Outdoor Recreation Assistant

Grinnell; Grinnell, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits-eligible

Academic-year schedule

Job summary

Grinnell College is seeking an Outdoor Recreation Assistant to support the Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP). You will help manage equipment rentals, inspect climbing wall operations, and assist student trip leaders with logistics for off‑campus adventures.

The role requires up to 30% travel and some night/weekend work. It is a full‑time term position for 9 months (academic year), with 1560 hours scheduled in the fiscal year, and eligibility for benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in outdoor recreation or emergency preparedness.
• Strong planning and communication skills for logistics and events.
• Ability to drive minivans and large vans; reliable and safety‑minded.

Responsibilities

• Assist with management of outdoor equipment rentals, including inventory, inspection, and reservations.
• Assist with climbing wall operations, equipment inspections, and staff spot checks.
• Support trip leaders with planning and logistics; co‑lead out-of-state trips as needed.
• Help train GORP student employees.

Skills

Planning & logistics

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or commensurate experience in outdoor recreation or emergency preparedness

Tools

Climbing wall equipment inspection

Vehicle operation (minivans, 11-passenger vans)

Job description

The Physical Education, Athletics, & Recreation Department is seeking an Outdoor Recreation Assistant to assist with the logistical planning, coordination, and operation of the Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP). GORP consists of off-campus adventure trips, an indoor climbing wall, and outdoor equipment rental. Responsibilities include assisting with the management of the climbing wall, assisting with the management of the outdoor equipment rental program, and supporting student trip leaders with logistics for off-campus adventure trips.

This role requires some travel (up to 30%) and the ability to work some nights and weekends.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with management of outdoor equipment rentals, including inventory, inspection, and reservations
• Assist with management of the climbing wall by assisting with equipment inspections and performing spot checks on climbing wall staff
• Support student trip leaders with trip planning and logistics; co-lead out-of-state trips with student trip leaders
• Assist with the training of GORP student employees

* This role is a full-time term position, benefits-eligible, working 9 months (academic year), 1560 hours worked in the fiscal year. Eligible post-baccalaureate candidates must have completed their degree no later than May 2025.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate advanced experience involving coursework or certifications in outdoor recreation or emergency preparedness.
• 6 months or less of work experience.
• Ability to drive minivans and large 11-passenger vans.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Plan, organize, and efficiently manage their workload.
• Communicate effectively utilizing various modes of communication.

Preferred Requirements

• CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
• Wilderness medicine certification (wilderness first aid, wilderness advanced first aid, wilderness first responder, wilderness EMT)
• Experience leading adventure trips.
• Climbing wall instructor certification.
• Experience with route setting.

Employment Category

Regular

Employment Status

Full-time

Work Location Type

Full Time Onsite

FLSA Category

Non-exempt

S3

Anticipated Hiring Range

$19 per hour

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