Outdoor Education Program Assistant

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. Please visit our website https://www.csbsju.edu/outdooru/ for more information about all we offer.  This is a ten month position with the possibility of flexible work including four day work weeks. 

Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU.

The posted wage represents CSB and SJU's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.

• 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.

• 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. They must also 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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions. 
• Ability to walk for extended distances on variable terrain. 
• Ability to lift/move equipment up to 40 lbs.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Some travel between the campuses of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. 
• Occasional travel within the continental United States for student trips. 

Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5500 or [email protected].

It is the policy of SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

Saint John's University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.