Athletic Aide I

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking an Athletic Aide I to set up and maintain athletic facilities for the Athletics and Recreation Department. The role supports daily operations for events and activities, ensuring equipment is safe and ready for use.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, with weekend overtime as needed. This position requires good reading/writing, ability to work with staff and students, and a valid Illinois driver's license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license required.
• Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Knowledge of athletic equipment care and maintenance techniques.

Responsibilities

• Sets-up/takes-down for both indoor and outdoor activities and events.
• Measures and paints field lines for activities using outdoor fields; measures and tapes court lines on indoor courts.
• Performs the daily maintenance of the softball and baseball infields as well as the long jump/steeplechase pits.
• Assembles, performs basic maintenance and troubleshoots problems with equipment.
• Operates department vehicles which include vans, field markers, and utility vehicles.
• Cleans fitness equipment and replenishes cleaning supplies.
• Assists with departmental deliveries and errands.
• Maintains and organizes three workshops and multiple storage areas.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Department

CSL ATH: Facility Services

About the Department

With a rich and storied history, the University of Chicago’s Department of Athletics & Recreation endeavors to serve the broad range of fitness, physical recreation, and athletic needs of the University of Chicago community. The Department sponsors 20 intercollegiate teams and 570 student-athletes in various varsity sports. The Department sponsors more than 40 club sports and a diverse intramural sports program in which approximately 8,500 students participate each year. Numerous open recreation opportunities are provided in the two indoor facilities as well as the outdoor fields, courts, and running track. On an average day, approximately 2,100 students, faculty and staff use the athletic and recreational facilities on campus.

Job Information

Job Summary:

The Athletic Aide I will maintain and set up athletic facilities and department equipment for activities & events associated with the Athletics and Recreation Department. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Responsibilities:

• Sets-up/takes-down for both indoor and outdoor activities and events. This includes setting up/taking down things such as fences, bleachers, benches, scoreboards, PA systems, windscreens, nets, goals, baskets, tables, chairs, lane lines, starting blocks, pole vault runways, high jump pads, wrestling mats, etc.
• Measures and paints field lines for activities using outdoor fields; measures and tapes court lines on indoor courts.
• Performs the daily maintenance of the softball and baseball infields as well as the long jump/steeplechase pits. This includes dragging/scarifying infields, raking pitcher’s mounds/bullpens/home plates/baselines/pits, watering, bailing water, installing plates, etc.
• Assembles, performs basic maintenance and troubleshoots problems with equipment. This includes assembling cabinets, ball carriers, carts, etc., and maintaining basketball backboards, rims, batting cages, nets, goal nets, windscreens, etc. Informs supervisor of need for equipment repair.
• Operates department vehicles which include vans, field markers, and utility vehicles. As part of basic maintenance of these vehicles, performs general cleaning, checks oil, fills window-washer fluid, adjusts tire pressure, fills gas tank, greases exposed joints, etc. Informs supervisor of problems associated with the vehicles.
• Cleans fitness equipment. Distributes, collects and changes hand towels used by patrons to clean fitness equipment. Distributes and fills the cleaning solution spray bottles and dispensers used by patrons to clean fitness equipment. Informs supervisor of any problems found with the fitness equipment.
• Assists with departmental deliveries, moving departmental items, and running departmental errands.
• Maintains and organizes three workshops and multiple storage areas.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Must be able to read and write; must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
• Must be capable of communicating effectively with supervisor, students, staff, faculty, and the public.

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Certifications:

• Valid Illinois driver’s license required.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Knowledge of athletic equipment care and maintenance techniques.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Must be capable of strenuous physical activity involving lifting overhead up to 40 lbs., bending, reaching, climbing, standing for long periods, walking distances, working in inclement weather, etc.
• Significant overtime is required (especially on weekends).

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

Benefit Eligibility

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

$19.32

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Union

042 - Local 73, S.E.I.U. Skilled Trades - Real Estate Operations

Job is Exempt

No

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Yes

Posting Date

2026-09-04

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.