Graduate Assistant - Adventure Recreation

The Centers, Inc.; Jacksonville (AL); On-site; USD 15,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Full tuition waiver

Job summary

A management firm is looking for a Graduate Assistant of Adventure Recreation to support the planning and implementation of various adventure recreation programs at Jacksonville State University. This role includes leadership development and staff supervision while providing valuable hands-on experience. The ideal candidate will have a passion for adventure recreation, along with strong analytical and leadership skills. A tuition waiver is offered for this position, along with a dynamic work environment that blends office and outdoor responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• 1–2 years of progressive experience in adventure recreation.
• Ability to work as part of a professional team.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and implementation of adventure recreation programs.
• Assist with development and supervision of Adventure Recreation.
• Research and maintain outdoor equipment.

Skills

Technical skills in adventure recreation

Leadership abilities

Analytical skills

Human resource management

Entrepreneurial spirit

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree program acceptance

Tools

Computer and office equipment

Job description

Overview

CENTERS, LLC is a professional management firm specializing in facility, operation, and program management for higher education. CENTERS' management approach is customized for each client yet retains our uniform quality. Our firm unites site staff with a centralized administrative team, each contributing to the firm's goals and client needs. The CENTERS team is innovative, entrepreneurial, trail-blazing, and ambitious for both CENTERS and our clients.

Responsibilities

The Graduate Assistant of Adventure Recreation supports the planning, coordination, and implementation of adventure recreation programs, including trips, clinics, special events, and the daily operations of outdoor recreation facilities. This position provides hands‑on experience in program management, risk management, leadership development, and part‑time staff supervision.

This position will work on‑site at our Jacksonville State University Client location and provides a full tuition waiver. Located in the Appalachian foothills almost midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State has grown from very humble beginnings as a state teachers college in 1883 into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the growth of the Adventure Recreation program.
• Assist with development, scheduling, supervision, marketing and administration of the Adventure Recreation trips program, GO! Outdoors First Year Experience series, clinics and workshops.
• Assist with instruction of the Adventure Recreation program.
• Assist with researching, purchasing and maintenance for all outdoor equipment.
• Assist with all components of design, documentation, administration, and implementation of a well‑researched risk management plan to manage risk and mitigate factors contributing to accidents and injury with respect to the Adventure Recreation programs.
• Prepare regular written communication such as monthly and annual reports and participation reports.
• Assist with the operation, preparation forecasting and monitoring of income and expense budget as it relates to the Adventure Recreation trips program.
• Activate the department's system to promote teamwork and accountability for the part‑time staff.
• Contribute written work performance evaluations of all part‑time staff in the Adventure Recreation program once a semester.
• Hold regular office hours.

Site‑Specific Responsibilities

• Attend all required trainings and meetings.
• Maintain the highest level of proficiency in facility policies, emergency response, and EAP.
• Assist with the All‑Staff Trainings.
• Serve on the Departmental Risk Management Committee.
• Serve on the Departmental Program Team.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.
• Evening/weekend work responsibility as required.

Qualifications

• Acceptance into a Master’s degree program at Jacksonville State University.
• Preferred 3.0 GPA or higher.
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• At least 1–2 years of progressive experience in adventure recreation demonstrating technical skills and/or instruction in rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, and other adventure recreation areas.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing policies and procedures.
• Fiscal integrity.
• Human resource management abilities.
• Leadership and supervisory abilities.
• Ability to work as part of a professional team that collaborates effectively with colleagues.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm.
• Analytical skill to identify problems, assess alternatives, render consistent, logical decisions.
• Knowledge of standard practices in adventure recreation.
• Ability to thrive in an environment that values high expectations, accountability, and balanced lifestyles.

Training and Certifications Required

• Wilderness First Responder Certification (preferably with CPR/AED).
• Valid CPR/AED Professional Rescuer and First Aid prior to first day of work; this certification is offered by University Recreation at no cost.
• Demonstrated experience with at least one of the following: adventure recreation trips, rental centers, or climbing wall management.

Work Environment

• Office, sporting, and non‑sporting events environment.
• Outdoor with exposure to elements.
• Non‑smoking environment.
• Moderate to loud noise.

Physical Demands

• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment.
• Must be able to traverse throughout the arena and campus. Regularly ascending/descending building levels and occasionally ladders or stools.
• Working in a sports and events environment at least 40% of the day.
• Must be able to lift, move and set up items weighing as much as 50 lbs.
• Must be able to discuss, converse with, and exchange accurate information with arena patrons, staff, stakeholders, etc.