The Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the 3 casual positions of Outdoor Program Specialist in Parks and Recreation.
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.
The Outdoor Program Specialist (OPS) position with Adventure Earth (Parks and Recreation) is a member of the Adventure Earth team and is responsible for delivering programs and services to the communities within the Halifax Regional Municipality. This position helps us to advance our goals and objectives for outdoor programming and responding to issues and requests as required.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Plans and leads outdoor programming such as canoeing, hiking, nature appreciation and skill-building programs with children, youth and adults.
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Plans and leads the Outdoor Navigators Club program at multiple sites.
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Plans, leads or supports the Fall, Winter & Spring outdoor youth leadership programs and drop-in’s.
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Develop, collaborate and adapt outdoor recreation programs and services for all populations.
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Assists with the intake & orientation of casual program staff.
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Assists with the communication to program participants, parents and families.
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Manages risk and adheres to safety and crisis protocols & policies.
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Assists and delivers training of Adventure Earth staff and volunteers in HRM policies, outdoor leadership, principles of Earth Education and specific program requirements.
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Purchase, organize and maintain equipment and other inventory for events and programs.
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Works with the Community Outdoor Recreation Coordinators in maintaining and updating training records, program data, as well as file management.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
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Post Secondary Education in Recreation Management, Community Development, Outdoor Education, Outdoor Adventure Leadership, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, or related studies.
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Minimum two (2) years of related work or volunteer experience in Outdoor Recreation and/or Environmental Education.
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Must have Wilderness Remote First Aid certification.
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Must have Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader certification (Hiking & Walking)
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Must have current Paddle Canada - Lake Canoe Waterfront Tandem instructor certification.
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Experience supervising and supporting staff.
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Experience or training/education in group facilitation and group management.
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Class 5 driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required.
Considered an asset:-
Previous experience working with Adventure Earth programs
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Overnight camp experience
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Out Tripping experience
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Sea Kayak Level 1 Instructor
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Pleasure Craft Operator Card
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Current Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard Service certification
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VHF Radio training
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Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training
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Mental Health First Aid training
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Food safety handling course certification
Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities
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Working knowledge of computer applications and related software (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel).
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Working knowledge of NextREC recreation registration program
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Excellent oral and written communication skills.
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Customer service skills.
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Knowledge of inclusion practices.
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Knowledge and experience of youth facilitation
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Knowledge and abilities to lead outdoor education, earth education and environmental education programs
Conditions of Employment:-
Applicants must be willing to obtain WHMIS training
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Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
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.
COMPETENCIES: Decision making, Communication, Conflict Management, Networking/Relationship Building, Risk Management, Teamwork & Cooperation, Values & Ethics, Valuing Diversity
WORK STATUS: Casual, Part-time
HOURS OF WORK:
Harbour East OPS Position:
Up to 35 Hours a week (Flexible pending program times)
Harbour West OPS Position:
Up to 20 Hours a week (Flexible pending program times)
SALARY: $27.75 per hour.
WORK LOCATIONS: Programming will take place at Parks, Waterfronts, trails and green spaces throughout Halifax Regional Municipality
Harbour East OPS Position: Successful candidate will work out of the Adventure Earth – Shubie Park location. Programming will also take place in rural communities (Middle Musquodoboit & Eastern Shore, etc)
Harbour West OPS Position: Successful candidate will work out of the Adventure Earth - Fleming Park location.
Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants must complete screening through the Child Abuse Registry and a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check.
CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received until 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
