Overview:

If you are looking to lead rather than follow, then Texas Tech University and University Recreation is the right fit for you!  As a team member within the Department of University Recreation, you will be afforded opportunities and experiences in leadership, decision-making, budget creation, and learning experiences through doing rather than watching from the sidelines.  Add to these experiences award-winning facilities and the opportunity to work alongside remarkable leaders in recreation and higher education, we believe you will gain the tools necessary to becoming a trailblazer in the field of fitness, leisure, recreation, and student success!

Historical Information and Program Portfolio

Founded in 1976, Outdoor Pursuits at Texas Tech is a premiere outdoor and adventure leadership program within West Texas. Elements of the Outdoor Pursuits include:

• A 50+ foot tall climbing wall welcoming over 8,000 climbers on an annual basis.
• Grasshopper bouldering and climbing training center.
• The Outdoor Pursuits Center: a stand-alone outdoor gear rental and bike maintenance center.
• Outdoor experiential leader led trips program: a variety of weekday, weekend, and extended outdoor leisure trips for the novice and moderate outdoor student participant.

Program Description:

• The Program Manager of Outdoor Pursuits will report directly to the Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits and indirectly to the Director of Programs.
• The primary function of the Program Manager is to plan, conduct and supervise formal and informal program activities.
• Outdoor Pursuits is still in the early stages of redevelopment after significant restriction of programming during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Program Manager will have a significant role in shaping the future of the program, and many position duties and future projects will be based off the candidate’s experience and interests.
• Hire, train, and evaluate 30-40 undergraduate student staff who serve in a variety of leadership roles withing the Outdoor Pursuits program. These leadership roles include the Outdoor Pursuits Center staff, bike maintenance technicians, climbing wall attendants and outdoor trip leaders and student supervisors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Risk Management:  Risk management and risk reduction is at the heart of all that is done in University Recreation and in the Outdoor Pursuits area.  Duties and responsibilities may include:
• Assist in oversight of risk management protocols for outdoor recreation facilities and programs including the indoor climbing facility, bouldering wall, Outdoor Pursuits trips, clinics, and field-based support programs such as academic field trips.
• Assist in administering Special-Use Permits with State and Federal Land-Management agencies in which Outdoor Pursuits conducts programs.

• Customer Service: To provide outstanding customer service is an essential quality to the mission of University Recreation.  Duties and responsibilities may include:
  • Train Outdoor Pursuits student staff to properly complete financial transactions and to ensure rental gear is in proper working condition prior to rental.
  • Train Climbing Wall Attendants to safely fit participants in the correct size harness and ensure all utilize the climbing and bouldering walls in a safe and inclusive manner.
  • Assist with training Outdoor Pursuits student trip leaders to execute a variety of short and extended trip programs safely and effectively.
  • Develop, execute, and collect assessment material to review the overall quality of a specific program or experience.
• Student Development: To develop the skills of student employees and student participants is an essential quality to the mission of University Recreation.  Duties and responsibilities may include:
  • Develop learning outcomes for student employees and participants in Outdoor Pursuits programs and activities.
  • Stay current with higher-education practices and trends to ensure the Outdoor Pursuits program continues to provide co-curricular experiences for the students at Texas Tech University.
• Financial Administrator: As a revenue generating area of University Recreation creating appropriate price points for various products and programs is a critical factor for sustained success. Duties and responsibilities may include:
  • Monitor Outdoor Pursuits budget.
  • Assist in performing annual cost analysis evaluating all direct and indirect costs associated with delivering programs/goods to UREC customers. Present cost and bench-marking information during annual budget review.
  • Maintain program registration in department point of sale system and manage associated resources.
  • Assist with the purchase, inventory, and maintenance of outdoor recreation equipment including rental, check-out, and trip equipment.

Qualifications:

Minimum/Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree plus two years of supervisory experience in the field of outdoor programming or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated experience, knowledge, and proficiency in two of the following activities: backpacking, bikepacking, canoe/kayak, rock climbing, ski/snowboard.
• Demonstratable instructional experience relevant to the work.
• Demonstrated experience, knowledge, and ability to safely travel in remote and exposed wilderness terrain.
• Certifications in the following: CPR with AED for the Professional Rescuer and, Wilderness First Responder by hire date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Adventure/Experiential Education, or related field.
• Formal education and training in leadership development utilizing adventure programming.
• Experience monitoring, auditing, or directing a program or operation.
• Experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, policies, and procedures to non-routine situations.
• Previous logistical work and experience in rental and/or retail operation
• Relevant certifications through national organizations such as PCIA, AMGA, SOLO, NOLS, WMA, ACA, etc.
• Previous experience teaching collegiate courses/programs, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced wilderness skills including, but not limited to bushcraft and survival, alpine and rock climbing, cycle sports, and paddle sport pursuits.
• Leave No Trace Trainer or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire date.
• Direct experience preparing and managing budgets.
• Previous experience working within a shared leadership model.

About Texas Tech University

• The Texas Tech University System was formed in 1996 and formally established by the State of Texas three years later in 1999. Since its inception, the TTU System has emerged as one of the top public university systems in the nation and is a dynamic force in higher education. Today, the TTU System consists of four component institutions and operates at multiple campuses and academic sites across the state and globe. •As a public research university, Texas Tech University advances knowledge through innovative and creative teaching, research, and scholarship. The university is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. The university is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world. •Texas Tech University continues to grow and positively impact the region, state, country, and world. Campus leaders focused on student-success through innovation, integrity and collaboration have expanded enrollment to over 40,000. •Texas Tech University, University Recreation is a recognized leader in the delivery of a comprehensive recreation organization. Blending a...ward winning indoor/outdoor facilities, outstanding professional team of over 28 higher-education and recreation professionals and a diverse line-up of cutting-edge programs and services Recreational Sports welcomed over 910,000 guests to our facilities!

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