Outdoor Pursuits Customer Service Representative & Trip Leader

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 15,153 - 16,531; Part time

Job summary

A prominent university in Wisconsin is seeking student staff for Outdoor Pursuits. Responsibilities include serving students for trips and equipment rentals, planning activities, and maintaining rental equipment. Candidates must complete training, work scheduled shifts, and possess CPR/First Aid certification. Ideal skills involve customer service and trip management, making it essential to demonstrate outdoor proficiency. This role allows students to gain valuable experience while engaging with the outdoor community.

Qualifications

• Must have successfully completed all Staff Training requirements.
• Must work 4-8 hours per week of scheduled shifts.
• Must possess current CPR/First Aid certification or obtain it within the first semester.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with trip registration and equipment rental.
• Plan and facilitate trips and activities with co-leaders.
• Maintain and inspect rental equipment for safety.

Skills

Customer service

Trip planning

Risk management

Outdoor skills (paddle boarding, hiking)

Tools

Rental equipment management

Marketing materials distribution

Job description

All Outdoor Pursuits student staff work as BOTH a Customer Service Representative and a Trip Leader with the option to be trained as a Bike Mechanic. Customer Service Representatives are paid $11/hr, Trip Leaders $12/hr up to 10hrs per day, and Bike Mechanics $11/h. If hired, this position would start attending weekly staff meetings through the end of the Spring 2026 semester. After the May Staff Training Trip, all new hires have the opportunity to work part time through the Summer. If not available Summer 2026, new hires will start part time work in Fall 2026.

Essential Job Functions

• Serve students by helping them register for trips/activities
• Serve students by renting outdoor equipment and providing usage/ care instructions
• Organize, inspect, clean, and maintain rental equipment
• Receive bikes from patrons and log using our intake system
• Assist with marketing efforts including tabling, promotional events, and distribution of marketing materials
• Provide excellent customer service to patrons and represent Outdoor Pursuits in a positive manner
• Work diligently on projects and assigned tasks
• Use any spare time to collaborate with co trip leader on planning and prep for upcoming trips
• Actively plan, prepare, and facilitate trips and activities with co leader(s)
• Manage and mitigate risks by assessing accident potential before and during events
• Schedule and hold pre-trip meetings for all multi-day trips
• Plan and manage all aspects of assigned trips including transportation, risk management, equipment, meal preparation, and educational lessons/ facilitation
• Meet with Program Supervisor and co-trip leader(s) one week before assigned trip to present risk management plan and detailed itinerary
• Receive post trip feedback from participants on different aspects of the trip and overall job performance
• Debrief trips with Program Supervisor and staff team during weekly staff meetings
• Encouraged to pursue a Wilderness First Responder certification

Qualifications

• Must have successfully completed all Staff Training requirements
  • Backcountry Training Trip May 26-30th
  • UWM/ Milwaukee Country Training August 17-21st
  • Additional mandatory trainings in September, January, and April
• Must be able to work 4-8 hours per week of recurring, scheduled shifts
• Must have current CPR/ First Aid certification or obtain through UREC within the first semester of employment
• Current U.S. Driver's License and highway driving experience
• Must be able to lead at least 3 daytrips and 1 multi-day trip per semester

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Must demonstrate competency during training in stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, urban biking, mountain biking, car camping, hiking, longboarding, and canoeing to lead activity specific trips.
• This job requires students to work outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather and in backcountry settings removed from resources.

Panther Edge Competencies

• Critical Thinking: Includes adapting to plans and timeframes, fixing equipment, managing and mitigating risk factors, and maintaining positive group dynamics.
• Collaboration: Includes scheduling meetings with co trip leaders and the program supervisor to fully plan all aspects of trips and programs.

Any questions can be directed to the Outdoor Pursuits Program Supervisor, [e-mail].