Outdoor Education Lead — Climbing Wall & Trips

College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University; Saint Joseph (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

18 Paid Holidays Annually

Generous Vacation and Sick Leave

Life and Long-Term DisabilityInsurance

Tuition Remission for Eligible Depend­

Employer Contributions to a Retirement

Employee Assistance Program with coun­

Job summary

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University invites applications for an Outdoor Education Program Assistant. This full-time, 0.92 FTE position supports outdoor education programming under the Outdoor Education Program Manager, supervising student leaders, training staff, and coordinating climbing wall and trip activities.

The role requires a 25+ age, climbing instruction experience, WFA/WFR or willingness to obtain, and a commitment to safety, inclusivity, and student development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience with rock climbing or challenge course equipment, including belaying, inspecting equipment, and operating at height.
• Experience in outdoor education, environmental education, camp leadership, or a similar field preferred.
• Experience with facilitating teambuilding, conflict resolution, and training people in these activities preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, camping, orienteering, canoeing/kayaking, and wilderness survival.
• Comfortable recreating, traveling, and camping in remote wilderness areas for extended periods with limited to no cellular service.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and challenges in outdoor settings.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate participants and staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting ideas clearly to diverse groups.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn new software and technology platforms.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training or willingness to obtain certification within six months of hire.
• Climbing Wall Association Level 2 Instructor certification required within six months of hire.
• Candidates must be at least 25 years old to meet insurance requirements for driving students on out-of-state trips. They must also maintain a valid driver’s license and complete a university-sponsored defensive driving program upon hire.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight trips as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of student leaders in the Outdoor Leadership Center (OLC). Provide instruction in leadership development, outdoor skills, teambuilding facilitation, trip logistics, and risk management while supporting the goals of Outdoor University's Curricular Education Plan.
• Develop climbing wall student leaders through training in climbing instruction, safety standards, outdoor climbing skills, leadership development, route setting, and trip leadership. Coordinate community group access to the climbing wall and ensure compliance with Climbing Wall Association (CWA) standards and best practices.
• Supervise climbing wall operations, including equipment inspections, staff training, working at heights up to 40 feet, and supporting climbing-related programs and events.
• Support outdoor pre-orientation programs by training student leaders, assisting with emergency response procedures, and coordinating program assessments that contribute to Outdoor University learning outcomes.
• Help plan, train, and attend student trips over fall, winter, and spring breaks which may include travel to wilderness areas, camping, backpacking, canoeing, skiing, rock climbing, and similar activities.
• Respond to and address potential emergency situations, possibly in remote wilderness areas.
• Recruit, hire, train, and manage outdoor education student staff and volunteers.
• Involvement with a range of on-campus events with the intent of facilitating student-leadership development.
• Promote Outdoor U programming through the creation and distribution of marketing materials, tabling events, and community outreach.
• Assist with the development and revision of training materials, facilitation guides, and operational manuals for adventure trips, student staff training, pre-orientation experiences, climbing wall operations, and the OLC.
• Assist in creating and coordinating experiential learning opportunities on and off campus that support the True North Journey, the colleges’ signature four-year student development experience.
• Attend and participate in professional conferences, workshops, and training related to outdoor education.
• Research and advocate for new student-focused learning opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Outdoor leadership

Climbing instruction

Team management

Training staff

Risk management

Program development

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University invites applications for an Outdoor Education Program Assistant. This full-time, 0.92 FTE position supports outdoor education programming under the Outdoor Education Program Manager, supervising student leaders, training staff, and coordinating climbing wall and trip activities.

The role requires a 25+ age, climbing instruction experience, WFA/WFR or willingness to obtain, and a commitment to safety, inclusivity, and student development