Outdoor Adventure Recreation Graduate Assistant

Overview: The Outdoor Adventure Recreation Graduate Assistant position within University Recreation (UREC) at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay offers graduate students an opportunity to contribute to campus wellness while gaining hands-on experience in outdoor adventure recreation programming and management. Reporting to the Outdoor Adventure Recreation Coordinator, the Outdoor Adventure Recreation Graduate Assistant will work collaboratively to oversee Outdoor Adventure Center operations, supervise student staff, and develop innovative outdoor adventure recreation programs that engage the university community.

Term: This position is a two-year term starting August 2024

Responsibilities:

1. Supervision and Staff Management:
   • Provide leadership and guidance to Outdoor Adventure Center attendants, outdoor and climbing class instructors, climbing wall staff, and student trip leaders, ensuring alignment with UREC's mission and goals.
   • Collaborate with the Outdoor Adventure Recreation Coordinator to conduct staff training, performance evaluations, and ongoing professional development opportunities for student staff members.
   • Foster a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork, accountability, and personal growth among student staff.

2. Program Development and Implementation:
   • Work closely with the Outdoor Adventure Recreation Coordinator to develop and implement outdoor programs and events that meet the diverse needs and interests of the campus community.
   • Assist in marketing and promoting climbing and outdoor programs, climbing and outdoor skills classes, and special events to increase participation and engagement among students, faculty, and staff.
   • Stay informed about current outdoor industry trends, industry best practices, and evidence-based programming to enhance the quality and effectiveness of UREC's outdoor adventure recreation offerings.
   • Support UREC Outdoors student trip leaders in selecting adventure trip locations, developing trip itineraries, and conducting trip meetings.
   • Serve as support for and lead Outdoor Adventure Recreation trips.

3. Outdoor Adventure Recreation Facility Operations:
   • Collaborate with the Outdoor Adventure Recreation Coordinator to oversee the daily operations of the Shorewood Center and associated outbuildings, Shorewood Park, and UREC Climbing Tower, including equipment maintenance, facility cleanliness, inventory, and risk management protocols.
   • Assist with scheduling and supervision of Outdoor Adventure Recreation staff to ensure coverage during operating hours and compliance with UREC policies and procedures.
   • Address patron concerns or issues promptly and professionally, maintaining a positive and welcoming environment for all users.

4. Event Coordination and Outreach:
   • Work collaboratively with campus partners and student organizations to plan and execute outdoor and climbing-related events, workshops, and outreach initiatives.
   • Represent UREC at campus-wide events and engage with the university community to promote outdoor programs, services, and resources.

5. Administrative Support:
   • Assist the Outdoor Adventure Recreation Coordinator in maintaining accurate records of program participation, staff schedules, and equipment inventory.
   • Support data collection, assessment, and evaluation efforts to measure program effectiveness and inform decision-making.
   • Remain flexible and open to taking on additional tasks or projects as directed by UREC leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Acceptance into a UW-Green Bay graduate program
• Hold a current Wilderness First Responder certification or have ability to obtain within 3 months of hire
• 1-3 years of experience in Outdoor Adventure Recreation programming or related field
• Hold a current driver’s license (or have ability to obtain one) and hold a clean driving record for the past 2 years
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and student staff
• Availability to work weekends and irregular hours
• High organization and communication skills
• Professional commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice
• Resiliency and ability to respond quickly and efficiently to stressful situations

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: CWA Climbing Wall Instructor, AMGA/PCIA Single Pitch Instructor, ACA Level II Certifications in Coastal Kayaking and River Canoeing
• Participation and membership in Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE)
• Experience with collegiate outdoor adventure recreation programming/trips
• Experience in instruction for climbing and other outdoor skills
• Experience with climbing wall route-setting
• Experience with Fusion recreation management software
• Knowledge of maintenance and repair for:
  1. Tents
  2. Bikes (gravel and mountain)
  3. Cross country skis
  4. Snowshoes
  5. Ice climbing equipment
  6. Camp stoves (MSR, Coleman)

Benefits:

• Includes the full cost of tuition for graduate school, as well as an $8000.00 annual stipend
• Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and workshops.
• Flexible work schedule to accommodate academic commitments.
• Access to UREC facilities and programs for personal wellness and professional growth.
• Free equipment rentals from UREC Outdoors
• Application to outdoor pro-deals

Outdoor GA application