OAP Trips Program Assistant

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAM ASSISTANT

The Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Assistant is responsible for the daily operations of all Outdoor Adventure Program trips, activities, and trips associated equipment. The Outdoor Adventure Program serves the university community with an extensive trips program offering day, weekend and extended trips and activities. Additionally, the Program offers outdoor equipment rentals, a comprehensive climbing program, outdoor resource center, bike shop, special events, and cooperative programming with other university departments. This position encompasses a wide variety of administrative and supervisory duties in the areas of personnel, participant registration, marketing, planning and logistics, risk management, enforcement of policies and procedures and statistical data collection and reporting, as it relates to trips. Additionally, this position is expected to assist with day to day Outing Rental Center operations as needed. This position reports to the Outdoor Adventure Program Coordinator.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Trips Equipment Management:
● Schedule van and trailer fleet, as well as oversee inspections and cleanliness.
● Assist in coordinating purchases of equipment and supplies, assist with developing budgets, specifications and review bids following university purchasing procedures.
● Assist in providing an effective risk management program which includes: inventory, equipment storage, first aid equipment and supplies, conducting safety/accident prevention programs and procedures for emergency care in the Outdoor Adventure Program facilities and on trips; scheduling programs in Outing Rental Canter
● Ensure security of the Outing Rental Center facility during and at the conclusion of all OAP trips and activities including: opening and closing; inventory of equipment and supplies, opening and closing of POS system and maintaining accurate documentation of property security.
● Assist with day to day operations at the Outing Rental Center as needed.
Personnel Management:
● Coordinate and communicate with the OAP Coordinator to ensure the presentation of a unified front to staff and customers.
● Assist OAP Coordinator with trip leader recruitment, hiring, and training.
● Schedule, supervise and evaluate all OAP trip leaders on daily basis and provide reports to the OAP Coordinator. ● Assist with the training and evaluation of OAP managers and trip leader by preparing training materials, operating manuals, payroll, performance plans for evaluation, and conduct staff meetings following department and university schedules, processes and standards.
● Regularly monitor employee performance, discipline issues and the student employee incentive program. ● Assist in monitoring staff time and payroll using RealTime software system.
● Assist with planning and conducting of training sessions/staff meetings for all OAP staff
● Update employee training materials and operating manuals annually and enforce employment policies as appropriate.
● Assist in conducting semester evaluations with all trip leader staff.
Trip leader development and oversight:
● Assist in the continued development and management the Student Outdoor Leadership Experiences (SOLE) program, provide supervision and leadership to all OAP trip leaders and ensure that all outdoor trips adhere to standard operational procedures.
● Confirm that all assistant trip leaders develop the necessary skill sets that will enable them to effectively lead trips for the Outdoor Adventure Program.
● Ensure that all trip leaders maintain proper training, certifications and experience levels that are related to the specific trips that they lead.
● Update and maintain standard operational procedures for trips.
● Update manual that will ensure the proper risk management of all outdoor adventures trips. ● Serve as a trip leader when there is a shortage of qualified staff to ensure adequate risk management on trips.
General Administration:
● Monitor outdoors @vcu.edu email account and respond to trips related inquires and participant correspondence. ● Enter, update, and maintain trip offerings, descriptions, pricing, and details on Fusion.
● Monitor OAP Trips section on Recreation and Wellbeing webpage; submit content edits and updates as needed. ● Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, in-service education sessions and other divisional or departmental meetings.
● Participate in other Division of Student Affairs initiatives/programs as required.
● Assist in the overall operation of the department by providing input and completing assigned projects, annual goals and objectives and annual reports.
Maintain professional skill sets and certifications as appropriate for job responsibilities and as a professional. Actively contribute to the evaluation and enhancement of the Outdoor Adventure Program.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Outdoor Adventure Program Coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:
● Minimum two years of demonstrated experience in outdoor programming and trip leading ● Knowledge and experience in multiple outdoor sports, trip leading, and delivering outdoor programs ● Current Wilderness First Responder or higher
● Ability to instruct whitewater kayaking and whitewater rafting, as well as 3 of the following activities: rock climbing, canoeing, sea kayaking, skiing/snowboarding, caving, mountain biking, cycle touring, backpacking, wilderness first aid and or wilderness first responder.
● Ability to lead overnight and multiday outdoor trips with primitive site accommodations.
● A demonstrated ability to take initiative, problem solve and meet deadlines
● Excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills and organizational skills ● Demonstrated experience in all aspects of personnel management and staff development with college students; ability to motivate and supervise staff
● Experience and skills in operating computers
● Ability to lift and handle physical equipment set-ups for various activities
Desired:
● Bachelor's degree; degree in recreation, sport, adventure education, physical education or related field preferred ● Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder instructor
● Instructor level certification with one of the following organizations: AMGA, PCIA, LNT, ACA, or equivalent ● Ability to obtain instructor certifications related to position responsibilities
Preferred:
● Experience working in a culturally diverse setting
● Experience working in a university/college recreational sports setting
● Experience and skills in operating PC with Windows XP system or higher and related database, spreadsheet and word processing applications

Other requirements:
● Position involves working some evenings and weekends
● Position is located in a non-smoking work area

HOURS: This position is approved to work 1480 hours

POSITION: This position is a part-time twelve-month position with the rank of instructor.

Pay: Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Salary Range: 18 hourly



Position Details:

Department: Recreation and Well-Being
Employment Type: H1 - Hourly
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt



Contact Information:

Contact Name: Kashun Winston

Contact Email: winstonk@vcu.edu

Contact Phone: 804-828-3485