Outdoor Adventures Activity Specialist

Penn State University•University Park, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Outdoor Adventures Activity Specialist is responsible for supervising operations of a specific activity or facility within Campus Recreation – Outdoor Adventures. This role requires serving as a subject matter expert with demonstrated skills and/or knowledge in outdoor leadership and management. The specialist will manage high-risk activities, potentially supervise and support part-time staff, and provide high-quality training to facilitate professional growth and job-specific competency. Responsibilities include creating organized and effective lesson plans with clear learning outcomes, selecting appropriate sites for instruction, managing environmental factors, and utilizing instructional strategies that accommodate various learning styles. The specialist will also lead quality staff training experiences and assist full-time staff members with high-level tasks, projects, events, or other duties. Driving University vehicles and trailers may be required, with training provided. The role may involve overnight shifts at Stone Valley Recreation Area or in the field, and duties comparable to an Outdoor Adventures Facilitator, Lead Facilitator, and/or Supervisor.

Requirements

Completion of the Outdoor Leadership Training Course (OLTC) or equivalent outdoor leadership training
Possess (and maintain) valid Wilderness First Aid (WFA) & CPR/AED certification or higher
Minimum of 2 years of documented outdoor/adventure leadership/management experience required
Applicants should possess expertise in at least 1 activity (as demonstrated through completion of activity or site-specific assessments) and demonstrate proficient outdoor leadership skills
Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check

Nice To Haves

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) preferred and may be required for certain activities

Responsibilities

Supervise operations of a specific activity/facility
Serve as a subject expert with demonstrated skills and/or knowledge
Management of high-risk activities
May supervise and support part-time staff
Provide high quality training for staff to facilitate professional growth and job-specific competency
Create organized and effective lesson plans with clear learning outcomes
Select appropriate site(s) for instruction and managing environmental factors
Utilize instructional strategies that accommodate various learning styles
Lead quality staff training experiences for staff to facilitate professional growth and job-specific competency
Assist full-time staff members with high-level tasks, projects, events, or other duties and responsibilities as assigned
May need to drive University vehicles and trailers of varying sizes (training provided as needed)
Work may include overnight shifts at Stone Valley Recreation Area or in the field
May include duties and responsibilities comparable to an Outdoor Adventures Facilitator, Lead Facilitator, and/or Supervisor