Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation & Student Development

Texas A&M University; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 44,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi seeks a Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation & Student Development to lead the Outdoor Recreation program and oversee student employee development. Responsibilities include creating adventure experiences, risk management, and training that foster engagement and success.

The role includes leading trips, managing the rock wall and equipment rental, and mentoring staff and student workers while coordinating with campus partners on events and programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Recreation, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Sports Management, or related field.
• One year of professional experience in outdoor recreation or campus recreation.
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating outdoor recreation programs and events.
• Experience recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating student employees.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification or ability to obtain within six months.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evaluate Outdoor Recreation programs for students, faculty, and staff.
• Oversee equipment rental, trips, rock wall operations, and safety procedures.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise trip leaders and student staff.
• Develop student leadership programs and mentor staff.
• Collaborate with campus partners on events and program planning.

Skills

Program planning

Risk management

Leadership development

Staff supervision

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Job TitleCoordinator of Outdoor Recreation & Student Development Agency Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Department Recreational Sports Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate Job LocationCorpus Christi, Texas Job TypeStaff

Job Description TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies. TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.

PURPOSE

The Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation & Student Development provides leadership for the Outdoor Recreation program while overseeing department-wide student employee development initiatives. This position develops outdoor adventure experiences, risk management practices, leadership programs, and student employment training that foster student engagement, retention, and success. The coordinator collaborates across the department to ensure high-quality experiential learning opportunities that align with the mission of Recreational Sports and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

DESCRIPTION

Functional Area 1: Outdoor Recreation Programs & Operations Percent Effort: 60% Implement, lead, and evaluate comprehensive Outdoor Recreation programs and experiences for students, faculty, and staff utilizing university resources, as well as local, state, and national parks and natural areas. Develop and coordinate outdoor adventure programming including trips, workshops, clinics, team-building experiences, and special events that promote physical wellness, mental growth, environmental awareness, and student engagement. Oversee the Outdoor Recreation equipment rental program including inventory management, equipment maintenance, purchasing, replacement planning, and daily operations. Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate trip leaders, rental equipment staff, future rock wall staff, and student employees. Assist in the maintenance and event planning of the Hike & Bike Trail in conjunction with the facilities unit. Manage and maintain the rock wall facility, ensuring equipment inspections, cleanliness, operational standards, and a safe environment for participants. Oversee risk management practices for all Outdoor Recreation program areas including the equipment garage, rock wall operations, trips, transportation, and participant safety procedures. Develop and maintain emergency action plans, safety procedures, participant documentation, and operational protocols consistent with university policies and industry standards. Maintain a safe environment while encouraging participants to challenge themselves through new experiences and experiential learning opportunities. Oversee the development, implementation, and daily operations of future Beachfront Recreation programming, including program planning, safety procedures, equipment needs, staffing models, participant experiences, and operational standards. Safely operates university vehicles.

Functional Area 2: Student Development & Leadership Percent Effort: 20% Develop and facilitate student employee leadership development opportunities focused on technical skills, professional growth, customer service, and risk management. Conduct regular student staff training, in-services, workshops, and skill development opportunities for Outdoor Recreation employees. Provide mentorship, supervision, and professional development opportunities for student employees and assigned Student Program Assistant(s). Facilitate team-building programs and experiential learning activities for students, faculty, and staff across the university. Create intentional learning opportunities that support student growth, leadership development, confidence, teamwork, and personal responsibility. Evaluate student employee performance and provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and development opportunities. Support departmental efforts to enhance student engagement, belonging, and success through recreational experiences.

Functional Area 3: Department Administration, Assessment & Collaboration Percent Effort: 20% Serve as one of the department's certified First Aid/CPR/AED Instructors by conducting certification courses and maintaining training records for student employees and staff. Manage Outdoor Recreation budgets including trip expenses, special events, equipment inventory, student wages, and operational expenditures. Collaborate with Recreational Sports staff and campus partners to plan and execute special events, collaborative programs, and student engagement initiatives. Serve as a liaison between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and university departments to develop outdoor programming opportunities, including service-learning and community engagement projects. Develop outdoor activity-themed collaborative programming with campus departments, student organizations, and university programs. Assist with departmental assessment efforts by collecting participation data, evaluating program effectiveness, and preparing reports related to learning outcomes and student engagement. Oversee assigned departmental special events and projects. Assist with departmental strategic initiatives, risk management efforts, and operational planning. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Recreation, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Sports Management, or a related field. One (1) year of professional experience in outdoor recreation, campus recreation, experiential education, or a related field. Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating outdoor recreation programs and special events. Experience recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating student employees. Experience with outdoor recreation risk management, equipment operations, and participant safety. Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification or the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of employment. Ability to obtain American Red Cross (or equivalent) First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor certification within one (1) year of employment. Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment. Ability to communicate effectively, manage multiple priorities, and work collaboratively with various populations. Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Leave No Trace Trainer, or other nationally recognized outdoor certifications. Work some evenings and weekends, and to include possibly some overnight travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in Recreation, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Outdoor Recreation, or a related field. Experience managing a collegiate outdoor recreation program, rock wall, equipment rental center, or adventure-based programming. Current American Red Cross (or equivalent) First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor certification. Experience supervising graduate assistants and full-time or student staff. Experience developing and managing program budgets and assessing program outcomes. Experience collaborating with state agencies, parks departments, or community partners. Active involvement with NIRSA, AORE, or other related professional organizations.

SALARY

$43,888 - $48,853.08/annually, approximately $3,657.34 - $4,071.09/monthly NOTE: Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work. Insurance Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value). Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse Employee and Children Employee and Family coverage Dental & Vision Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account On-campus wellness opportunities Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources Tuition Benefits: Public Loan Forgiveness Book scholarships 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply). Retirement Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan Time Off: 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month. 8 hours of sick leave time off every month. 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave. 12-15 paid holidays each year. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a statewide network of twelve universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center, Texas A&M-Fort Worth and Texas A&M-RELLIS. The A&M System is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each employee. Each member institution provides equal opportunity and access to all students, employees and prospective employees. External Applicants - Applicants not currently employed by a Texas A&M System member may Search Postings and apply for positions within one or more A&M System members by selecting the job posting. Internal Applicants - This site lists job postings throughout The Texas A&M University System. It is intended for applicants not currently employed by a member of the system. Current employees should apply for jobs on the Internal Career site. The Texas A&M System is an Equal Opportunity/ Veterans/ Disability Employer.