Outdoor UW Operations Manager

University of Wisconsin-Madison - Student jobs; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A major university is seeking an Outdoor UW Co-Manager to manage outdoor rental operations. The role involves scheduling student workers, leading group activities, and ensuring daily operations run smoothly. Candidates should have strong communication skills and a passion for outdoor activities. This position offers a part-time role with expectations for summer availability and is suited for enthusiastic team players.

Benefits

Refine leadership and managerial skills

Discounted memberships to Hoofer Clubs

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs overhead.
• Strong organization & time management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily operations at OUW Service Desk.
• Organize office tasks and cleanliness.
• Lead and support planning of group experiences.

Skills

Enthusiasm for the outdoors

Strong communication skills

Organization & time management skills

Ability to speak in front of a group

Job description

Department Overview:

The Wisconsin Union, often referred to as "the heart and soul" of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has enhanced the lives of members and visitors since it was founded in 1907. Since 1928, when the doors to Memorial Union opened, the Wisconsin Union has served as the living room of the UW-Madison campus. The Union connects students, faculty, staff, members, and visitors through shared cultural, social, and recreational events and experiences.

Anticipated Start Date

9/1/25

Anticipated Hours Per Week

10-20

Schedule:

OUW Operations Co-Managers create and maintain the schedule for themselves and their staff to support daily/weekly business operations. Summer: Outdoor UW follows UW LifeSaving hours in the summer and fall. Their hours can be found here. Operational hours for rentals occur in the mornings, nights, and weekends. Focus on staff communication, management and development for outdoor recreation programming, including rentals, private groups, and risk management. Fall Semester: Maintaining rental operations and staff management/engagement during the school year. Planning and implementing season-closing procedures. Managing camping/boating inventory, supporting repair, maintenance, and reordering. Winter activity planning and preparation. Spring Semester: Support rental operations for winter activities (ice skating, snowshoeing, and events). From mid-March to May, the position pivots to hiring and training, requiring more time (Approx. 15-20 hours per week). Co-Managers will organize and co-lead a mandatory training weekend in late April for the Summer season. Role model and set tone for team culture, communication, and performance expectations. Organize staff meetings and team-building events. Flexible scheduling to accommodate student class schedule, scheduled vacations, and previous commitments with advance notice Be available to lead occasional after-hours private and special events. Weekend availability is preferred and at times required

The Outdoor UW Co-Manager position is hiring now on a rolling basis until positions are filled

*Ideally, you will be able to work year round, but MUST be in Madison and available to work THE SUMMER of 2026*

Summer Schedule:20-40 hours per week

Fall Schedule:5-12 hours per week (Our office will be closed for Thanksgiving break)

Winter Schedule:8-15 hours per week(Our office will be closed during winter break) Spring Schedule:5-12 hours per week (Our office will be closed for spring break)

Training shifts begin immediately following acceptance of the job offer

Outdoor UW follows UW LifeSaving hours in the summer and fall. Their hours can be foundhere. Operational hours for rentals occur in the mornings, nights, and weekends.

Be available to lead occasional after-hours for private and special events. Weekend availability is preferred and at times, required

Salary/Wage Range:

Hourly $16.00 to $16.00

Number Of Positions

1

Position Summary/Job Duties:

Office & Rental Operations (70%)

• Assist with daily OUW Service Desk and Rentals operations, paperwork, and filing
• Organize daily office tasks and cleanliness, delegating project-based tasks as necessary
• Assist with managing and training employees in RecHub customer/member database
• Assist with check-in and check-out of onsite and offsite rental equipment
• Lead and support the planning of group experiences on both land and water
  • Group leaders will be required to paddle on the water with group participants
  • Plan and lead various games and activities to keep participants engaged
  • Will provide rescue assistance and first aid on water to participants when needed
• Process payments from customers online, in person, over phone and maintain high level of knowledge over the Point of Sale system
• Take initiative to develop new system efficiencies, new programs, and rental offerings

Scheduling and Staff Development (30%)

• Create student staff schedules using WhenToWork program
• Coordinate staffing needs for the OUW service desk, rentals operation, and programs
• Assist with hiring and coordinate training new student Operations Staff in Point of Sale, OUW Customer Service, lakefront risk management, and OUW policies and procedures
• Manage the [e-mail] email address inbox and respond quickly.
• Lead regular meetings with Operations Staff
• Attend weekly/bi-weekly check-ins with the supervisor
• Conduct individual check-ins with employees and monitor employee well-being
• Continuously offer knowledge and support to keep staff updated and capable

Qualifications:

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for the outdoors, Outdoor UW, and the Hoofer Organization
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to take initiative and lead
• Strong organization & time management skills and an ability to problem solve quickly
• High level of knowledge of office and rental procedures
• Ability to speak in front of a group and organize large meetings
• Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs overhead

Prior Experience (Preferred)

• Demonstrated leadership experience
• Knowledge of outdoor rentals, the Hoofers Clubs, and the OUW rental and lakefront operations
• Experience working as an Outdoor UW Operations Staff member

Benefits

• Refine and develop leadership, managerial, and communication skills
• Develop time management and problem solving skills in a fast paced environment
• Discounted memberships to all Hoofer Clubs

Physical Demands

Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs overhead

Application Instructions:

Please go to the Union Job Sitehttps://union.studentjobs.wisc.edu/to apply for this job. NOTE: This job is subject to being removed early

Contact:

Org: Wisconsin Union
Email: [e-mail]