Student Employment: Trip Leader 2026-2027

Working at Quinnipiac University; Hamden (CT); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Quinnipiac University seeks a Trip Leader in Campus Recreation to plan, lead, and evaluate wilderness-based adventure activities. You will guide outdoor trips, teach Leave No Trace principles, and instruct participants in equipment use, while prioritizing safety and risk management.

The role is a non-Federal work-study student position with weekend hours; strong communication and teamwork skills are essential, along with first aid certification and a valid driver's license for van training.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 20 years old by Fall 2026
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work in a team and think critically
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to assess risk and promote safety in outdoor settings
• Current Wilderness First Aid certification or higher required (training available)

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and evaluate wilderness activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, and paddling
• Lead field-based wilderness trips from single to multi-day durations
• Teach and promote Leave No Trace wilderness ethics
• Instruct participants in outdoor equipment use
• Manage risk and ensure safety for all adventure programs
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Group work

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Risk management

Education

Wilderness First Aid certification

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Job Title:

Trip Leader

Department:

Campus Recreation

Student Employment Type:

Non-Federal Work Study

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and evaluate wilderness-based adventure activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, and paddling

• Lead single-day to multi-day field-based wilderness trips

• Teach and promote Leave No Trace wilderness ethics

• Instruct participants in the use of outdoor equipment

• Manage risk and ensure safety for all adventure programs

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Must be at least 20 years of age by the start of the Fall 2026 semester

• Good interpersonal skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

• Ability to work in a group, think critically, problem-solve, and manage risk

• Current Wilderness First Aid certification or higher required (training available)

• Leadership experience preferred

• Valid driver’s license with the ability to complete 12-passenger van training

Hours of Position

• Weekends; varies

Required Documents for Application

Resume and cover letter

Note to Faculty/Staff Applicants Only:

If a final candidate is a current or previous Quinnipiac employee, the hiring manager must obtain a reference check from the candidate’s current or former manager before making an offer of employment. If the candidate's current or most-recent Quinnipiac supervisor is unavailable, the hiring manager should contact Talent Acquisition for assistance in determining the appropriate alternate contact: