Outdoor Pursuit Center - Student Assistant

Miami University Alumni Association; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Miami University Outdoor Pursuit Center is seeking a Student Assistant to support rock climbing, team-building, and trip activities. You’ll be trained to assist with a variety of programs, helping participants build relationships and skills while prioritizing safety and teamwork.

The role suits someone with strong social skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to work both indoors and outdoors. Schedule ranges from 10–20 hours per week during the academic year.

Qualifications

• Must obtain BLS/FA certification within 30 days of hire.
• Lift up to 40 lbs and stand for at least 4 hours in outdoor environments.

Responsibilities

• Program Support: Help plan, set up, and run various OPC programs, from rock climbing to challenge courses.
• Group Facilitation: Guide participants through activities, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for everyone.
• Safety & Maintenance: Inspect equipment and facilities, reporting any issues to ensure everything is in top condition.
• Customer Service: Adapt to the needs of participants while maintaining program goals and safety standards.
• Cleanup: Assist with post-program wrap-up, including paperwork and equipment storage.

Job description

Job Title

Outdoor Pursuit Center - Student Assistant

Department

Outdoor Pursuit Center JM

Worker Type

Student (Fixed Term)

Pay Information

For hourly student pay rates, please visit the Student Job Classification page on the Office of Human Resources website. For salaried student positions, contact the department for pay information.

Duration of Appointment

Academic year and hopefully Winter and Summer breaks as available

Maximum Scheduled Weekly Hours

1

Job Description Summary

Are you passionate about the outdoors and creating experiences for others in them? The Outdoor Pursuit Center (OPC) is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team. As an OPC staff member, you’ll be trained to assist with a variety of programs, helping participants build relationships and skills through rock climbing, team building, and leading trips. The ideal candidate is hard-working, has strong social skills, and pays close attention to detail. This role requires the ability to work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the assigned duties. Works 10-20 hours per week.

Job Description

Essential Duties

• Program Support: Help plan, set up, and run various OPC programs, from rock climbing to challenge courses.
• Group Facilitation: Guide participants through activities, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for everyone.
• Safety & Maintenance: Inspect equipment and facilities, reporting any issues to ensure everything is in top condition.
• Customer Service: Adapt to the needs of participants while maintaining program goals and safety standards.
• Cleanup: Assist with post-program wrap-up, including paperwork and equipment storage.

Minimum Qualifications

• Certification: You must have or be able to obtain a BLS/FA certification within 30 days of being hired.
• Physical Ability: Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for at least 4 hours in outdoor environments.

Additional Position Information (if applicable)

In addition to your essential duties, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize in other areas like:

• Climbing: Learn route setting and how to operate the climbing wall desk.
• Team Development: Facilitate high and low challenge courses and escape rooms.
• Trip Leading: Lead backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing and biking trips.

Required Application Documents

resume/CV & cover letter

Posting Contact Information

Bill Sparks, [e-mail]

Additional Information

• A criminal background check may be required.
• All campuses are smoke- and tobacco-free campuses.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Reasonable Accommodations

Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [e-mail] or 513-529-3560. Questions and follow-ups regarding requests should also be directed here.

Miami University Values Statement

Miami University is a scholarly community whose members believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character as well as of intellect. We respect the dignity of other persons, the rights and property of others, and the right of others to hold and express disparate beliefs. We believe in honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct. We defend the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and combine that freedom with the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility.

For more information on Miami University’s mission and core values, please visit the Mission and Core Values webpage.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [e-mail] or 513-529-3560.

Clery Act

As part of the University’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at: http://www.MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html, which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at 513-529-2223.

Labor Law Posters for Applicants

Please visit our Labor Law Posters webpage to access all relevant and applicable labor law information.