Outdoor Pursuits Specialist - Student Hourly

The University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 12,274 - 17,481; Part time

Job summary

The University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS is seeking Outdoor Pursuit Specialists to oversee the Outdoor Pursuits Program, including the climbing wall, rental desk, and teambuilding activities. This student hourly role reports to the Assistant Director and collaborates with the Program Manager.

Responsibilities include monitoring belay checks, enforcing climbing policies, supervising wall activities, assisting with rentals and cash handling, and coordinating teambuilding programs.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in no fewer than 6 credit hours during the semester term.
• Undergraduate or graduate student hourly appointment.

Responsibilities

• Belay certification checks and enforce climbing policies.
• Supervise climbing wall activities and belaying.
• Assist participants with equipment rentals and cash handling.
• Facilitate teambuilding programs and organize activities.
• Attend staff meetings and support Recreation Services as needed.

Skills

CPR/AED certification

Climbing experience

Belay certification

Work Study eligible

Job description

Position Overview

The Outdoor Pursuit Specialists are responsible for the daily operation of the Outdoor Pursuits Program (climbing wall, rental office, teambuilding, etc.). This position will have supervision from the Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits and will work closely with the Outdoor Pursuits Program Manager. All Outdoor Pursuits staff must maintain a complete knowledge of the Outdoor Pursuits Program and operations (how to belay, how to rent and utilize all rental equipment, etc.).

Job Responsibilities

50% - Climbing Wall

• Perform belay certification checks for participants who wish to be belay certified.
• Enforcement of all rock-climbing policies and procedures.
• Supervising all activities at the climbing wall: lead climbing, belaying, etc.
• Belaying rock-climbing participants on the main climbing wall in the KU Recreation Center.

40% - Rental Office

• Assist participants in renting outdoor equipment and facility spaces.
• Perform point-of-sale transactions for equipment rentals and handling cash.

5% - Teambuilding

• Facilitate teambuilding programs.
• Organize activities for participants.

5% - Other duties as assigned

• Assist with trips and programs as needed.
• Attend all staff meetings and trainings.
• Assist in all areas of Recreation Services as assigned.

Required Qualifications

1. During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre‑enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments do NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Preferred Qualifications

1. CPR/AED certification (can be completed up to 30 days after being hired).
2. Past experience of climbing and route setting and knowledge of climbing equipment and outdoor equipment preferred.
3. Current belay certification at the KU Chalk Rock Climbing Wall.
4. Work Study eligible.

Position Requirements

N/A

Employment Conditions

Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR. This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Additional Candidate Instructions

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing outdoor/outdoor pursuits experience

The application deadline is 10/16/2026. A review of applications is ongoing; hires will be made throughout the posting period.

Contact Information to Applicants

Miranda Kolenda

[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range: $10.80 per hour

Anticipated Start Date: Friday June 19, 2026

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