Outdoor Recreation Assistant

Grinnellcollege; Grinnell (IA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Grinnell College is seeking an Outdoor Recreation Assistant to support the Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP), including trips, climbing wall, and equipment rentals. You will assist with planning, coordinating, and operating adventure activities and help train student staff as part of a dynamic campus program.

The role involves up to 30% travel and some nights/weekends, with a 9-month term of work totaling 1,560 hours per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate advanced experience involving 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 workload.
• Communicate effectively using various modes of communication.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Communication

Planning & Organization

Diversity & Inclusion

Team coordination

Education

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

Tools

CPR/First Aid/AED certification

Wilderness medicine certification

Climbing wall instructor certification

Route setting experience

Adventure trip leadership experience

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.

Minimum Requirements

• 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.