Title:	Fishing Program Coordinator
Reports to:	Fishing Program Manager
Location:	Pittsburgh, PA
Hours:	Seasonal March 1 through November 30, 2025 30 hours per week
Salary:	$19.25/hour

ABOUt Venture outdoors

Awarded one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Pittsburgh Business Times, Venture Outdoors is a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers and creating access to outdoor experiences. We believe that Western Pennsylvania is a community where people of all backgrounds and abilities can discover wellness and its benefits from engaging in the outdoors. We provide a variety of experiences that inspire an active lifestyle, promote the region’s unique amenities, highlight its excellent quality of life, and foster a greater appreciation for the environment.

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 Pittsburgh First Catch Program. This position is a seasonal part-time role, supported by the R3 Education Grant Program administered by Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) through a grant awarded by the Richard King Mellon Foundation. The Coordinator will work closely with the Fishing Program Manager to accomplish the goals of the First Catch Program. Typically, the candidate can expect to spend their time in the following ways: 50% fishing, 30% kayaking, 10% gear/equipment prep and care, 5% traveling, and 5% administrative tasks.

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Friday, January 31, 2025. Interviews will be offered after this date. No calls or emails please.
 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Pittsburgh First Catch program, which conducts fishing and boating experiences in and with under-represented youth and communities: working 60% with youth and 40% adults. These experiences are a combination of community/family friendly programs and school groups
• 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 and surrounding counties.
• Follow lesson plans as designed by PA Fish & Boat and Venture Outdoors.
• Collect and organize participant and trip information.
• Assist the Fishing Program Manager with grant reporting goal tracking and requirements.
• Prepare and send trip plans, scouting packets, and trip leader updates to Venture Outdoors staff and/or volunteers for activities related to Pittsburgh First Catch Program.
• Communicate weekly with program participants: preparing program updates, trip plans, registrations, reserving gear, and weather cancellations.
• Utilize various forms of software, including WordPress and Microsoft 365 to obtain participant information, track program data, and update calendars for programs.
• 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 pertaining to aquatic resources and recreation.
• Assist the Fishing Program Manager and PA Fish & Boat in presenting Fishing Skills Instructor and Boating Safety Education Certificate Courses.
• Drive company vehicles with/without trailers (training provided upon hiring).
• Maintain kayak/fishing storage containers and equipment.
• Transport, store, clean, and maintain fishing and kayaking gear.
• Be an ambassador for Venture Outdoors.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in fishing, kayaking, and/or aquatic resources and environmental education.
• 1-2 years' experience teaching or facilitating programs with youth and/or adult groups.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.  
• Ability to work on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people.
• 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).
• Current Pennsylvania Fishing License and Fishing Skills Instructor Certification (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.
• Experience driving a pickup truck and/or passenger van with or without trailers (preferred).
• 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 vacation time.
• Eligible to enroll in the employee sponsored Simple IRA retirement plan.
• Free subscription to the Calm mindfulness and meditation app.
• Flexible work environment.
• Free kayaking!

 

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 will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Friday, January 31, 2025. Submit a resume and cover letter via the job posting found at www.ventureoutdoors.org/about/employment-opportunities.

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

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