Climbing Center staff are the primary facilitators of climbing related programs and services. All roles are part-time with an estimated commitment of 5-10 hours per week. Roles for Open Climb involve regular weekly shifts while others are scheduled on an as-needed basis. All roles have large customer service and risk management components which are vital to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment while providing a fun and exciting climbing experience. In addition to the Open Climb role, student staff assist with technical skill instruction, special programs/ events (e.g. competitions), private group events, and team building depending on their individual qualifications. Paid training provided.

Ideal applicants are passionate, dependable, safety-minded, good time managers and eager to share the joy of climbing with others. 

During the academic year, regular shifts are weekdays 5pm - 10pm & Saturdays 1pm-5pm. For Spring/ Summer employment, staff must be available to work evenings on Tuesdays and/ or Thursdays.

Duration: Semester (~15 weeks)

Hours: Part time, flexible schedules averaging 5-10 hours/week. Typical shifts are ~6 hrs
* More hours may be available by stacking roles with other OA or RecWell positions (outdoor gear library, group exercise instructor, IM official, etc)

Compensation: CC Staff wage starts at 3A on the GVSU Wage Rate Schedule. Increases with qualification.

Location: GVSU Allendale Campus (Fieldhouse)

Responsibilities

• Open and close the climbing facility for regular programming and special events
• Provide participant support within your level of training (e.g. check-in, belaying, skill checks, emergency response, etc.)
• Oversee the inventory of rental equipment
• Uphold industry standards for climbing practices and equipment use
• Maintain a professional work environment
• Conduct financial transactions and related accounting tasks
• Assist with equipment inspections and maintenance
• Assist with select special events (e.g. competitions and private events)
• Attend all trainings, meetings, and/ or in-services
• Other duties as assigned
• Pending qualification, other responsibilities may include: technical skill instruction, team-building facilitation, route setting, and trip leading

Required Qualifications

• Must be a current GVSU student enrolled in at least 6 credits or enrolled in the Fall

Preferred

• 1 semester of active climbing experience Strongly Preferred
• Own personal climbing equipment: harness, shoes & belay device
• Qualified top-rope belayer*
• Adult CPR, First aid, AED certification*
• Climbing Wall Instructor certification*

*Expected to obtain upon employment. Paid training provided.

The Gear Library Staff is responsible for daily operations of the OA Gear Library service. This includes but is not limited to: managing reservation requests, communicating with borrowers, prepping equipment for pickup, inspecting equipment, and occasional cleaning and maintenance. This role is most ideal for GV students already working on campus who aren't already working full-time and would like to pickup a couple more hours. 

Workload: Part-time with flexible hours

Est. Commitment: 4 hrs/ wk

Starting Wage: 2A on Student Employment Wage Rate Chart

Employment Period: Semesterly

Requirements:

• Must meet minimum enrollment requirements for student employment
• Must be organized, good with details, and dependable.

Experience with basic camping equipment is preferred but not required. 

The OA Leader role is a fun and challenging part-time position that allows you to share your love of outdoor and adventure-based activities with the greater GVSU community. The role is heavily involved with planning and facilitating outdoor activities for the GVSU community. This includes brief skill workshops, partial-day activity experiences and multi-day overnight trips in the outdoors. Most programs focus on introductory level experiences and building a sense of belonging and community. During the Spring/ Summer semesters, the role focuses heavily on facilitating an adventure camp for incoming freshman(Outdoor Orientation Programs or OOPs). This position includes a combination of regularly scheduled weekly shifts for planning and facilitation of activities and as-needed shifts for special events. Some nights and weekends should be expected. 

Responsibilities

• Maintain the professional standard for delivery of adventure-based programs and services 
• Work collaboratively with other OAL's to plan and facilitate workshops and activities
• Assist with management of outdoor gear library
• Lead adventure-based activities for OOPs participants (Spring/ Summer only)
      - Instruct basic outdoor technical skills (biking, climbing, camping, cooking) 
      - Facilitate team building and group development 
      - Lead group discussions and reflections 
      - Mentor group on select wellness topics 
• Attend all staff training, meetings, and/or in-services 

Qualifications

Ideal applicants are passionate about leadership and have a sincere interest in growing an active community of people at GVSU who responsibly enjoy the outdoors. 

Required 

• Current GVSU student that meets minimum enrollment requirements for employment 
• Certified Adult CPR/ AED, and First Aid (1 semester grace period & certification opportunity provided) 
• Comfort with tent camping and basic camping skills 
• Passion for student development, leadership and teamwork 

Preferred 

• Completion of the OA Outdoor Leadership Mentorship program or equivalent outdoor leadership experience 
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification
• Interest in a career in an outdoor related field 

Terms

• GA position is full-time (20 hours/week)
• Must be a full-time graduate student
• Contract length: August 31, 2026 - May 1, 2027
• Stipend: $6,500/semester, Fall and Winter
• Tuition waiver: 9 credits/semester, Fall and Winter

Description

This position supports the delivery of Outdoor Adventure programs by assisting with climbing wall operations, gear library management, bike maintenance, and other outdoor and adventure-based experiences. The role contributes to inclusive opportunities that promote student involvement, skill development, leadership, and well-being within a supportive campus environment. This position supervises student staff and supports key operational areas including risk management, program logistics, and communication standards. By supporting university-aligned initiatives, the role ensures experiences that enhance student engagement and contribute to a vibrant campus community.

Responsibilities

Support daily operations and special events of the Outdoor Adventures program (climbing wall, gear library, bike services, & outdoor trips) to create a positive and inclusive student-centered environment. Workload percentage for each item may vary heavily based on the needs of the program, personal experience and professional development interest.

• Lead the planning, promotion, registration, and facilitation of outdoor and adventure-based trips and events
• Assist with recruitment, hiring, training, scheduling, and supervision of student employees
• Manage gear library operations including inventory, maintenance, reservation management, and staffing
• Utilize department and university resources for program marketing & communication
• Assist with equipment acquisition, maintenance, & regular inspection
• Assist with collection, assessment, and reporting of program and participant data
• Support risk management efforts through regular review and updating of policies, procedures, and emergency action plans
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership

OA is responsible for processing the inventory of abandoned bikes collected from around campus each spring. This involves disassembling the bikes into reusable, recyclable and garbage parts. This unpaid role is great for relieving stress and is a great introduction to bicycle maintenance as you learn how to fix them by learning how they come apart. Because this space is not regularly staffed by OA, all volunteer time is done on a scheduled basis.

No experience necessary. Tools provided.

Volunteer dates & times will be posted on our events calendar.