Intercollegiate Athletics Equipment Specialist

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

About The Position

The Intercollegiate Athletics Equipment Specialist oversees equipment and apparel services and operational support for approximately six assigned sport programs. The specialist ensures equipment is available, safe, properly maintained, accounted for, and ready for practices, competitions, travel, and other team activities. The position manages equipment distribution and collection, inspection, maintenance, repair, cleaning, storage, inventory, purchasing coordination, and event and travel preparation. It also serves as the primary equipment services contact for assigned programs, works with coaches and other partners to address equipment needs, and supports student managers and departmental equipment initiatives. This is a 100% full-time, 12-month Civil Service appointment. Travel is required as needed, and the work schedule includes nights and weekends. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 12/7/2026. Salary is $47,403–$55,099, commensurate with experience. The position is not eligible for work-authorization sponsorship.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Three years (36 months) of experience repairing and maintaining athletic equipment and uniforms at the high school or college level.
Valid State of Illinois driver's license; the required license class depends on the vehicles operated.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently with multiple personnel on multiple projects.
Ability to make independent decisions, including decisions about sports equipment safety features.
Ability to take responsibility for day-to-day problem solving.
Maintain knowledge of NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and University rules and regulations.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of collegiate sports equipment.

Responsibilities

Provide equipment services and operational support for approximately six assigned sport programs.
Issue, collect, inspect, maintain, repair, clean, organize, and inventory athletic equipment and apparel, keeping accurate assignment and storage records.
Evaluate equipment requirements based on schedules, travel, weather, facilities, and coaching staff requests; monitor equipment condition and recommend repairs, replacements, or upgrades.
Prepare, organize, load, transport, and deliver equipment and gear to facilities and other venues.
Coordinate home competition setup, including sideline and bench preparation, equipment distribution, event coverage, and post-event collection and organization.
Support assigned teams at home and away competitions and ensure equipment and apparel are ready for use.
Check equipment fit, condition, functionality, and safety; remove damaged or unsafe equipment from service and follow applicable safety standards and manufacturer recommendations.
Work with coaches, athletic trainers, student-athletes, and support staff to identify needs, resolve concerns, and assist with equipment fitting and adjustments.
Educate student-athletes and staff on proper equipment use, care, and maintenance.
Maintain organized, efficient, and secure equipment rooms and storage areas.
Coordinate seasonal equipment distribution and collection, including end-of-season inspection and storage.
Coordinate equipment preparation, packing, transportation, distribution, and return for team travel.
Maintain effective working relationships with coaches, student-athletes, athletic trainers, facilities personnel, vendors, and other partners.
Address unexpected equipment needs and operational issues by identifying and implementing solutions.
Ensure equipment operations comply with departmental policies, University requirements, safety standards, and procedures.
Set priorities and assign daily responsibilities to student managers based on schedules, equipment needs, events, and operational demands.
Manage Nike equipment and apparel allotments and allocate resources across assigned programs and departmental priorities.
Monitor purchasing, inventory, usage, and replacement needs to support responsible fiscal management.
Collaborate with coaches and sport program staff on purchasing plans that balance needs, safety, quality, availability, and budget.
Maintain records of equipment purchases, inventory, allocations, and expenditures and provide information for budget planning and reporting.
Serve as the primary equipment services contact for approximately six assigned sport programs.
Anticipate future equipment needs and develop strategies for seasonal changes, new requirements, team growth, competition schedules, and replacement cycles.
Help establish and implement procedures, standards, and best practices to improve efficiency, consistency, safety, and service.
Coordinate with Nike representatives, vendors, University partners, and internal Athletics departments regarding equipment, apparel, orders, delivery schedules, product availability, and service issues.
Identify operational challenges and implement solutions to improve equipment management, student-athlete safety, customer service, and resource utilization.
Support departmental initiatives and special projects related to equipment operations, inventory, purchasing, event operations, and Athletics administration.