Outdoor Recreation Program Instructor - Eligibility List

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is inviting applications for casual positions of Outdoor Program Instructor with Adventure Earth.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality's core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Adventure Earth programs engage with children, youth and families in nature-based experiential programs in environmental/earth education, youth leadership, and outdoor recreation. The Outdoor Recreation Program Instructor position leads a variety of programs (e.g., Nature Preschool, Parent & Tot, Nature Hikes & Walks, Outdoor Navigators Club, Weekend Overnight Camps, Youth Operations Club, March Break & Nature Camps, and other outdoor recreation and environmental education programs). The instructor must plan and teach recreational and outdoor learning programs for participants of all ages.

For more information on recreation programs, please visit our website: http://www.halifax.ca/aec

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Confidently set up program sites and deliver assigned programs to participants according to our manuals, content, and delivery methods.
• Responsible for greeting participants, leading activities, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of participants, organizing equipment and supplies, preparing for activities;
• Learn the principles of Earth Education, maintain the Adventure Earth Centre's core values, understand and uphold HRM policies and procedures;
• Establish and maintain group community standards, support other leaders by role modelling positive behaviours, and use appropriate techniques of behaviour guidance;
• Support persons with diverse needs and disabilities in programs
• Ensure the safety and positive experience of participants, youth volunteers and other staff at all times

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working or volunteering with preschoolers/children/youth/seniors in an outdoor environmental or recreational setting;
• Applicants must have current First Aid Certification
• Applicants must complete screening through a Criminal Records Check and Child Abuse Registry
• Applicants must be willing to obtain WHMIS training if applicable.

Considered an Asset:

• Paddle Canada Tandem Lake Canoe Skills Certification
• Class 5 driver's license
• Current Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard Service certification
• Previous experience working day camps and/or overnight camps at the Adventure Earth Programs or St Mary's Boat Club
• Advanced Workplace first aid and/or Wilderness Remote First Aid
• Studies in Outdoor Recreation, Environmental Education or similar courses
• At least one season/summer of experience working or volunteering with children
• Previous leadership experience with outdoor, environmental and/or earth education
• Paddle Canada Flatwater 2 Stand Up Paddle Board Skills Certification
• Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level 1 Certification
• Previous experience working with persons with disabilities.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note: Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer's discretion.

Please Note: An Eligibility List may/will be established from this competition. Vacancies that are not filled internally will be filled from this Eligibility List. The list would/will be effective for 6 months and could be extended, as required.

COMPETENCIES: Communication, Customer Service, Organization and Planning, Risk Management, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity, Initiative, Decision Making.

WORK STATUS: Casual/Seasonal - September 2026 to June 2027

HOURS OF WORK: Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule.

SALARY: Non-Union casual wage, dependent on specific program.

WORK LOCATION: Programming will take place at parks, lake waterfronts, trails and green spaces throughout Halifax Regional Municipality and Community Spaces in rural locations (e.g. Community Centres and Recreation Centres)

Common work locations may include: Fleming Park in Halifax, Shubie Park in Dartmouth, First Lake Park in Lower Sackville and Camp Mockingee in Windsor NS.

CLOSING DATE: This posting will be used to create an Eligibility List. Applications will be received up to 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax