Outdoor Pursuits Specialist - Student Hourly

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 13,776 - 20,664; Part time

Job summary

The Center for Public Partnerships & Research is looking for Outdoor Pursuit Specialists in Topeka, Kansas. This role involves managing the daily operations of the Outdoor Pursuits Program, including supervising climbing activities and assisting with outdoor equipment rentals.

Ideal candidates will be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours and have climbing knowledge. Duties include facilitating teambuilding programs and ensuring participant safety at the climbing wall. Opportunities for training and certification in CPR/AED are available.

Qualifications

• Must be a student enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
• CPR/AED certification preferred but can be obtained after hiring.
• Knowledge of climbing and outdoor equipment is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Conduct belay certification checks for participants.
• Supervise rock climbing activities and ensure safety.
• Assist in renting outdoor equipment and facilitate teambuilding programs.

Skills

Climbing supervision

Belay certification

Customer service

Teambuilding facilitation

Education

Enrolled in at least 6 credit hours

Tools

Climbing equipment knowledge

Point-of-sale system

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.). They report to the Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits and work closely with the Outdoor Pursuits Program Manager. All staff must maintain complete knowledge of the Outdoor Pursuits Program and operations (how to belay, how to rent and utilize all rental equipment, etc.).

Job Description

Climbing Wall (50%)

• Perform belay certification checks for participants who wish to be belay certified.
• Enforce all rock‑climbing policies and procedures.
• Supervise all activities at the climbing wall (lead climbing, belaying, etc.).
• Belay rock‑climbing participants on the main climbing wall in the KU Recreation Center.

Rental Office (40%)

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

Teambuilding (5%)

• Facilitate teambuilding programs.
• Organize activities for participants.

Other Duties (5%)

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

Required Qualifications

• 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

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

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.