Join the Team
River Mountain was founded on a simple principle - people first. Whether it's around the campfire or the conference table, we believe in the power of relatedness, respect, and empowerment. That's what makes us an amazing team to be a part of!
We are always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our growing team. Please see below for a list of our current openings. To submit your application or for general inquiries, please contact Brandon at brandon@rivermountain.org.
Current Openings
The River Mountain Retreat (RM) Programming Manager is responsible for program design, as well as implementing, monitoring and adjusting RM programming to meet the needs of our guests. Guest engagement in our digital-wellness curriculum through adventure-education activities is the top priority for the Programming Manager. With frontline responsibility for guides and guests, the PM must mitigate risk while maintaining the integrity of program design.
The Programming Manager reports to the Executive Director, and works with RM leadership to ensure safety in all programs and activities.
Qualifications
- Four-year degree preferred.
- One or more years of experience as a leader in youth-development programming.
- Experience in program / curriculum development preferred.
- Experience facilitating experiential/adventure programming in the areas of river canoeing, hiking, climbing/climbing wall, caving, and challenge courses.
- Experience supervising and/or training others.
Essential Abilities and Qualities
- Entrepreneurial mindset and spirit. (Everybody sweeps the floor!)
- Emotionally mature; eager to accept responsibility.
- Deep belief in the worth of every River Mountain guest -- and all people.
Responsibilities:
- Help develop, launch, monitor, and adjust all Retreat programming, in cooperation with the Executive Director and RM Leadership Team.
- Participate in the recruitment, hiring, and retention of River Mountain program employees.
- Ensure consistent and safe delivery of programs and activities designed for Retreat guests.
- Provide leadership that ensures the mission and values of the Retreat are always in practice.
- Create a welcoming atmosphere for staff, guests, parents, and community partners that embraces diversity.
- Participate in the development of program-training for staff.
- Conduct staff training, as needed, to ensure programming is executed to plan -- safely.
- Observe the performance of staff with guests in their program-specific duties.
- Identify and assess risks in RM activities, and respond appropriately -- mitigate and report.
- Help implement operational policies, procedures, and standards, with a focus on how they might help (or hinder) programming.
- Serve as a liaison for American Camp Association (or other) accreditation, as needed.
- Serve as an onsite expert for RM’s programming and activity-related equipment.
- Serve as an onsite liaison for program-related inspections -- which could include visitors from our equipment vendors, PA Occupational Safety Health Association, and Department of Labor, among others.
- Serve as a driver as needed for off-site programming and shuttling guests to and from our major markets.
Other Job Duties
- Depending on seasonality, occupancy, staffing levels, and other variables, the Programming Manager will participate to varying degrees in RM programming.
Compensation and Benefits
- This is a salaried position. Salary will be commensurate with experience, ranging from $32-36K.
- This position is not residential, but will require some overnight ‘On-Duty’ stays.
- RM pays 75% of medical insurance for the Program Manager, which includes health, dental and vision.
- Paid Time Off.
- Meals offered while directly engaged in guest programming.
Other Certifications / Requirements
- Wilderness First Responder Certification.*
- Relevant adventure-program training and certifications
- Active membership in American Camp Association (ACA).*
- Must pass extensive background check.
- Valid driver’s license.
* River Mountain will arrange and pay expenses for these certifications / memberships, as needed to support RM programming.
River Mountain Retreat provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
River Mountain Retreat is located in Bedford County, in south-central Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains. Our expected opening date is late-spring 2020.
Please complete our Programming Staff Skill Competency Disclosure (link below), and submit along with your resume, to brandon@rivermountain.org.
For further information regarding this position, please contact:
Brandon Rauch, Operations
The River Mountain Retreat (RM) Summer Guides are responsible for facilitating all facets of RM’s week-long digital wellness retreats with youth ranging in age from 10-15. Guides will be responsible for engaging guests in adventure and outdoor experiences including but not limited to hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, caving, and climbing (indoor climbing wall). Guides will be responsible for 24-hour supervision of guests to include residing on-site in cabins designed in harmony with circadian rhythms. Guides will be responsible for mitigating risk during all activities while maintaining the integrity of the digital wellness curriculum.
Guides report to the Programming Manager and Executive Director.
Qualifications
- Experience facilitating adventure education programs in one or more of the following areas: river canoeing, mountain biking, hiking, caving, and/or climbing wall/challenge courses.
- Experience working with youth (ages 10-15) preferred
- Availability to participate in pre-program training (June dates TBD)
- Willingness and availability to work the duration of the summer season (June 21st-Aug 22nd)
- Willingness to be “on duty” 24 hours/day. All guides will have some time to recharge each week (~3pm Saturday through ~1pm Sunday).
Essential Abilities and Qualities
- Entrepreneurial mindset and spirit. (Everybody sweeps the floor!)
- Emotionally mature; eager to accept responsibility.
- Deep belief in the worth of every River Mountain guest -- and all people.
Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate a high level of energy and excitement through the duration of the retreat. Maintain appropriate supervision and engagement with guests during all activities.
- Facilitate adventure education programming on and off site. Facilitate a variety of on-site programs to include digital wellness discussions, solo experiences, yoga, athletics, fishing, campfires, barn basketball, team-building, etc.
- Ensure consistent and safe delivery of programs and activities designed for RM guests.
- Effectively facilitate safety briefings prior to and/or during all activities
- Provide leadership that ensures the mission and values of RM are always in practice.
- Create a welcoming atmosphere for staff, guests, parents, and community partners that embraces diversity.
- Actively participate in staff training and assist with leading trainings in areas of expertise.
- Demonstrate professional courage by providing constructive feedback to other guides and RM leadership.
- Identify and assess risks in RM activities, and respond appropriately -- mitigate and report.
- Serve as a driver as needed for off-site programming and shuttling guests to and from our major markets.
- Assist as needed with retreat preparation and closure.
- Provide operational assistance as needed to other RM departments (kitchen, housekeeping, maintenance, medical, etc).
- Provide first aid as needed; communicate all concerns and/or incidents to medical staff and RM leadership.
- Demonstrate responsibility and care for all RM assets to include buildings, property, gear, and vehicles.
Compensation and Benefits
- This is a per diem position at a rate commensurate with experience
- Lodging in guest cabins
- Meals offered while directly engaged in guest programming.
Other Certifications / Requirements
- Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification preferred
- CPR and First Aid certifications required
- Relevant adventure-program training and certifications
- Must pass extensive background check.
- Valid driver’s license.
River Mountain Retreat provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
River Mountain Retreat is located in Bedford County, in south-central Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains. Our expected opening date is late-spring 2020.
For further information regarding this position, please contact:
Liz Buhrman, Executive Director
Manages River Mountain Retreat Food Services.
The Food Service Manager is responsible for the hiring and training of food service employees; the creation and maintenance of job descriptions related to food service; menu planning; food ordering; food preparation; staff scheduling; ensuring that health department certification requirements are met for food service workers.
The Food Service Manager also serves as a liaison with outside groups, which could include third parties using River Mountain facilities for private gatherings.
A primary function of this job, and every job at River Mountain is to ensure that each guest and visitor receives the highest caliber of care and service.
Our residential guest population is comprised typically of 40-60 healthy children, ages 10-15 years, who are participating in residential stays of three, four or seven days.
Food Service Manager reports to Executive Director and/or COO.
Qualifications
- At least two years experience in food-service management; previous camp/retreat experience preferred.
- High-school diploma.
- Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP) Certification (River Mountain will arrange for this.)
- Experience in tailoring menus to those with food allergies or other special needs.
Essential Abilities and Qualities
- Must relate well to both children (typically ages 10-15 years) and adults.
- A strong sense of responsibility for the health and well being of all RM guests.
Responsibilities:
Preparation of Meals
- Supervise and produce meals as needed for groups, staff, meetings, and other requests for food service, based on group size, needs, requests, and themes.
- Produce food and meal items that are tasty, healthy, well balanced, presentable and at as low a cost as is reasonable.
- Produce meals, hot or cold, with consideration as to how and when guests will be able to enjoy the food (e.g., dinner table; backcountry meals; cookouts).
- Produce meals at scheduled times.
- Operation of all types of commercial-kitchen equipment, including gas, electrical, and mechanical food-service equipment.
Management of Kitchen and Kitchen Staff
- Interview, hire and train kitchen staff as needed.
- Supervise kitchen staff.
- Conduct regular meetings with kitchen staff.
- Take disciplinary action as needed, and keep the Executive Director informed of those actions.
- Identify, coordinate, and/or supervise required maintenance or repair of kitchen / dining equipment.
- Maintain temperature records of refrigerator and freezer units.
- Establish and maintain inventory records for food inventories and other needed supplies.
Menu Planning
- Create menus based on Retreat criteria -- accounting for variety, number of guests, seasonality, where food will be consumed.
- Order food and supplies from vendors.
- Plan menu and food preparation for offsite events (backcountry hikes; canoeing).
- Work with the Retreat’s Head Nurse to tailor menu to guests with allergies.
Health Department Standards
- Maintain food preparation and personal hygiene techniques and standards, based on the strictest applicable safety codes.
- Maintain food-handling / food safety certifications.
- Maintain the highest level of safety in the kitchen, with emphasis on proper lifting methods; handling hot items; floor maintenance (i.e., clean, dry, free of obstacles); .
- Work with the Health Inspector during visits.
Documentation
- Generate monthly food-expense reports to determine food costs and avoid waste.
- Maintain food-purchase records and temperature logs for safety (and for inspection / accreditation purposes).
- Process and submit credits and invoices promptly.
- Process and apply rebates from vendors as soon as available.
- Maintain and promptly post (online and/or on paper) a work schedule for all kitchen staff.
- Generate and distribute staff-meeting notes.
Other Job Duties
- Attend training or team-building activities, as requested, to improve skills and build a better RM community.
- Attend health-department, OSHA, ACA or food-service industry-sponsored events or training that would benefit the Retreat and its employees and guests.
- Assist in any tangential duties, as needed.
- When requested, greet guests and parents as part of orientation or welcoming to campus.
River Mountain Retreat provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
River Mountain Retreat is located in Bedford County, in south-central Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains. Our expected opening date is late-spring 2020.
For further information regarding this position, please contact:
Brandon Rauch, Operations
brandon@rivermountain.org
Manages River Mountain Retreat health program.
Provides treatment to guests and staff when necessary, administers medication to guests, complies with all required documentation, and acts as a health educator for guests and staff, as needed.
A primary function of this, and every job at River Mountain is to ensure that each guest and visitor receives the highest caliber of care and service.
Our residential guest population is comprised typically of 40-60 healthy children, ages 10-15 years, who are participating in residential stays of three, four or seven days.
Head Nurse reports to Executive Director and/or River Mountain leadership team.
Qualifications
- RN degree; currently licensed in the State of Pennsylvania.
- Must be flexible in scheduling; Availability based on Retreat’s needs, including potential emergencies or crises.
- Ability to work with Retreat staff and guests.
- Experience working with children preferred (including non-medical experience).
- Ability to perform duties as a member of a team.
- Must enjoy an active lifestyle!
Essential Abilities and Qualities
- Patience.
- Ability to communicate verbally with adults and adolescents individually, as well as ability to communicate to small groups of guests / staff.
- Physical ability to respond to situations requiring First Aid.
- Ability to assist guests in an emergency (e.g., fire, evacuation, illness, injury).
- Endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Proficiency with computer-based systems to log and track medication and allergies.
- Strong communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct initial health screenings of all guests and staff, including reviews of all health screening forms.
- Provide medical attention to guests and staff for general health concerns, and document in health log.
- Brief Retreat staff on any medical issues or concerns that might require their ongoing attention.
- Medication management.
- Maintain Health Center records and medical forms.
- Maintain Health Center supplies; manage ordering and inventory process
- Be present at Retreat registration to check in and record incoming health forms, record individual health problems/concerns, note/store medications, and perform initial screenings.
- Evaluation and treatment of minor injury.
- Oversight of camp / community health concerns.
- Directing RM Guides in the care of guests, based on their medical needs.
- Consulting with RM Food Services Manager regarding special dietary / medical needs in the service to guests.
- Collaboration with out-of-camp healthcare providers.
- Support for recovery of ill or injured guests.
- Collaboration with retreat staff to improve health and wellness practices.
- Respond to critical incidents -- e.g., fire, evacuation, etc.
Other Certifications / Requirements
- First Aid and CPR certifications must be current.
- * Wilderness First Aid (or higher level certification).
- * Membership in Association of Camp Nursing.
- Knowledge of the American Camping Association Health and Wellness standards.
- Must pass extensive background check.
- Valid driver’s license.
* River Mountain will arrange and pay expenses for these certifications.
River Mountain Retreat provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
River Mountain Retreat is located in Bedford County, in south-central Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains. Our expected opening date is late-spring 2020.
For further information regarding this position, please contact:
Brandon Rauch, Operations
brandon@rivermountain.org
