Fishing Program Coordinator

Inspire. Educate. Equip.  
We remove barriers and create access to outdoor experiences. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Fishing Program Coordinator reports to the Fishing Program Manager and supports the organization by assisting in facilitating fishing and kayaking programs through the pilot of Pittsburgh First Catch Program. This position is a seasonal part-time role, supported by an 18-month grant from the PA Fish & Boat Commission and Richard King Mellon Foundation.

Typically, the candidate can expect to spend their time in the following ways: 65% shore fishing, 15% kayaking, 10% kayak fishing, 5% traveling, and 5% administrative tasks. 

Applications will be accepted until 10:00 AM on Friday, Feb 3, 2023. Interviews will be offered after this date. No calls or emails please.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Assist the Pittsburgh First Catch pilot program, which conducts fishing and boating experiences in under-represented communities: working with 80% with youth, 15% young adults, 5% adults 

• Work alongside Venture Outdoors staff, volunteers, and PA Fish & Boat staff to hold fishing and kayaking experiences at Venture Outdoors’ concessions/facilities and in pop-up locations throughout the greater Pittsburgh region 

• Follow lesson plans and curriculum as designed by PA Fish & Boat and Venture Outdoors 

• Collect participant information and assist the Fishing Program Manager with tracking program goals 

• Support program promotion through photos and video taking 

• Maintain a safe, learning environment during programs while working on/near water 

• Collaborate with partner organizations to facilitate educational experiences 

• Recruit participants to complete the PA Fish & Boat Fishing Skills Instructor certification course and Venture Outdoors’ Outdoor Leadership Training course 

• Drive company vehicles with/without trailers 

• Transport, store, clean, and maintain fishing and kayaking gear 

• Be an ambassador for Venture Outdoors 

• Other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience fishing and kayaking 

• 1-2 years' experience teaching or facilitating programs with a group of youth and/or young adults 

• Strong organizational skills   

• Ability to work on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people  

• Ability to troubleshoot on the job problems finding creative solutions  

• Ability to work well independently and be a part of a team  

• Ability to take initiative and produce results   

• Dedicated and committed to the mission of Venture Outdoors 

REQUIREMENTS 

• Current CPR and First Aid certifications (can acquire upon hiring)   

• PA State Act 151 Child Abuse, PA State Act 34 Criminal Background Check and FBI Background check must be obtained and submitted prior to the first day of employment 

  • Note: a finding on the criminal background clearances is not an automatic disqualification, but rather a conversation starter 

• Valid Pennsylvania State driver’s license and clean driving record 

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination 

  • Note: Medical and religious exemptions are accepted with written documentation (can provide upon hiring) 

• Experience driving a pickup truck and/or 15 passenger van with or without trailers  

• Able to assist with lifting and transporting equipment (kayaks and fishing gear) short distances 

• Flexibility to work where necessary on the weekend, evening, and holiday hours.  

Benefits 

• Paid sick time (1 hour accumulated for every 35 hours worked) 

• Paid professional development 

• Flexible work environment 

• Free kayaking! 

• Fishing Skills Instructor certification through PA Fish & Boat

Staff Equity Statement 

We commit to the equitable treatment of our colleagues, participants, and community members by valuing their rights, dignity, voice, and expression.    

We welcome and respect the diversity of individuality such as race, sex, gender identity, ability, culture, and religion.     

We recognize the human right for all individuals to be respected and accepted without bias.  

We commit to an organizational responsibility to build individual and community respect, dignity, fairness, care, and equality.  

We strive to understand the role our system plays in perpetuating exclusion, and to address the dynamics that support it.  

We understand that accountability is mutual and reciprocal in order to continually learn and improve.   

We believe that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion extends beyond the workplace and encourage all to continue personal development alongside the organization.     

We require organizational staff and participants to encourage a culture of belonging and consider the entire experience and the ecosystem that supports.   

We will not tolerate explicit and implicit forms of racism, sexism, classism, xenophobia, ageism, and/or ableism.   

We will not accept the use of racial or gender biases and require staff to implement inclusionary practices within their duties and program design.  

How to apply 

Applications submission deadline is 10:00 AM on Friday, Feb 3, 2023. Submit a resume, cover letter, and list of references via the job posting found at www.ventureoutdoors.org/about/employment-opportunities.  Candidates will be contacted after the deadline of February 3, 2023.

Venture Outdoors is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.