What are the responsibilities and job description for the Outdoor Recreation Coordinator position at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
Posting Details
Position Information
Recruitment Number
1625
Number of Vacancies
1
Working Title
Outdoor Recreation Coordinator
Classification Title
Recreation Program Manager
Proposed Salary to be Offered
$49,900 / year
Appointment Percentage (Budget)
100
Position Summary
The Outdoor Recreation Coordinator is a full-time professional staff position within the Department of Recreational Sports, which falls under the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL). Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of Programs, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator will provide leadership, vision, and oversight of a comprehensive outdoor program with five components: trips and workshops, an outdoor recreation living-learning community, outdoor gear rental, the Green Bike program, and a climbing gym. The Outdoor Coordinator manages the program’s daily operations, financial and risk management, policy and procedure development, event planning, and staff training and supervision.
This position has a salary of $ 49,900 per year. It is a 12-month position and carries with it full benefits.
Position Type
Staff/Administrative
Pay Basis
Annual
FLSA
Exempt
Contingent Upon Funding
No
Is this position eligible for employment sponsorship, (H1B or PERM)?
No
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree at time of start
- A minimum of one year of professional level experience in outdoor/adventure recreation in a collegiate, government, or commercial/private setting. Two years of graduate assistant experience is considered equivalent to one year of professional experience
- Two or more years of experience supervising full-time professional, graduate assistant, and/or part-time employees
- Competency in planning and leading high-caliber outdoor recreation trips
- Experience planning and implementing comprehensive trip leader training
- Technical outdoor competency in at least two (2) of the following skill areas: (a) canoeing, (b) kayaking (c ) Stand up paddleboarding, (d) rock climbing or (e) mountain biking
- Demonstrated experience in preparing and managing budgets
- Demonstrated experience in developing safety and risk management plans
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in recreation, experiential education or related field
- American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid, CPR and AED certification
- American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor certification
- Wilderness First Responder certification
- Other outdoor related certifications
- Climbing Wall Association
- Professional Climbing Instructors Association
- American Mountain Guide Association
- American Canoe Association
- Professional Mountain Biking Association
- Wilderness Education Association
- Leave No Trace
- Experience managing an indoor climbing gym
- Experience managing an outdoor rental center
- Experience repairing and maintaining bicycles
- An understanding of student development, student life, and university business processes
Physical Demands
- Must possess the physical strength and endurance required to conduct the following activities: leading outdoor trips, moving and lifting heavy supplies & equipment (fifty pounds or more) and sustaining high levels of activity over long periods of time.
Reasonable Accommodations
UWL provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact hrinfo@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8013. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
UWL provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact hrinfo@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8013. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
All position descriptions are required to provide physical demands and working condition/environment and may not be published in the job announcement. For information on the physical demands and/or working conditions/environment for this position, please contact Human Resources at hrinfo@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8013.
Working conditions and environment
- On occasion, this person must be able to work extended hours
- Night, weekend and holiday hours are required
- Travel for professional development and trip leading
- Valid driver’s license upon the first day of employment with a minimum of two years of driving experience and a clean driving record.
Miscellaneous Information
Information about your Benefits
Your benefits add an additional 40% to the overall financial package from the university.
Highlights include:
Your benefits add an additional 40% to the overall financial package from the university.
Highlights include:
- paid vacation for 12-month positions.
- excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
- paid holidays and sick days.
- after 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
- benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.
Benefit eligibility is determined at point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.
Information about UWL and the Surrounding Region
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW–La Crosse) provides a challenging, dynamic, and diverse learning environment in which the entire university community is fully engaged in supporting student success. Grounded in the liberal arts, UW-La Crosse fosters curiosity and life-long learning through collaboration, innovation, and the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge. Acknowledging and respecting the contributions of all, UW-La Crosse is a regional academic and cultural center that prepares students to take their place in a constantly changing world community.
For more than a decade UW-La Crosse has been named one of Kiplinger’s 100 Best Values in Public Universities and has appeared prominently on the U.S. News & World Report list of “America’s Best Colleges” for more than 15 years, and is ranked #4 on its list of the Best Regional Public Universities in the Midwest. UW-La Crosse ranks 6th nationally among the Top LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges for 2018-19 by AffordableCollegesOnline.org (ACO).
With a student population of roughly 10,500, the university offers 91 undergraduate programs, 21 graduate programs, and 2 doctoral programs through the following three colleges, the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, the College of Business Administration, and the College of Science and Health, as well as the School of Education. There are over 600 full-time faculty and instructional academic staff, 75 percent of whom hold terminal degrees. UW-La Crosse boasts a retention rate (freshmen returning as sophomores) of 84 percent, graduation rate (degree within six years) of 70 percent, and is among only 12 institutions cited nationally by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for its success in linking campus culture and university leadership to outstanding graduation rates.
UW-La Crosse’s strategic plan Sustaining Excellence continues to move our community forward through its four pillars: increasing community engagement, achieving excellence through equity and diversity, investing in our people, and advancing transformational education. More information about the ongoing work of Sustaining Excellence is available at www.uwlax.edu/info/strategic-plan.
The UW-La Crosse campus is in southwestern Wisconsin, nestled in a residential area of the City of La Crosse and positioned as part of a larger metro area with a population close to 140,000. The area, known as the 7 Rivers Region, is famous for its exceptional natural beauty which includes the Mississippi River on one side, majestic bluffs on the other, and views of rolling farmland and forested valleys in between. Abundant water, woodlands and varying terrain provide ample opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation. Only a couple of hours from Minneapolis or Madison, La Crosse enjoys the affordability and charm of small town living with larger city benefits. Three colleges, two world-class medical institutions, the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, a restored nineteenth century downtown business district, and a number of galleries and art centers have made La Crosse a regional center for culture, entertainment, medical care, shopping, sports and recreation. More information about the La Crosse metro area can be found here: Choose La Crosse. Learn more about UW-La Crosse here: https://www.uwlax.edu/human-resources/services/talent-acquisition-and-employment/finalist-welcome/
Civil Rights and Compliance Statement
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring faculty and staff that are qualified and broadly trained. UWL, in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is committed to fostering an environment that embraces inclusive excellence and equitable treatment of all parties. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status. Inclusive excellence is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the Universities of Wisconsin community.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring faculty and staff that are qualified and broadly trained. UWL, in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is committed to fostering an environment that embraces inclusive excellence and equitable treatment of all parties. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status. Inclusive excellence is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the Universities of Wisconsin community.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://www.uwlax.edu/police/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.
For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://www.uwlax.edu/police/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.
Redbook Position
Yes
Division/College
Student Affairs Division
Description of College / Department / Program / Division / Unit
The Division of Student Affairs’ role is to enhance and support students learning experience here at UWL. We work closely with faculty, staff, community members, alumni and most importantly, students to provide quality programs and services which promote learning, leadership, involvement, service and the celebration of diversity. The Division includes a number of departments: Campus Child Center, Counseling and Testing, Student Health Center, Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports, Residence Life, Student Life, University Centers, and the Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students office. The staff of the Division is truly student-centered and concerned about the holistic development of the student.
Duties/Responsibilities
These are the job duties required for the position.
Responsibility Statement
Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Outdoor Connection rental center and indoor climbing facility
Duties to Support Responsibility
- Directly supervise up to 25 student employees in the following positions including recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling, advising and evaluating:
- Climbing Wall Supervisors
- Outdoor Connection Representatives
- Bike Mechanics
- Student Coordinators
- Develop policies that create a culture of safety and personal responsibility. Create, update, and revise employee training, handbooks/manuals and standard operating procedures in accordance with industry best practices and University policy
- Ensure facilities and equipment are properly inventoried, maintained and inspected in accordance with industry best practices
- Deliver educational opportunities and unique events to foster a feeling of community among users and employees, as well as outreach to involve the larger community
- Create and maintain a dynamic team atmosphere that delivers a high and consistent level of customer service
- Coordinate and facilitate student staff meetings
- Development and delivery of marketing strategies in partnership with appropriate entities
- Manage business operations including point of sale transactions, budgeting, capital planning, purchasing, and payroll
Responsibility Statement
Responsible for outdoor trip programming and student trip leader development
Duties to Support Responsibility
- Create, planning, and deliver a wide-ranging calendar of outdoor recreation trips for students
- Manage program logistics such as budget, equipment, transportation, permitting and staffing
- Ensuring the safety and well-being of participants, develop and implement risk management strategies, incident response plans and maintain compliance with relevant regulations and policies
- Plan and facilitate a comprehensive trip leader training and development program
Responsibility Statement
Contribute to the department and University
Duties to Support Responsibility
- Ongoing program evaluation, assessment, and continual improvement
- Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and community partners
- Collaborate with University programs and departments as well as external groups to develop joint programs and services in support of Rec Sport’s mission
- Assist with the coordination of departmental training and development for student employees
- Assist with annual budget preparation to include budget management, review, and forecasting
- Contribute to the development of the annual report, development of strategic goals, and the assessment of established goals. Regularly prepare activity, attendance, and other reports
- Teach American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certification courses (must obtain certification within the year of employment and maintain)
- Ensure the department’s philosophy and direction permeates the programs and services of all areas of responsibility
- Keep up to date regarding evolving issues within outdoor recreation. Research and benchmark trends and opportunities for growth
- Attend University functions of general importance to the student body or the University.
- Serve on departmental, Student Affairs and University committees as needed
- Participate in regional and national outdoor recreation and campus recreation organizations
Posting Detail Information
Posting Detail Information
Posting Date
04/17/2025
Continuous Recruitment
Yes
Continuous Recruitment First Review Date
05/12/2025
Close Date
Special Instructions
Application deadlines
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.
Position Contact Name
Nathan Barnhart
Position Contact Email
nbarnhart@uwlax.edu
Salary : $49,900
