Outdoor Adventures Assistant

Position Title: Outdoor Adventures Assistant 

Department: Recreation and Wellness  

Division: Student Affairs  

Reports To: Coordinator, Outdoor Adventures  

Hours Per Week: 8-12 weekly  

Starting Wage: $9.75/hr. 

Department Overview 

The Department of Recreation and Wellness, housed in the Division of Student Affairs, believes in a balance of social, mental and physical wellness creates a foundation for successful, healthy individuals. We foster comprehensive wellness by engaging students and the UNCG community in experiential and educational opportunities. We promote lifelong success through meaningful and inclusive programs and resources. 

Position Description 

The Outdoor Adventures Assistant is a position of significant importance to the successful operations of the Outdoor Adventures program. Assistants are responsible for contributing to the daily operations within the program, consisting of the climbing wall, front desk, Piney Lake, and gear storage room. Assistants are expected to work weekly shifts 8-12 hours per week and weekend shifts, including special events and programs. Schedules are set with flexibility around class schedules.  

After one full semester working with Outdoor Adventures, Assistants will be able to determine their specialty within the program; The options include Route Setter at the climbing wall, Trip Leader on adventure trips, or Challenge Course Facilitator on the challenge course at Piney Lake. Continued growth within the program will allow staff to apply for higher leadership roles within these specialties.  

Tasks & Responsibilities 

Outdoor Adventures Assistants are expected to work directly with Outdoor Adventures supervisors to accomplish daily tasks and maintain a safe and welcoming environment at Piney Lake and the climbing wall. They are expected to provide a positive and engaging experience for all patrons while enforcing all facility policies. Outdoor Adventures Assistants are responsible for managing the facility documents and records while administering risk management policies and procedures as needed.  

 
During shifts at the climbing wall, they are expected to belay and instruct participants on how to climb at the climbing wall. Providing further education about climbing will be expected as staff progress with the program. 

While working at the front desk, assistants are expected to help patrons with trip/program/clinic registrations, equipment checkout, and answering questions about the entirety of the Outdoor Adventures program. They may need to outfit customers with outdoor equipment and assist them with planning personal outdoor trips. 

While working in the gear storage area, they are required to clean, repair, and inventory all rental and trip equipment. Various tasks will be assigned during each shift to contribute to the organization of the workspace. Staff will be expected to work independently and identify and prioritize tasks on their own during the shifts. 

While working weekend shifts at Piney Lake, they are expected to assist visitors with equipment check-out, paddling instruction, and general customer service tasks. They will be expected to manage the property during weekend shifts with the assistance of other staff at Piney Lake. Staff will be expected to work as shuttle operators for Piney Lake during weekends using the program’s high occupancy vehicles. Staff will be expected to serve as Piney Lake Hosts for special reservations at Piney Lake (scheduled as they occur). 

Outdoor Adventures Assistant responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Daily Operations (50%) 

Responsible for the overall daily operations of Outdoor Adventures, including the climbing wall, front desk, gear storage room, and Piney Lake.5 

Maintain a safe and welcoming environment while providing exceptional customer service experiences.3 

Work directly with Supervisors to accomplish daily tasks.2 

Responsible for managing facility documents and records.2 

Belay and instruct participants in the climbing wall.6 

Enforce all facility policies while at the climbing wall or at Piney Lake.5 

Administer risk management policies and procedures as needed.1 

Inspect climbing equipment for quality and safety standards.1 

Assist with regular cleaning of the facility and equipment.6 

Outfitting customers with outdoor equipment and assisting them with planning personal outdoor trips.2 

Inventory, clean, repair, and maintain all program equipment.6 

Process trip and clinic registrations and equipment rentals.2 

Maintain a welcoming and inclusive space, respecting all staff and patrons who enter the facility 7 

Staff Training & Development (30%) 

Responsible for attending and assisting with all staff meetings and trainings3 

Must maintain a current belay certification and demonstrate proficiency in maintaining a safe climbing wall environment. 7 

Must maintain a current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications (required and available upon hire).7 

Risk Management & Conflict Resolution (15%) 

Continually inspect facilities and equipment to ensure a safe environment is provided for participants and spectators1 

Responsible for taking appropriate actions when dealing with patrons & staff who are causing disturbances or violating policies and procedures1, 2 

Respond to all emergencies within the scope of training provided1. 6 

Implement department emergency action plan as needed1, 5 

Marketing (5%) 

Promote and inform participants and potential participants about Outdoor Adventures programs.2 

Required Skills, Experience, and Certifications 

Enrollment at UNCG and in good academic standing (2.5 GPA minimum required). 

Willingness to make a minimum of a 2-year commitment to the program. 

Ability to work in a team-oriented environment. 

A valid driver’s license and approved driving record, or ability to obtain within 60 days.  

Willingness to learn and develop practical and transferable leadership skills. 

Belay certification (available upon hire) 

​​CPRO Certification and First Aid Certification (can obtain after getting hired offered through RecWell). ​ 

Enthusiasm about climbing! 

Preferred Skills, Experience, and Certifications 

Previous leadership/teaching experience (recommended). 

Previous customer service experience (recommended).