Mittagundi is an outdoor education centre established with the belief that young people, mountains, purposeful work, and challenges are natural partners. Mittagundi is situated on a 650-acre property near the old gold mining town of Glen Valley on the Upper Mitta Mitta River, north of Omeo, VIC. The main purpose of Mittagundi is to provide programs for young people (14 to 17) to explore Victoria's high country and learn about themselves. They spend time bushwalking, camping, abseiling from nearby cliffs, rafting the Mitta Mitta River, and helping to run the farm.

The atmosphere at Mittagundi is simple, honest, and happy. There are no watches, no timetables, and no money. Instead, there is an opportunity for young people to live and work together in an environment where people matter more than anything else. The staff team is made up of a variety of different people. People of various ages, various skills, various life experiences, and from various backgrounds.

Mittagundi is looking for a skilled and qualified outdoor educator to join our team in an exciting leadership role. This position is designed for a person with solid outdoor and group leading experience. You'll be a valued part of a professional team delivering unique opportunities for young people on our outdoor programs. The key responsibilities involve working closely with the director(s) in all program related responsibilities and team management. It's a great chance to continue your professional development at Mittagundi, immense opportunities are available and would be invaluable to the right professional outdoor educator.

Key Responsibilities 

Managing Programs 

• Planning program logistics and content 
• Discussing program management issues with the director(s) 
• Co-managing the program team with the directors(s) 
• Contributing to the recruitment and management of Volunteers for each program 

Program Team Management 

• Maintaining a strong work ethic that is sustainable over the course of the year.
• Working and living together with the program team, planning and delivering projects and programs together. 
• Empowering staff to be their best as a program leader by actively involving them in planning, decision making, working through issues, team meetings, setting values and agreements within Mittagundi’s philosophy. 
• Mentoring program staff and contributing to positive team conflict management.
• Working around the property in a supervisory role, leading by example. 

Delivering Programs 

• Planning and implementing outdoor education programs for young people including classic ten-day courses, winter programs and follow up programs throughout the year.
• Leading and working alongside young people in the mountains and at Mittagundi.
• Creating a safe environment and learning opportunities for young people.
• Liaising with Young People and Parents prior to coming on the program. 

Supporting the Director(s) 

• Maintaining a professional relationship with the director(s). 
• Operate independently, supporting the director’s vision, when the directors are off the property. 
• Contribute ideas towards program and property management. 
• Support the director(s) in emergency management and procedures. 
• Contributing to thank you letters and articles for the Mittagundi newsletter. 

Active Part of Mittagundi’s Operations 

• Working as part of a progressive organisation implementing modern risk management, occupational health and safety, and compliance (while retaining unique experiences for young people). 
• Representing Mittagundi and being active in the Community: Such as supporting neighbours, writing letters and actively involved in community events: Open day, Bush Dance, Locals Dinner, The Hop, Markets, Fundraisers (such as wine bottling) and the Wollangarra Open Day.

Responsibility for Property and Work Areas 

In addition to their general responsibilities, the program manager has a suite of job areas that includes one or a couple of areas from each of these four main regions below. It is a chance to contribute old skills and learn new ones: 

• Animals (Cows, Horses, Chickens, Pigs, and other areas) 
• Property Areas (Garden, wood workshop, blacksmith forge and other areas)
• Administration (Newsletter and Merchandise and other areas) 
• Events (Fundraising and programmed events and other areas) 

Note this suite of job areas is generally smaller and more refined than those of a program leader to reflect the expectation that the program manager will support and assist leaders in their job areas. 

Key Selection Criteria (refer to position description attached below for more detail)

• Understanding of Mittagundi philosophy
• Management or Team Leader Level experience 
• Experience in leading groups of young people in the outdoors 
• Sense of maturity and initiative ‘to have a go’
• Communication and self-awareness are important skills for a program manager
• Ability to manage emergencies and lead critical incident response
• Approachable and engaging character
• Commitment to working, living, and learning as part of a team.

Remuneration Package 

Mittagundi is seeking individuals interested in living on our property and contributing to our  unique community. We are offering a new, competitive remuneration package tailored in  consultation with the successful applicant, including: 

• Board and living expenses at Mittagundi
• Expenses such as food, postage, batteries and phone calls
• Loan of any outdoor gear for the year and good discounts at outdoor retailers
• An ‘honorarium’ (pocket money)
• Nationally Accredited training
• Bushwalking Qualifications
• Grade II Whitewater Qualifications
• Swift Water Rescue Qualifications
• Wilderness First Aid (80 hour) Course
• Mental Health First Aid
• Chainsaw Qualifications
• Four Wheel Driving Qualifications
• Defensive Driving Certificate
• Food handling Certificate
• In house training in: 
  • Group Management and Leadership in the Outdoors
  • Environmental Management
  • Forge and Joinery
  • Abseiling
  • Communication Training
  • Horse Handling
  • Animal Husbandry

Please note: Other training and professional development is available by negotiation if you already have one or some of the formal qualifications and tickets we offer. 

Practicalities 

Position to commence as soon as possible. 

Our programs with young people begin in March and extend throughout the year. The position is a full time ‘live in’ position working weekends and weekdays. Please be aware that this is a full time, live-in role and Mittagundi will become your home and workplace. Consequently, the  requirements of the role (specifically the living arrangements) are not suitable for families. 

We have four weeks off in June, one week in September and one week for Christmas. Other  days off are distributed by the Director(s) in the yearly calendar depending on program  requirements.