Intercollegiate Athletics Equipment Specialist

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking an Equipment Specialist in the Division Intercollegiate Athletics to supervise and manage practice and competition equipment and apparel for assigned sport programs. You will ensure timely distribution, inspection, and maintenance of gear, while collaborating with coaches and staff to meet program needs.

This 100% full-time Civil Service position requires an eye for safety and quality, along with strong organization and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three (3) years (36 months) of experience in repair and maintenance of athletic equipment and uniforms at high school or college level.
• Valid State of Illinois driver's license (class depends on vehicle).

Responsibilities

• Supervise equipment and apparel for assigned sport teams.
• Provide equipment services and operational support for six assigned programs.
• Manage issuance, inspection, maintenance, cleaning, and inventory of equipment and apparel.
• Coordinate transport, delivery, and setup of equipment for practices and competitions.
• Ensure equipment is ready for home and away events and properly stored.
• Inspect equipment for safety and correct fit and remove unsafe items.
• Collaborate with coaches, athletic trainers, and staff on equipment needs and care.
• Maintain organized equipment room and storage areas.

Skills

Knowledge of NCAA rules

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Division Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Summary

Supervision of all practice and competition equipment and apparel for assigned sport teams.

Duties And Responsibilities

Equipment Services to Assigned Sport Programs

• Provide comprehensive equipment services and operational support for approximately six assigned sport programs, ensuring student-athletes, coaches, and staff have appropriate equipment and apparel for practices, competitions, travel, and other team activities.
• Manage the daily issuance, collection, inspection, maintenance, repair, cleaning, organization, and inventory of athletic equipment and apparel; maintain accurate records to ensure equipment is properly assigned, stored, and accounted for throughout the season.
• Evaluate equipment needs and determine daily requirements based on practice and competition schedules, travel, weather, facility requirements, and coaching staff requests; monitor usage and condition and recommend replacements, repairs, or upgrades based on safety, performance, durability, and program needs.
• Prepare, organize, load, transport, and deliver equipment and gear to athletic facilities and other venues; coordinate home competition setup, including sideline and bench preparation, equipment distribution, event coverage, and post-event collection and organization.
• Provide equipment support for assigned teams during home and away competitions, ensuring equipment and apparel are available, properly maintained, and ready for use.
• Inspect athletic equipment for proper fit, condition, functionality, and safety; remove damaged or unsafe equipment from service and ensure equipment meets applicable safety standards and manufacturer recommendations.
• Collaborate with coaches, athletic trainers, student-athletes, and support staff to identify equipment needs, resolve equipment-related concerns, and assist with equipment fitting and adjustments; educate student-athletes and staff on proper equipment use, care, and maintenance.
• Maintain an organized, efficient, and secure equipment room and storage areas, ensuring equipment and apparel are accessible, properly stored, and accounted for.

Equipment Operations and Service Delivery

• Coordinate seasonal equipment distribution and collection, including issuing equipment at the beginning of the season and collecting, inspecting, and storing equipment at the conclusion of the season.
• Coordinate equipment needs for team travel, including preparation, packing, transportation, distribution, and return of equipment and apparel.
• Maintain professional and effective working relationships with coaches, student-athletes, athletic trainers, facilities personnel, vendors, and other internal and external partners to support equipment service delivery.
• Respond to unexpected equipment needs and operational issues, independently identifying and implementing solutions to maintain uninterrupted team activities and competition readiness.
• Ensure assigned equipment operations comply with departmental policies, University requirements, applicable safety standards, and established procedures.

Strategic Leadership

• Establish priorities and assign daily responsibilities to student managers based on team schedules, equipment needs, events, and operational demands.
• Manage and oversee Nike equipment and apparel allotment, ensuring resources are strategically allocated across assigned sport programs and departmental priorities.
• Monitor equipment and apparel purchasing, inventory levels, usage, and replacement needs to maximize available resources and ensure responsible fiscal management.
• Collaborate with coaches and sport program staff to identify equipment and apparel priorities and develop purchasing plans that balance program needs, safety, quality, availability, and budget considerations.
• Maintain accurate records related to equipment purchases, inventory, allocations, and expenditures and provide information for budget planning and departmental reporting.
• Serve as the primary equipment services contact for approximately six assigned sport programs, developing strong relationships with coaches and staff and ensuring consistent, high-quality service.
• Anticipate future equipment needs and develop proactive strategies for seasonal changes, new equipment requirements, team growth, competition schedules, and replacement cycles.
• Assist in establishing and implementing equipment services procedures, standards, and best practices to improve efficiency, consistency, safety, and service across assigned programs.
• Coordinate with Nike representatives, vendors, University partners, and internal Athletics departments regarding equipment, apparel, orders, delivery schedules, product availability, and service issues.
• Identify operational challenges and implement solutions that improve equipment management, student‑athlete safety, customer service, and resource utilization.
• Support departmental initiatives and special projects related to equipment operations, inventory management, purchasing, event operations, and overall Athletics administration.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

Travel as needed, Work nights and weekends

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three (3) years (36 months) of experience in the repair and maintenance of athletic equipment and uniforms at the high school or college level.
• Possession of a valid State of Illinois driver's license, the class of the license depending on the type of the vehicle(s) to be operated.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of Collegiate Sports Equipment

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Maintain knowledge of NCAA, Big Ten Conference and University rules and regulations. Ability to work multiple personnel on multiple projects effectively and efficiently. Ability to make independent decision-making in many areas including purchase of sports equipment safety features. Ability to take responsibility for day-to-day problem solving.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4797 - Intercollegiate Athletics Equipment Specialist position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 12/7/2026. Salary range is $47,403 - $55,099 and is commensurate with experience. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first‑generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far‑reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .