Outdoor Recreation Assistant

University of Alabama; Grinnell (IA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University’s Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) seeks an Outdoor Recreation Assistant to help plan, coordinate, and run off-campus trips, indoor climbing, and equipment rentals in Grinnell, IA. You’ll assist with climbing wall ops, rentals, and student trip logistics, including out-of-state adventures.

Requires travel up to 30% and some night/weekend hours. This full-time term position is benefits-eligible, 9 months/year, with 1560 hours annually.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate advanced experience 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist with management of outdoor equipment rentals, including inventory, inspection, and reservations.
• Assist with management of the climbing wall by equipment inspections and 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.

Skills

Outdoor recreation

Emergency preparedness

Communication

Diversity inclusion

Education

Bachelors degree / commensurate

Tools

CPR/First Aid/AED certification

Wilderness medicine cert

Climbing wall cert

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.