment. The Executive Director is first and foremost a leader who is to execute the vision and
mission of the camp by recruiting and attracting the necessary individuals to contribute and assist in
doing so. The position is demanding and challenging yet comes with many rewards.
Some key areas of responsibility are:
Leadership:
-Act as a positive and Godly role model for staff and campers
-Participate in all areas of camp activities to the extent necessary for proper awareness and supervisory functioning
-Foster and develop positive relationships with campers, staff, parents, camp neighbours, churches, camp supporters, donors and prospective campers
Human Resources:
-Recruit staff to fulfil all role and skill needs
-Conduct staff meetings and training as needed
-Perform promotional and public relations work
Management:
-Plan and coordinate all schedules for camp programs
-Oversee spending
-Ensure camp facilities and assets are managed and maintained to the highest standards.
-Maintain and oversee camp bookings
Program:
-Oversee camp operations
-Ensure planning, implementation, and quality of camp programming
-Oversee horse procurement, retention, health and boarding
Skills:
-Enthusiastic and passionate for youth ministry
-Ability to communicate, relate and connect with youth, young adults, and adults
-Experience and competency in wilderness camping, travel and living
-Capacity to to work and thrive in various weather conditions and perform manual labour tasks
-Self starter who can work alone and/or with minimal supervision
-Highly organised and successful problem solver
-Advanced level of competency is all areas of western riding including but not limited to horse training, riding, health, hoof care and herd management, or the desire and ability to learn and acquire these skills
Qualifications:
-Committed Christian with strong understanding of scripture and willingness to adhere to the Wilderness Ranch Statement of Faith
-Preferred degree or diploma in a related field OR four years of related experience/education
-Five years experience in Christian camping or youth ministry
-Criminal Reference check
-Class 5 Drivers Licence
-80 Hour Wilderness First aid (or willingness to acquire)
-Alberta Food Safety Certificate (or willingness to acquire)
*A more comprehensive job description is available on request.