Outdoor Education Program Assistant

College of Saint Benedict • Saint Joseph, MN

292d • $19 - $22

About The Position

The Outdoor University at Saint John's University invites applications for a full-time (0.90 FTE), benefit-eligible position of Outdoor Education Program Assistant. The Outdoor Education Program Assistant is responsible for supporting outdoor education programming while working with the Assistant Director of Outdoor Education. Responsibilities include supervising, supporting, and training students in various areas including, campus climbing wall, outdoor orientation and trips, and other event programming. This is a ten month position with the possibility of flexible work including four day work weeks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent education and experience.
• Prior experience in outdoor education, environmental education, camp leadership, or a similar field preferred.
• Proficiency in outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, camping, orienteering, canoeing/kayaking, and wilderness survival.
• Comfortable recreating, traveling, and camping in wilderness areas for extended periods.
• Experience working with rock climbing or challenge course equipment, including belaying, inspecting equipment, and operating at height.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and challenges in outdoor settings.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate participants and staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting ideas clearly to diverse groups.
• Experience with facilitating teambuilding, conflict resolution, and training people in these activities preferred.
• Basic computer skills with willingness to learn multiple programs and applications.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification preferred.
• Candidates must be at least 25 years old to meet insurance requirements for driving students on out-of-state trips.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight trips as needed.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of student-leaders through instruction on technical outdoor skills, teambuilding facilitation, program logistics, and risk management.
• Help plan and lead student trips over winter & spring breaks which may include travel to wilderness areas, camping, backpacking, canoeing, skiing, rock climbing, and similar activities.
• Assist with climbing wall supervision, including monthly equipment inspections, student-staff training, working at heights of up to 40' off the ground, and helping with various programming as necessary.
• Involvement with a range of on-campus events with the intent of facilitating student-leadership development throughout.
• Hire, train, and manage outdoor education student staff.
• Respond to and address potential emergency situations, possibly in remote wilderness areas.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Dental insurance coverage on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) policy effective on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Long-term disability coverage after one year of benefit eligible employment.
• Paid vacation accrued based on FTE and years employed.
• 18 paid holidays a year for full-time employees.
• Flexible spending accounts and health savings account options.
• Voluntary vision plan for routine eye exams and eyewear.
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents after specified periods of employment.
• Paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
• Sick leave accumulation up to a maximum of 720 hours.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling resources.
• Defined Contribution Plan for retirement with employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree