Equipment Room Specialist

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Equipment Room Specialist supports the daily operations of the University of Chicago Department of Athletics & Recreation through the care, maintenance, distribution, and inventory management of athletic apparel, towels, equipment, and related supplies. The role includes laundry operations, equipment room services, locker assignments, recordkeeping, and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of assigned departmental spaces. The specialist also assists with maintaining, preparing, setting up, breaking down, and operating athletic facilities and equipment for departmental programs, practices, competitions, special events, and other activities. Three positions are available with schedules of Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; or Sunday–Thursday, 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Schedules may be modified during summer and interim periods. Overtime and schedule adjustments are required according to departmental needs, and significant overtime may be required, particularly during evenings, weekends, competitions, and special events. The role is hourly, scheduled for 40 hours per week, and is non-exempt.

Requirements

High school diploma from an accredited institution or GED certificate.
Two years of experience in athletic equipment room operations, recreation or fitness facilities, athletic facility operations, or a related field.
Ability to read and write and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to perform basic recordkeeping.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, students, staff, faculty, and the public.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments concurrently.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to adapt to changing departmental operational needs and priorities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Knowledge of athletic equipment care and maintenance techniques.
Physical capability to stand and walk for prolonged periods; walk between facilities in various weather conditions; bend, reach, lift overhead up to 25 pounds; and climb step stools, step ladders, and stairs.
Capability to work in a laundry room environment with elevated temperatures, consistent machine noise, laundry chemicals, and dust.
Capability to perform duties in indoor and outdoor athletic facilities and related departmental spaces.

Responsibilities

Perform laundry operations, including collecting, washing, drying, folding, storing, transporting, and distributing athletic apparel, towels, uniforms, shower curtains, and other departmental and visiting-team laundry.
Distribute, collect, organize, and maintain athletic apparel, towels, equipment, and related supplies for student-athletes, coaches, staff, patrons, visiting teams, and departmental programs and activities.
Manage locker, cubby, and lock assignments, issue and record locker numbers and combinations, maintain assignment records, and assist with distributing and collecting related items.
Clean and prepare lockers as assigned, including removing, bagging, labeling, and storing personal belongings and performing basic cleaning in accordance with departmental procedures.
Maintain accurate records relating to apparel, equipment, inventory, laundry operations, locker assignments, and other equipment room activities.
Perform basic daily care and maintenance of laundry equipment, including cleaning lint traps, machines, and drains; changing filters; and replacing detergent barrels and supplies.
Report laundry equipment problems, facility concerns, repair needs, and maintenance issues to the supervisor.
Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and security of equipment rooms, locker rooms, laundry facilities, storage areas, and other assigned spaces.
Monitor and communicate departmental needs related to apparel, towels, laundry supplies, equipment, lockers, inventory, and other operational concerns.
Assist with maintaining, cleaning, organizing, preparing, setting up, breaking down, and ensuring operational readiness of athletic equipment and facilities, including fields, courts, locker rooms, and equipment rooms.
Support athletic competitions, practices, special events, recreational programs, and other departmental activities as assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned.