Position Description

The Outdoor Adventures Graduate Assistant is a position of significant importance to the successful operations of the Outdoor Adventures program. Graduate Assistants are tasked with the responsibility of learning how to run a collegiate outdoor recreation program. They are expected to work 20 hours per week minimum with flexibility around class schedules available. This Graduate Assistant for Operations is responsible for assisting with the daily operations of Outdoor Adventures, consisting of management of the climbing wall and resource center, and leadership and supervision of student staff

Tasks & Responsibilities

The Outdoor Adventures (OA) Graduate Assistant for Operations will assist with the daily operations of the rental program, front desk, and indoor climbing facility. They will spend their time learning and subsequently being responsible for all areas of focus during their appointment. A majority of the GAs time will consist of daily operations at the climbing wall and the front desk of Outdoor Adventures as well as route setting & supervising route setters, climbing wall maintenance, climbing wall clinics, and gym-to-crag programming. This GA will also facilitate programming on the Expedition Course at Piney Lake and assist with small group programming as needed. This GA is also responsible for coordinating all aspects of the annual bouldering and top rope climbing competitions.

Graduate Assistants are expected to help recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate undergraduate student employees. They will be responsible for executing weekly payroll for student employees, contributing to monthly All Staff meetings, leading monthly Supervisor meetings, and conducting corrective meetings with student staff members to provide feedback. They are expected to obtain their CPR for the Professional Rescuer instructor certification and assist with conducting drills, skills clinics, and teaching CPR courses for the Outdoor Adventures staff. They will assist with risk management planning and implementation of policies and procedures for all programs and facilities. The Graduate Assistant is expected to be a present and an active leader of the Outdoor Adventures community. They should seek and develop professional development opportunities by attending local and national conferences and seeking training in technical skills related to the field.

Administration & Daily Operations (50%)

• Assist with the daily operations of the indoor climbing facility.
• Assist with the leadership of climbing clinics and trainings.
• Assist with Expedition Course training and programming.
• Assist with equipment purchasing and management.
• Assist with annual program budget planning.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate annual Top Rope and Bouldering Competitions.
• Foster an inclusive climbing environment for all climbers.
• Manage administrative functions of Innosoft Fusion.
• Support large-scale events hosted by Outdoor Adventures.
• Serve as an Outdoor Adventures supervisor as needed.
• Work on special projects and serve on work committees within the Department of Recreation & Wellness and the Division of Student Affairs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Staff Supervision & Development (30%)

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise and evaluate undergraduate student employees.
• Execute monthly payroll for student employees.
• Assist with planning staff trainings, meetings, and other developmental opportunities for student-employees.
• Directly supervise the Climbing Wall Program Assistant.
• Responsible for facilitating Outdoor Adventures Supervisor meetings.

Risk Management (15%)

• Assist with program policy development and implementation.
• Assist with inspections of climbing wall and expedition course.
• Maintain CPR for the Professional Rescuer Instructor certification and teach CPR courses and conduct emergency drills for student staff.

Marketing (5%)

• Assist with marketing and promotion of general operations, events, and the climbing facility.
• Promote and inform participants and potential participants about Outdoor Adventures programs.
• Contribute to content creation for Outdoor Adventures Social Media

To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and two professional references to zcyoung@uncg.edu. For priority consideration, submit materials by 1/5/2026

Required Skills, Experience, and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation/Education, Recreation Management, or related field preferred.
• Full admittance and enrollment in a UNCG graduate program and remain in good academic standing (3.0 GPA minimum required).
• Previous experience working in an outdoor recreation and education program, including a rock-climbing facility, equipment rental operations, challenge course and adventure-based trip program.
• Trip leading experience in several of the following activities: rock climbing (indoor and outdoor setting), whitewater kayaking, sea and flat-water kayaking, backpacking/hiking, caving, and biking.
• Challenge Course facilitation experience, including team and small group development and informal ropes course experience.
• Experience in planning, supervision, and program development in outdoor recreation.
• A valid driver’s license and approved driving record (driving check required at time of appointment).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work with diverse groups.
• Successful completion of criminal and driving background check.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Willingness to learn and develop practical and transferable leadership skills.
• UNCG Belay certification (available upon hire)
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer Certification and First Aid Certification (can obtain after getting hired offered through RecWell).
• Current NOLS Wilderness First Responder certification or ability to obtain within 3 months of employment).
• Enthusiasm about Outdoor Recreation

About UNC Greensboro Recreation & Wellness

Located in North Carolina’s third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with nearly 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal — helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University’s 1,100 faculty and 1,700 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B. Join UNC Greensboro, one of the Top 30 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs, as recognized by ACPA and Diverse. UNC Greensboro creates remarkable real-world impact, every day. ...With nearly 20,000 students and 3,000 faculty and staff, UNCG is the largest state university in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region, encompassing Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point. We take pride in being a learner-centered public research university and in being a Minority Serving Institution. Under Chancellor Franklin Gilliam, UNCG has doubled Black faculty members, increased Latino faculty by 50%, and increased Asian faculty by 25%. The University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) and the Division of Student Affairs are strongly committed to recruiting and retaining diverse students, staff, and faculty. The University and the division invest in its staff and administrators by supporting their active engagement in professional associations, affinity groups, professional service, and ongoing learning and development. Learn about our commitment to our students and our Culture of Care that permeates everything we do by visiting sa.uncg.edu, and review our open positions at spartantalent.uncg.edu.

Show more

Show less

Connections working at UNC Greensboro Recreation & Wellness