Outdoor Recreation Coordinator

Posting Details

Position Information

Recruitment Number

1377

Number of Vacancies

1

Working Title

Outdoor Recreation Coordinator

Classification Title

Recreation Program Manager

Proposed Salary to be Offered

$41,020

Appointment Percentage (Budget)

91.67%

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, the 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 wall. The Outdoor Recreation Coordinator manages the program’s daily operations, financial and risk management, policy and procedure development, event planning, and staff training and supervision.

Duties/responsibilities:

Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Outdoor Connection rental center and indoor climbing facility (50%)

• 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
  • 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

Responsible for outdoor trip programming and student trip leader development (40%)

• 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

Contribute to the Department and University (10%)

• 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
• 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
• Assist in special event programming
• 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

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
• 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 © 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
• Demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• 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.

Working conditions and environment

• On occasion, this person must be able to work extended hours
• Occasional night, weekend and holiday hours are required
• Travel for professional development is possible
• 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:

• excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• paid holidays and sick days.
• sick leave may be converted at retirement to pay for health insurance post-work at UWL .
• 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.

Learn more at: https://www.uwlax.edu/globalassets/offices-services/human-resources/benefits-info/fasl.pdf.

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 theU.S. News & World Reportlist 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.

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/ AA/EO Statement
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. We strongly encourage women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans to apply. UWL, in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status.

DEI Statement
UW-La Crosse’s diversity and inclusion efforts are guided by our adherence to Inclusive Excellence. We define Inclusive Excellence as “… our active, intentional and ongoing commitment to bridge differences with understanding and respect so all can thrive." The goals of Inclusive Excellence are to increase the retention of diverse faculty, staff and students while encouraging a campus climate that is inviting and welcoming to all. UW-La Crosse strives to promote acceptance of all facets of diversity from racial/ethnic diversity to diversity of thought and experience. UW-La Crosse ranks 6th nationally among the Top LGBTQ -Friendly Colleges for 2018-19 by AffordableCollegesOnline.org ( ACO ).

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.

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 several 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.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Detail Information

Posting Date

05/12/2023

Continuous Recruitment

Yes

Continuous Recruitment First Review Date

06/05/2023

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.

Position Contact Name

Nathan Barnhart, Search Committee Chair

Position Contact Email

hrinfo@uwlax.edu
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identities of finalists must be revealed upon request. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).
   • I wish for my name to remain confidential until the university is no longer able to do so.
   • I waive my right to keep my name confidential through the application process.
2. * Are you currently employed by or have you been employed by a UW System institution or a State of Wisconsin agency during the last seven (7) years? Please answer yes or no. If yes, provide the institution or agency name, your supervisor and contact information, including phone number and email address.
   • Yes
   • No
3. * After you retire from a Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) employer, you may return to work with a WRS employer as a rehired annuitant, provided certain requirements are met. There are no restrictions on what type of position a rehired annuitant can hold. Under the WRS, there is no limit to how much you may earn as a rehired annuitant. (Learn more: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/life-events/empcha/ra/). Are you currently collecting an annuity from the Wisconsin Retirement System, (WRS)?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Are you an alum of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?
   • Yes
   • No
6. * Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship for employment at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse? (UW-L and UW System institutions pay for some or all of the sponsorship costs. Some candidates may require an H1B or another form of employment sponsorship to work in the US. This question is asked so that if you are the successful candidate, Human Resources can work with your work unit to begin the process of obtaining this visa).
   • Yes, I will require sponsorship prior to employment.
   • Yes, I will require sponsorship for continued employment if hired.
   • No, I do not require sponsorship and am eligible to work in the US.
7. * Were you ever found to have engaged in any sexual violence or sexual harassment in a previous work assignment? (Required under UW System Administrative Policy 1275)
   • Yes
   • No
8. * Are you currently under investigation or have ever left employment during an active investigation in which you were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment? (Required under UW System Administrative Policy 1275)
   • Yes
   • No
9. * Please provide your most recent employer, supervisor name and contact information, including phone number and email address. (Pursuant to UW System Administrative Policy 1275, UW System requires reference checks related to sexual harassment and sexual violence to be conducted at a minimum with a final candidate’s most recent employer and with all previous UW System institution and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven years. UW-L will notify you prior to contacting your supervisor).
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
10. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
    • Chronicle of Higher Education Web Site
    • Discipline-Specific Publication/Web Site
    • HERC Web Site
    • HigherEdJobs.com Web Site
    • Job Center of Wisconsin Web Site
    • Minority Publication/Web Site
    • University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Social Media (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
    • University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Web Site
    • La Crosse Tribune
    • Personal Referral
    • LinkedIn
    • Indeed
    • WinonaDailyNews.com, LaCrosseTribune.com, ChippewaHerald.com, Journaltimes.com, Kenoshanews.com, Madison.com
    • Department of Workforce Development (WISC)
    • Other

Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
3. Reference Contact Information

Optional Documents