Outdoor Education Program Assistant

College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University, Order of Saint Benedict • College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University - St. Joseph, MN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Outdoor University at Saint John’s University invites applications for a full-time (0.92 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 Outdoor Education Program Manager. Responsibilities include supervising, supporting, and training students in various areas including campus climbing wall, outdoor orientation and trips, and other event programming. This is an eleven-month position with the possibility of flexible work including four-day work weeks. Please visit our website https://www.csbsju.edu/outdooru/ for more information about all we offer. Application review will begin in early September with interviews starting mid-September. Position will begin on 11/2/26.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience working with rock climbing or challenge course equipment, including belaying, inspecting equipment, and operating at height.
• Demonstrated proficiency in outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, camping, orienteering, canoeing/kayaking, and wilderness survival.
• Comfortable recreating, traveling, and camping in remote wilderness areas for extended periods with limited to no cellular service.
• 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.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn new software and technology platforms.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training or willingness to obtain certification within six months of hire.
• Climbing Wall Association Level 2 Instructor certification required within six months of hire.
• Candidates must be at least 25 years old to meet insurance requirements for driving students on out-of-state trips.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and complete a university-sponsored defensive driving program upon hire.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight trips as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in outdoor education, environmental education, camp leadership, or a similar field preferred.
• Experience with facilitating teambuilding, conflict resolution, and training people in these activities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of student leaders in the Outdoor Leadership Center (OLC).
• Provide instruction in leadership development, outdoor skills, teambuilding facilitation, trip logistics, and risk management while supporting the goals of Outdoor University's Curricular Education Plan.
• Develop climbing wall student leaders through training in climbing instruction, safety standards, outdoor climbing skills, leadership development, route setting, and trip leadership.
• Coordinate community group access to the climbing wall and ensure compliance with Climbing Wall Association (CWA) standards and best practices.
• Supervise climbing wall operations, including equipment inspections, staff training, working at heights up to 40 feet, and supporting climbing-related programs and events.
• Support outdoor pre-orientation programs by training student leaders, assisting with emergency response procedures, and coordinating program assessments that contribute to Outdoor University learning outcomes.
• Help plan, train, and attend student trips over fall, winter, and spring breaks which may include travel to wilderness areas, camping, backpacking, canoeing, skiing, rock climbing, and similar activities.
• Respond to and address potential emergency situations, possibly in remote wilderness areas.
• Recruit, hire, train, and manage outdoor education student staff and volunteers.
• Involvement with a range of on-campus events with the intent of facilitating student-leadership development.
• Promote Outdoor U programming through the creation and distribution of marketing materials, tabling events, and community outreach.
• Assist with the development and revision of training materials, facilitation guides, and operational manuals for adventure trips, student staff training, pre-orientation experiences, climbing wall operations, and the OLC.
• Assist in creating and coordinating experiential learning opportunities on and off campus that support the True North Journey, the colleges’ signature four-year student development experience.
• Attend and participate in professional conferences, workshops, and training related to outdoor education.
• Research and advocate for new student-focused learning opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 18 Paid Holidays Annually
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Remission for Eligible Dependents
• Employer Contributions to a Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program with access to free or discounted counseling, legal guidance, financial coaching, and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level