Outdoor Adventures Activity Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outdoor recreation program experience

Job summary

Penn State's Campus Recreation – Outdoor Adventures is seeking fillable roles for skilled outdoor leaders. The position oversees operations, provides expert instruction, and trains staff across high‑risk activities.

Overnight shifts at Stone Valley or fieldwork may be required, with opportunities to advance to lead facilitator or supervisor roles. The role requires OLTC or equivalent leadership training, WFA/CPR (WFR preferred), and at least two years of outdoor leadership experience.

Qualifications

• OLTC or equivalent outdoor leadership training completed.
• Valid Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR/AED certification; WFR preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of outdoor/adventure leadership/management experience; expertise in at least 1 activity.

Responsibilities

• Supervise operations of a specific activity/facility.
• Serve as a subject expert with demonstrated skills and knowledge.
• Management of high-risk activities.
• May supervise and support part-time staff.
• Provide high quality training for staff to facilitate professional growth and job-specific competency.
• Create organized and effective lesson plans with clear learning outcomes.
• Select appropriate site(s) for instruction and managing environmental factors.
• Utilize instructional strategies that accommodate various learning styles.
• Lead quality staff training experiences for staff to facilitate professional growth and job-specific competency.
• Assist full-time staff members with high-level tasks, projects, events, or other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• May need to drive University vehicles and trailers of varying sizes (training provided as needed).
• Work may include overnight shifts at Stone Valley Recreation Area or in the field.
• May include duties and responsibilities comparable to an Outdoor Adventures Facilitator, Lead Facilitator, and/or Supervisor.

Skills

Outdoor leadership

Staff training

Staff supervision

Safety awareness

Education

Outdoor Leadership Training Course (OLTC)

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) & CPR/AED or WFR

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

University Division: Student Affairs

Department/Unit: Campus Recreation – Outdoor Adventures

Base Pay Rate: $20.00/hr

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Duties & Responsibilities Include (but not limited to):

• Supervise operations of a specific activity/facility
• Serve as a subject expert with demonstrated skills and/or knowledge
• Management of high-risk activities
• May supervise and support part-time staff
• Provide high quality training for staff to facilitate professional growth and job‑specific competency
• Create organized and effective lesson plans with clear learning outcomes
• Select appropriate site(s) for instruction and managing environmental factors
• Utilize instructional strategies that accommodate various learning styles
• Lead quality staff training experiences for staff to facilitate professional growth and job‑specific competency
• Assist full‑time staff members with high‑level tasks, projects, events, or other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• May need to drive University vehicles and trailers of varying sizes (training provided as needed)
• Work may include overnight shifts at Stone Valley Recreation Area or in the field
• May include duties and responsibilities comparable to an Outdoor Adventures Facilitator, Lead Facilitator, and/or Supervisor

Requirements:

• Completion of the Outdoor Leadership Training Course (OLTC) or equivalent outdoor leadership training.
• Possess (and maintain) valid Wilderness First Aid (WFA) & CPR/AED certification or higher Wilderness First Responder (WFR) preferred and may be required for certain activities.
• Minimum of 2 years of documented outdoor/adventure leadership/management experience required; applicants should possess expertise in at least 1 activity (as demonstrated through completion of activity or site‑specific assessments) and demonstrate proficient outdoor leadership skills

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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