Graduate Assistant, Climbing Wall and Operations

Ohio Ag

Athens (OH)

On-site

USD 12,000 - 15,000

Part time

14 hours ago
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Benefits offered by this job

Annual stipend

Job summary

Ohio University Outdoor Pursuits is seeking a Graduate Assistant to plan and lead outdoor programs, oversee staff and equipment, and support campus recreation activities. The GA role involves administrative tasks and collaboration with departments across the University.

The position emphasizes student development, supervision of undergraduate staff, and hands-on experience with trip programming and climbing wall operations. A stipend is provided and hours are per the semester schedule.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Graduate student currently enrolled in an Ohio University program.
  • Strong research, writing, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Plan, coordinate, and lead outdoor programs.
  • Assist with hiring, supervision, training, and evaluation of student employees.
  • Maintain equipment inventory, ordering, and billing for programs.
  • Manage challenge course, climbing wall, and outdoor gear facilities.
  • Serve as administrative contact when program director is unavailable.

Skills

Research skills
Writing skills
Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree
Graduate student status

Tools

DSE
Excel
Word

Job description

Graduate Assistant, Climbing Wall and Operations

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. Applicant Portal Voluntary Demographics. The information requested below is used to assist us in our compliance with Federal/State equal employment opportunity record keeping and reporting. Your response is voluntary and will not be used in any way to determine your eligibility for employment.

Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the ‘Posting End Date’ shown below.

Responsibilities
  • Planning, coordinating, and leading various outdoor programs
  • Assisting with hiring, supervision, training, and evaluation of student employees
  • Program-wide equipment inventory, maintenance, ordering, and billing
  • Managing challenge course, climbing wall, and outdoor gear facilities
  • Serving as the administrative contact person when program director is not available
Job Profile Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following:

Engages with students and contributes to the growth and development of various aspects of the Ohio University experience, including student engagement, student leadership, student conduct, well-being and recreation, academic success, and campus life. Responsibilities may include supporting student government, developing student fitness and recreation programs, coordinating student events, providing student academic support, and providing administrative support to departments across the University. Level Summary Provides specialized assistance in academic or administrative tasks, leveraging advanced knowledge in a particular subject area. Supports faculty, researchers, or departments in a variety of ways. Supervisory Responsibilities: May supervise undergraduate students. Fiscal Responsibilities: May assist in managing small budgets for research projects or departmental activities. Problem Solving: Handles complex, field-specific problems that require critical thinking and independent analysis. May require guidance for highly specialized or unfamiliar tasks, but able to handle day‑time challenges independently. Independence of Action: Works independently on assigned tasks but may consult with faculty or staff for major decisions. Communication and Collaboration: Regular communication with faculty, supervisors, and peers. Collaborates with academic and administrative peers, faculty, and staff and participates in meetings or discussions to further research or projects. May interact with students, colleagues, or clients in academic settings.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required.

Must be a graduate student currently enrolled in an Ohio University academic program.

Must have strong research, writing, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Additional outdoor-related certifications are desirable, but not necessary to apply. These include: ACCT , AMGA , ACA , LNT , etc.
  • Undergraduate degree in recreation, education, or related field.
  • Experience with recreational program management and/or staff supervision.
  • Experience leading wilderness trips.
  • Knowledgeable in the use and care of a variety of outdoor recreation equipment.
  • Indoor climbing wall experience.
  • Ability to communicate in a positive and effective manner with staff and participants.
  • High level organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to effectively operate software systems including DSE , Excel, and Word.
  • Ability to coordinate staff and facilities needed for education programming.
  • Ability to effectively and safely facilitate low and high ropes course programs.
  • Current WFR , and First Aid / CPR / AED certification.
  • Documented experience with staff skill training.
  • Strong commitment and motivation to student development.
  • Strong references for being adaptable, self-starter, self-directed, ability to work unsupervised, mature judgment, detail-oriented, and a team player
Working Condition/Physical Demands

This role involves both desk-work and active field-based work in all weather conditions. Overnight trips are not uncommon.

Department Outdoor Pursuits Pay Rate $13,500 Annual Stipend

FLSA Status Non-Exempt

Posting Open Date 10/08/2026 Posting End Date 11/24/2026
Job Category Student Hourly Planning Unit Vice President for Student Life
Work Schedule Graduate Assistants are expected to work a total of 300 hours over the course of the semester. This averages out to approximately 20 hours per week.
Campus Athens, Ohio
Contact

Hans Rudolph, rudolphh@ohio.edu

Posting Number 20161780STD Department Summary

The Outdoor Pursuits GA will be involved in all aspects of the administration of a university outdoor pursuits program, with emphasis on trip programming, challenge course programming, logistics and gear management, and climbing wall management.

Clery Act Annual Safety and Fire Report Clery Act Statistics To view the Clery Act Annual Safety and Fire Report Click Here !
Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter
  • References
Optional Documents
Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Ohio University Human Resources | Grosvenor West 103 | 1 Ohio University | Athens, OH 45701| T: 740.593.1636 | F: 740.593.0386
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