Staff Team 2012

Who we are? 

Mittagundi is not your regular outdoor education centre… ‘It’s about the kids’ where we ask them to uphold four key principles Fairness, Respect, Responsibility and Safety. The young people have a three day hike into our property and spend four days doing activity’s such as rafting, abseiling and maintaining the farm before they hike out again. We also run a winter program involving skiing but no experience is required in any outdoor activities however we do ask that you are relatively fit. 

We are a registered charity and will ask you to volunteer your time and energy over the course of the year (but you get a lot in return see section ‘what you get’). Yet the end result is that young people, focusing on those from lower income families, will be part of an amazing outdoor education program that they may well have not been able to afford otherwise. You will be a crucial part of team delivering life changing experiences for young people on our Summer and Winter programs. 

Where are we? 

There are different ways of looking at our location 

• We are located about 50min north of Omeo, the closest major town 
• Or, 3hr South of Albury
• Or,On the other side of the Australian Alpine Range from Mt Beauty when the road is open in the summer. 

As a member of our team you get to live and work at Mittagundi, a remote and beautiful Pioneer property in Victoria’s High Country. It is a simple but amazing life. 

What you get? 

We implement a training package with all staff at the start of every year and every year we have a new staff team. This puts everyone at on the same level at the start of the year, and allows the group to come together as a team in the training period. 

We support you with great skills and courses like Wilderness First Aid, We will spend the first month untacking an extensive training package that involves White water rafting, 4WD, Chainsaw, defensive driving, swift water rescue, safe food handling, horse training, plus a few others... 

We will also supply you with board, food for the year and a small payment for the year. You get a little bit of money, just to help you pay the car rego or phone plan you may have. Staff has even commented that they have even be able to save money whilst they have been here, as there is nothing to spend it on. Please contact Sam for further details on payment (03) 5159-7238.  

This is also a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn much more about outdoor education than you may realise. All these things aside, you would get the opportunity to live in beautiful part of Victoria. Outdoor Educator Qualified Staff We are particularly looking for people with Outdoor Recreation qualifications. If you are finishing up at TAFE, or similar institute, where you have obtained your new skills, in outdoor rec, Mittagundi maybe the perfect place for you to use these skill. 

Our Programs 

Our Summer programs have bushwalking, rafting, and abseil components and our winter programs have a skiing component there are vey few companies around that will offer such a comprehensive package in one year. If you don’t already have these skills there are plenty of other jobs on site that rely on year round support from team members, maybe like yourself. We are after a range of people from a variety of backgrounds even if you have limited experience with group work, still apply.

There are positions vacant at Mittagundi. If you know anybody who may be interested in joining the MG team for2012 contact Sam, (03) 5159-7238, and positions are limited, applications close mid Dec.

What Past Staff have said about their experience.

My saying of the year would have to be “and this is my job!”; “I’m rafting down the Mitta with a cool bunch of young people on a beautiful sunny day, and this is my job!” or, “I’m learning how to use a chainsaw, and this is my job!” or, “I’m taking a group of young people up to the snow for their first time ever and going skiing with them, and this is my job!” or, “I’m learning how to make a bush stool, and this is my job!” and my favourite, “I’m sitting around a campfire under the stars listening to an eloquent group of young people express what their time at Mittagundi means to them, and this is my job!”.

It’s a pretty special year. I’ve learnt so much, met so many new friends, and had so many good times along the way. I’m so grateful to have stumbled into the 2011 team. Thanks to all you cool young folk who have visited us through the year. Thanks for all the work around the farm, for the chats, for the food fights and for becoming my great new friends. I’ve had the best year ever.

Bec Wade, Team 2011

Program Manager position with a Difference

How about a fresh adventure ? A big challenge? A place to develop your personal and professional skills in the spectacular setting of the Victorian High Plains & Glen Valley?

Mittagundi currently has an opportunity for a skilled outdoor leader to join our team in the senior Program Leader role

This position is designed for a person with solid outdoor and group leading experience to take their skills to the next level. Your key responsibilities will be to support the Director in all Program related duties and team management. The immense opportunity for professional development at Mittagundi would be invaluable to the right professional outdoor educator.

Mittagundi is a unique outdoor education centre that believes in simplicity, community and people as the most important part of our organisation. There is an exciting opportunity for an outdoor leader of experience and qualifications to join our close knit team that supports life changing experiences for young people from diverse backgrounds in the Bogong High Plains and at our pioneer style working farm in the picturesque Glen Valley. The right outdoor leader will be sharing their skills and supporting a diverse and enthusiastic leadership team.

So. If you have a desire to live in a simple, honest and happy way, an urge to do something just a bit different, and a deep sense of the value of working with young people and leaders in challenging environments to achieve amazing outcomes this could be an opportunity for you.

The position is for 12 months (with an optional 12 month extension) In exchange for your awesome energy Mittagundi provides a great salary package including all your food and board (including many additional living expenses), intensive training and professional skills development that continues for the entire year, and a some cash to keep the wheels turning.

Key Selection Criteria

• Team Leading experience
• Experience leading groups of young people in the outdoors.
• Passion for empowering young people to learn and grow.
• Strong sense of maturity and solid work ethic. Sense of confidence to ‘have a go’.
• Positive attitude to life and challenges, ability to cope with stress and pressure.
• Committed to working as part of a close team and to working through differences with open and honest communication.
• Ability to manage emergencies and lead critical incident response

More Info & Applications

The contact for this position is Sam Walmsley (Director) director@mittagundi.org.au or 03 5159 7238.

If you haven't ever been to Mittagundi we recommend heading up and helping out for a few days. Chat to Sam details and to arrange a visit.

Applications close 18th of December or when the position is filled.

To Apply, Please send a CV and cover letter, and your response to the questions ‘What can you offer Mittagundi?’ and, ‘What can Mittagundi offer you?’.

Business Manager

It is chance to be the administrative backbone supporting our professional team to deliver opportunities for young people on our classic outdoor programs.

This position is:

• Part time with flexible hours. We expect the position will be for around 8 to 16 hours per week. It will be largely up to you to set the hours that you work.
• Not based at Mittagundi. Can be based anywhere with good phone and fast internet.

What is Mittagundi?

Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre is an independent, not for profit organisation established to provide educational experiences and opportunities for young people in the mountains. The property is set up as a pioneer styled farm in the Glen Valley, Victoria (about 50 km north of Omeo). We run courses for young people aged between 14 and 17 who spend ten days learning about the local mountains themselves and others through a journey of bushwalking, rafting, abseiling, being a tangible part of a farm and living as a community or on a six to nine day alpine program during our winter season. Programs are based on working together as a community with key values of respect, fairness, responsibility and safety. There are opportunities to experience simplicity, be resourceful and value people above all else.

Key Selection Criteria

Superb Organisational Skills

You’ll be undertaking a range of administrative functions that require excellent organisational skills and good computer skills. You’ll be working with several web based systems to effectively maintain our bookings database.

Effective Communication Skills

You’ll be the front line on the phone and email liaising with our community. You’ll need to be friendly, efficient and great at answering questions.

Demonstrate a strong flexible work ethic; ability to take on increasing responsibility and autonomy in work. You’ll be working remotely and will have a lot of flexibility in how and when you work. You’ll need to demonstrate the ability to take initiative and work through problems getting help and support from the Director as required.

Understanding of Mittagundi philosophy

To support your role you’ll need a solid understanding of Mittagundi and the work that we do.

Current drivers Licences and Working with Children Check

Drivers licence and working with children’s check are both practical requirements

Key Responsibilities

Reports to the Director(s)

School Liaison and Bookings Management

• Liaising with Schools, community groups and other organisations that send young people to Mittagundi
• Managing the bookings system with the aim of maintaining full programs.

Book Keeping

Managing Mittagundi’s books on a monthly basis.

Marketing

• Newsletter
• Collating articles, formatting and liaising with printers.
• Maintaining the database
• Website
• Facebook
• Events
• HR Support - providing administrative support to the Director

Fundraising

• Actively co-ordinating events and fundraisers
• Applying for relevant Grants & donations from Philanthropic organisations
• Aim to increase fundraising by more than the cost of your pay

Regular visits to Mittagundi

• The role is not based at Mittagundi
• Regular visits (4 per year)

Projects

Taking on different projects and tasks as directed.

Active Part of Mittagundi’s Operations

Representing Mittagundi and being active in the Community: From supporting neighbours, writing letters to running community events: Pioneer Skills and the Bushdance, Locals Dinner, The Hop, Markets, Fundraisers (such as wine bottling) and Community nights (‘Meet the crew’ in Melbourne), Wollangarra Open Day.

Remuneration Package

• Part time, $20 p/h plus super, 1 to 2 days per week.
• Mittagundi will pay for reasonable costs ie. phone etc.
• Formal and in house training including:
• Book Keeping (Introduction to MYOB)
• 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 starts in December/ January although this is flexible.
• The position is a part time commitment.
• Duration: 1 year initially with a view to continuing over the longer term.
• You will need to provide your own computer and space to work.

To Apply

Contact Tom Hay (Council Member) on 0417 345 181 or tom@mittagundi.org.au to discuss the position and let us know your interested.

Information is also available on Mittagundi at www.mittagundi.org.au

To apply, please email a CV and application letter addressing selection criteria

Applications will close on the 15th of December.

Winter Volunteers

We are looking for keen people for help during our very busy winter period. Our courses are 6, 7 and 9 days involving 3 day trips in the snow as well as time on the farm at Mittagundi.

There is an array of ways people can help at Mittagundi during winter. Some volunteer helpers will go out on ski trips, some may be helping out at the base around Mittagundi milking cows, baking bread, chopping fire wood and so on.

It's a great way to be involved in a quality Outdoor Education program focusing on community, lifestyle and personal values. A great place to stay in the Mountains and a unique experience helping young people to learn and grow.

No prior experience is necessary, just a spirit of adventure and an open mind.

All volunteers are required to complete a Working with Children Check and also have Ambulance Cover.

Winter Group Leader

Mittagundi is an outdoor education centre established with the belief that young people, mountains, hard work and challenges are natural partners. Mittagundi is situated on a 400 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 Winter Programs is to provide personal growth opportunities for participants whilst they explore Victoria’s High Country and work on our Pioneer style farm.

• This position is designed for a person with:
• Group & Team Leading experience
• Reasonable XC Skiing Skills
• Wilderness First Aid
• Minimum tertiary qualification equivalent to Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation
• We can be flexibile with dates. If you can't commit for two months still get in touch as we can find a way to make it fit.

Your key responsibilities will be to lead our Winter Programs out in the field, get involved in the Farm days and support the full time crew to deliver Mittagundi's inspiring style of Winter program with the support of our full time team.