Work with Outdoor Adventures
Recreation & Wellness is a part of the Division of Student Affairs and we are continually looking for diverse, enthusiastic, dedicated and hardworking students who enjoy interacting in a positive environment.
Student staff and volunteers play an invaluable role by providing a friendly and welcoming environment for participating in various outdoor and adventure-based opportunities. While most students aren't studying to be professionals in the outdoor industry, work with us supplements your academic study by promoting the development of skills employers consider highly valuable in any field. Through the lens of outdoor pursuits, development opportunities include critical thinking, communication, teamwork, time management, risk management, professionalism, and leadership skills.
Paid Roles with OA
click on a role for details and responsibilities
Volunteer Opportunities
- Bike Maintenance Area
- Climbing Route Setter (coming soon)
General Hiring Timelines
|
Semester of Work |
Application Period |
Interviews |
Training |
Estimated Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fall |
April - End of June |
Mid-July |
Late August |
End of August |
|
Winter |
August - Mid-October |
Mid/ Late October |
November/ December |
Early January |
|
Spring/Summer |
December - Mid-Feburary |
Mid/ Late February |
March/ April |
Mid May |
Current Openings
OA is not hiring for any positions at this time.
Hiring FAQs
Are there any trainings I should take to better my chances of getting hired?
Any formal training you can take ahead of applying is helpful. Our technical skill workshops meet, if not exceed industry standards for content and quality. By participating, you are showing an interest in best practices, advancing the respect of climbing as a sport (or any activity), a dedication to personal development, and familiarizing with programs and services we offer. If we had to list some specifically they would be the following:
- Wilderness Medicine - Either Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Any curriculum is acceptable. We don't often offer WFA but WFR is offered every May.
- Leave No Trace - at least the Awareness level course (free online, on-demand).
Do I need to be crazy strong to get hired at the Climbing Center?
Strong, no. Experienced, a little is helpful. Climbing is a service profession. It's all about your ability to provide an amazing experience for participants and no part of that involves showboating on the wall. While there are some benefits to climbing well; having knowledge of the equipment, systems, & how to move on the wall efficiently will be more helpful in assisting participants and recognizing risky behaviors and correcting them effectively.
How do I become a route setter?
Due to the funding structure of the Climbing Center, route setting is not a paid position. However, students who have at least 1 year of regular climbing experience that wish to volunteer their time as route setters should email Joe Bitely, [email protected] to inquire about getting involved.
Bike Area Volunteer
Every Friday afternoon, join OA and release some stress by helping the bike shop breakdown and recycle the inventory of dead bicycles. This volunteer opportunity is also a great introduction to basic bike maintenance; learning how to fix it by learning how to take it apart. No experience necessary. Tools provided. Being a volunteer experience, feel free to arrive when your schedule allows and stay as long as you like (within the window). RSVP is encouraged but not required. It simply allows us to communicate adjusted or canceled times for a given week.
Winter 2026 Volunteer time will be Fridays from 2pm - 4:30pm