Climbing Center and Challenge Course Student Specialist

OSU Oregon State University•Corvallis, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Oregon State University Recreational Sports is hiring 15 part-time Climbing and Challenge Course Student Specialists. Specialists report to the Climbing & Challenge Course Coordinator and support the safe operation of climbing facilities and adventure programs. Work includes issuing rental equipment, teaching belay classes and climbing workshops, supervising climbing gym use, belaying for rentals, and supporting special events and private rentals. The role emphasizes gym safety, customer service, and providing a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for climbers, staff, and event participants. Specialists also perform route-setting, maintenance, and cleaning tasks, use a computerized climber check-in system, and provide emergency response, First Aid, and CPR assistance when needed. This position is for academically enrolled students who meet applicable enrollment and academic-standing requirements. Work is 8–24 hours per week, with early morning, late night, and weekend hours potentially required. The anticipated start date is November 13, 2026. The role requires successful criminal-history and motor-vehicle-history checks, a current valid driver’s license, and the ability to meet the specified physical and safety demands.

Requirements

Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study.
Must meet academic standing requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible.
Must meet the applicable minimum enrollment standard: high school students must be regularly enrolled in high school or a home-schooling program; undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students must take at least 6 credit hours per term; undergraduate international students must take 12 credit hours per term; graduate students admitted to Graduate School must take 5 credit hours per term; and graduate international students admitted to Graduate School must take 9 credit hours per term, subject to the stated reduced-course-load provision.
First Aid, CPR/AED for the Healthcare Provider, and DRS Bloodborne Pathogens certifications are required before employment begins; the department will provide them upon hiring.
Must be available for at least 6–8 hours per week during Climbing Center operating hours.
PCIA Climbing Wall Instructor Certification is required before employment begins.
Challenge Course Low and High Elements training is required within the first two terms of employment.
Must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and be determined position qualified; incumbents must self-report convictions. Youth Programs may require additional Criminal History Checks every two years.
Must successfully complete a Motor Vehicle History Check, possess and maintain a current valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined position qualified, and self-report convictions.
Must be able to work at heights of up to 45 feet, with possible exposure to falls and falling objects.
Must be able to lift or transport equipment items weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance.
Must successfully complete the National Sex Offender Public website review conducted before hire.

Nice To Haves

Effective organizational ability.
Ability to work with a diverse population.
Beginner to intermediate climbing skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Previous experience working in a climbing facility.
Previous experience facilitating groups or working at a high ropes course.

Responsibilities

Teach belay skills checks and gym orientation sessions.
Instruct climbing skills workshops.
Belay for rentals and assist with facility operations during special events and private rentals, including climbing competitions, facility rentals, and demonstrations.
Oversee safety techniques and climbing activity during open recreation.
Change and set approved climbing routes on a scheduled basis.
Perform maintenance and cleaning, including vacuuming, dusting, and washing climbing holds.
Navigate and operate the computerized climber check-in system.
Provide emergency response within the facility when needed.
Execute emergency procedures and provide First Aid and CPR assistance when necessary.
Monitor facility use to ensure compliance with safety rules and emergency procedures.
Connect with climbers, staff, and event participants to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Issue climbing rental equipment and provide information about adventure programs and climbing safety.