Graduate Assistant for West Georgia Outdoors (Beg Spring 2027)

University of West Georgia; Carrollton (GA); On-site; USD 9,500 - 13,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of West Georgia invites applications for a Graduate Assistant position with West Georgia Outdoors in Carrollton. The role supports program development, staff leadership, and trip logistics, with a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver.

Eligibility includes admission to a UWG graduate program, a Bachelor's degree, full-time enrollment, a 3.0 GPA, and legal work eligibility in the United States.

Qualifications

• Be fully admitted to a UWG graduate program and enrolled full-time.
• Hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all graduate coursework and meet US work eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement West Georgia Outdoors programs and growth plans.
• Supervise and mentor a student staff of 20; oversee scheduling and assessments.
• Manage trips logistics, transportation, equipment, and permits.
• Assess and improve Emergency Action Plans and risk management procedures.
• Oversee operations of the Climbing Wall and Equipment Rental Center.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Motivation

Recreation software

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Recreation management software

Job description

Job Title: Graduate Assistant for West Georgia Outdoors (Beg Spring 2027) Location: UWG Recruiting Location Regular/Temporary: Temporary Full/Part Time: Part-Time Job ID: 304270

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Job Summary

The Graduate Assistant will actively contribute to the work of the Department of University Recreation by fulfilling the following responsibilities:

Program Development and Implementation (50%)

• Report to and work collaboratively with the Assistant Director of Programs to continually develop the organization and strategic plan of West Georgia Outdoors and actively strive to implement growth according to program goals.
• Provide leadership and supervision to a student staff of 20 in the areas of programming, staff development, scheduling, and assessment of various programs.
• Manage logistics for trips and events, including transportation, equipment rental, and permits.
• Assess current Emergency Action Plans and general risk management procedures in outdoor recreation programming, identify areas of growth, develop solutions, and implement change.
• Oversee daily operations of the Climbing Wall and Equipment Rental Center, including repairing and maintaining the West Georgia Outdoors bicycle fleet.

Student Engagement and Support (30%)

• Schedule and supervise student trip leaders in planning and executing trips according to the Adventure Trips schedule.
• Assist with and lead University Recreation special events campuswide as needed.
• Act as a primary trip leader for at least two off campus adventure trips/ semester, including program creation, logistical planning, pre-trip meetings, trip activities, and completion/debriefing.
• Work collaboratively with the Student Affairs Marketing and Promotions team to increase participation and student engagement.
• Develop programs and events for West Georgia Outdoors from start to finish, including concept visualization, marketing requests, scheduling, collaborations, planning, facilitation, and assessment.

Administrative Responsibilities (20%)

• Hire, manage, train, evaluate, scheduling and mentor an Outdoor Recreation student staff of 20.
• Evaluate trips and event offerings every semester to make recommendations for the next schedule of offerings while using participation statistics and direct participant/trip leader feedback.
• Assist in creating and monitoring the UREC Outdoor Recreation program budget of approximately $70,000 - particularly in student wages and operating supplies.
• In conjunction with the Assistant Director, complete a monthly budget reconciliation for student wages and operational expenses and a monthly report highlighting updates, areas for improvement, personnel training and development, and other statistical information.
• Engage in continuing education and continually seek out professional development opportunities.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for a graduate assistantship at the University of West Georgia (UWG), students must meet the following criteria:

• Be fully admitted to a graduate degree program at UWG. Please note: Students admitted provisionally are not eligible for assistantship positions.
• Hold a Bachelor¿s degree from an accredited institution.
• Be enrolled full-time in a UWG graduate program during the assistantship period.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all previous and current graduate coursework and remain in good academic standing.
• Meet eligibility requirements for employment in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid Driver's License
• Two years¿ collegiate outdoor recreation program experience
• Current AMGA/PCIA Climbing Wall Instructor or higher and/or ACA Canoe/ Kayak certification
• Experience utilizing recreation management software.
• A Bachelor¿s degree in Education, Recreation, Sport Management, Business Management or other related field
• Practical experience in outdoor recreation, collegiate recreation, or experiential education practices
• Admission into a UWG graduate program
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population including students, faculty, staff, and the community
• Motivated, enthusiastic, and attentive to detail
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications.

Proposed Salary

• A monthly stipend of $1,000.00 per month
• A tuition waiver, reducing the semester rate to $25 plus mandatory fees while employed in the assistantship

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• UWG Graduate School Acceptance Letter

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to stand, walk, and remain physically active for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely perform physical tasks associated with outdoor recreation activities, including hiking, climbing, paddling, and other adventure-based activities.
• Ability to work at heights and utilize climbing wall equipment and safety systems as required.
• Ability to navigate and operate safely in a variety of outdoor environments and terrain.
• Ability to assist with the loading, unloading, transportation, setup, and breakdown of outdoor recreation equipment.
• Ability to perform occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, climbing, and other physical movements required for program operations, equipment maintenance, and special events.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and during non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends.

In addition to the above-stated work responsibilities, all Graduate Assistants in University Recreation at the University of West Georgia are expected to engage in regular professional development opportunities and organized collaborations as a cohort. These experiences are designed to prepare Graduate Assistants for success as professionals and broaden their understanding of University Recreation as a whole.

Contact Information

For questions or further information about this position, please contact Holly Foster at [e-mail]

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.