Job Posting Title

Agency

Supervisory Organization

Job Posting End Date

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Job Type

Compensation

Job Description

Starting Salary:  $40,000.00

Benefits:  This is a full-time state position that provides a percentage of matching contributions to employees’ retirement plans, 11 holidays, and a minimum of 15 days of annual and sick leave per year.  The state also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

Basic Purpose: The Thunderbird Challenge Program is seeking a dedicated and motivated Team Leader to serve as a mentor, role model, and supervisor for young cadets ages 15½ to 18. Team Leaders play a direct role in helping youth develop discipline, leadership skills, and personal responsibility while preparing them for success in education, employment, and community life. This role is well suited for individuals with backgrounds in youth development, education, coaching, mentoring, military service, corrections, or law enforcement. The ideal candidate leads by example, builds positive relationships, and provides consistent guidance to help cadets achieve their academic and personal goals.

Essential Functions:

• Provide daily supervision, guidance, and positive mentorship to assigned cadets in a structured, residential, and quasi-military environment, serving as a consistent role model and source of support while reinforcing program expectations and positive decision-making.

• • Lead and oversee leadership development, character education, and team-building activities that promote discipline, accountability, and teamwork.

• • Enforce program rules, policies, and standards; address behavioral and disciplinary issues in a fair, calm, and constructive manner.

• • Support cadets in achieving academic, career, and personal development goals and guide cadets to appropriate resources.

• • Supervise cadets during all scheduled activities, including physical training, academic instruction, community service, and field trips.

• • Ensure the safety and well-being of cadets by following established safety protocols, policies, and procedures; promptly report incidents or concerns to supervisory staff.

• • Maintain accurate documentation related to behavior, incidents, and cadet progress; participate in staff meetings and required trainings.

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to connect with young people.

Ability to remain calm, patient, and constructive in challenging situations.

Capable of fostering teamwork and discipline among diverse groups.

Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a commitment to modeling positive behavior.

Exhibits sensitivity to the challenges faced by youth and a dedication to helping them succeed.

Able to assess situations, make decisions under pressure, and address cadet needs effectively.

Ability to work effectively within a structured environment while maintaining a supportive and motivational approach with youth.

Education and Experience: 

High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Military background preferred but not required; experience working with youth in structured environments such as education, coaching, mentoring, corrections, or law enforcement is highly transferable to this role.

• Non-military applicants must be open to learning and adopting military-style structure and procedures through on-the-job training, including customs and courtesies, marching, drill and ceremony, physical fitness, and leadership principles.

Licenses/Certificates required:  

Must hold a valid driver’s license.

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement must be obtained within one year of employment.

Physical Requirements: 

• Requires long periods of standing and walking indoors and outdoors throughout the day.

• Ability to work in conditions of both high and low temperatures.

• Ability to climb stairs.

• Ability to lead and participate in age-appropriate physical training activities as required by the program.

• Ability to drive or ride in a vehicle for extended distances.

Conditions of Employment: 

• Contingent on a favorable background check.

• • Contingent on passing pre-employment drug & alcohol screening.

• • Contingent on a favorable pre-employment physical.

• • CNACI (child care check) security clearance—must be a US citizen.

• • Employee will be considered essential personnel (required to work during inclement weather).

• • Serve a 12-month trial period in accordance with state policy.

• • Contingent upon continuous federal funding (this is a federally funded position).

• • Available to work if called in due to an emergency.

• • Shift work and working weekends (facility open 24 hours, 7 days a week).

• • Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

• • Required to complete and pass the CDL written test and receive CDL driving permit within 90 days of hire.

• • Required to obtain a CDL driver’s license within 12 months of hire.

• Required to complete and pass the CDL written test and receive CDL driving permit within 90 days of hire

Notes:  This position is located at Thunderbird Challenge Program in Pryor, OK.  Travel may be required at the expense of the employee to be reimbursed within 45 days of travel

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:

Agency Contact