Posted: 27-May-26
Location: Allendale, Michigan
Type: Contract
Salary: $6,500/semester, Fall & Winter
Categories:
Salary Details:
Internal Number: R104407
This position supports the delivery of Outdoor Adventure programs by assisting with climbing wall operations, gear library management, bike maintenance, and other outdoor and adventure-based experiences. The role contributes to inclusive opportunities that promote student involvement, skill development, leadership, and well-being within a supportive campus environment. This position supervises student staff and supports key operational areas including risk management, program logistics, and communication standards. By supporting university-aligned initiatives, the role ensures experiences that enhance student engagement and contribute to a vibrant campus community.
Responsibilities: Support daily operations and special events of the Outdoor Adventures program (climbing wall, gear library, bike services, & outdoor trips) to create a positive and inclusive student-centered environment. Workload percentage for each item may vary heavily based on the needs of the program, personal experience and professional development interest.
- Lead the planning, promotion, registration, and facilitation of outdoor and adventure-based trips and events.
- Assist with recruitment, hiring, training, scheduling, and supervision of student employees
- Manage gear library operations including inventory, maintenance, reservation management, and staffing
- Utilize department and university resources for program marketing & communication
- Assist with equipment acquisition, maintenance, & regular inspection
- Assist with collection, assessment, and reporting of program and participant data
- Support risk management efforts through regular review and updating of policies, procedures, and emergency action plans
- Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership
Learning Outcomes:
- Inclusion and Belonging: Demonstrate support for welcoming and inclusive environments by acknowledging individual differences in program planning and facilitation.
- Health & Wellbeing: Develop deeper understanding of goal-oriented well-being practices through integration of the 8 dimensions of wellness into OA programs and services.
- Leadership and Professionalism: Apply academic themes to the context of adventure-based programs, services, and student development opportunities.
- Critical Thinking: Utilize data and assessment to create and apply student-centered solutions that align with strategic initiatives
Required Qualifications:
- Strong verbal, written communication, and organizational skills.
- Commitment to valuing and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation, Natural Resource Management, Tourism, or related field.
- Hold a current Wilderness First Aid certification or have ability to obtain within one semester of hire
- Minimum one (1) year of supervising staff in recreation or similar profession.
- Experience working with a collegiate outdoor recreation program.
- Participation in National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) courses or experience in commercial guiding
Academic Requirements:
The graduate student must be fully admitted to a GVSU graduate degree program and in good academic standing (i.e., must have, and maintain throughout the length of GA contract, a 3.0 or higher GPA).
