Job Description
When was the last time you changed the world?
In Virginia Tech’s Division of Student Affairs, that’s exactly what we’re doing every day—guiding, nurturing, and supporting students as they learn and grow into the leaders and world-changers of today and tomorrow.
We’re currently searching for a part-time Venture Out Assistant - Adventure Recreation and Custom Programs to join our Recreational Sports team in Blacksburg, VA to help us in our mission. So, if you want to enhance the quality of life for the university community by educating and encouraging participation in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle, creating inclusive spaces and social interactions for all and foster leadership skills, please keep reading.
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ROLE:
1) You’ll be joining the Recreational Sports Venture Out team; a department centered on promoting fitness, sport, wellbeing and adventure by providing excellent recreational facilities and programs.
2) You’ll be reporting to the Assistant Director of Venture Out in a part time appointment.
3) You’ll assist the Assistant Director in the administrative management of all operational and programming aspects of Virginia Tech's comprehensive outdoor program, Venture Out.
4) You'll aid in the supervision of program operations/logistics while leading and evaluating selected programs (i.e. trips, clinics, workshops, trainings, challenge course and team building facilitations) and work to recruit and develop custom programs for specialized communities.
5) You'll help recruit, supervise, train, evaluate, and schedule Venture Out student staff members and will supervise several student workers in office and field settings.
6) You'll assist office operations in rental, retail, bouldering wall staffing and reservation coordination.
7) You’ll have the chance to grow and take advantage of a developmental plan with opportunities to advance within the Department and the Division.
8) You’ll be offered a base compensation package between $20.00 - $22.00 per hour as well as a budget for professional development!
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY:
1) THE UNIVERSITY: Virginia Tech as an employer is committed to developing well-rounded employees who are active members of the university community as well as the community at-large. From comprehensive insurance plans to tuition assistance, Virginia Tech offers employees a variety of benefits and perks to help team members build a fuller and more balanced life.
2) THE DIVISION: For our students and ourselves, the Division of Student Affairs believes that changing the world requires courageous leadership and commitment to curiosity, integrity, civility, and service to others. Our culture is defined by a commitment to our Aspirations for Student Learning.
3) THE TEAM: Rec Sports builds a Healthy Hokie community by creating opportunities for student to practice healthy behaviors and developing employment opportunities and leadership programs for students to grow and practice leadership skills. We offer programs and activities that allow students to practice and exhibit sportsmanship, respect, and civility. We provide activities for students to seek involvement, form relationships, and try new activities. Our team teaches students the importance of goal setting and sharing helpful strategies they can use to successfully accomplish them. We are passionate about contributing to a student's ability to develop meaningful career paths by assisting them to identify individual interests, values, skills, and abilities.
Required Qualifications
• Experience working in the outdoor recreation field. Examples include summer camps, collegiate outdoor programs, commercial outfitters or experiential education programs.
• Outdoor recreation and leadership portfolio (i.e. Documented Adventure Recreation, challenge course and team building facilitation, climbing/bouldering wall operation, training, trip leading and outing experience).
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to serve as lead instructor for at least one of the following Outdoor Program activities: Hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, mountain biking, caving, flatwater canoe, whitewater kayaking, or other clinics and workshops (such as swift water rescue, leave no trace workshops, team building/group initiatives).
• Wilderness First Responder certification with First Aid and CPR credentials within 90 days of hire.
• Experience with computer systems.
Preferred Qualifications
• Ability to function independently and to complete projects with limited supervision; manage ambiguity and collaborative decision making structures; have strong problem-solving skills; show high levels of flexibility and adaptability; excellent mentoring skills; and ability to work effectively with a diverse student population.
• Experience with presenting to and training groups.
• Experience supervising student employees at a collegiate level .
• Experience staffing and managing a comprehensive challenge course.
• Nationally recognized certification(s) such as: Association for Challenge Course Technology, American Mountain Guides Association, American Canoe Association, Leave Not Trace, International Mountain Bike Association.
• Experience working within college outdoor program(s), Outward Bound, the National Outdoor Leadership School or similar entity.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work with a wide range of students, parents, community members, and coworkers.
• Experience working with Federal, State and Local Governments to obtain recreational permits.
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$20.00/hr - $22.00/hr
Work Schedule
Varies depending on program needs, heavy weekend needs
Hours per week
20-30
Review Date
06/02/2025
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
Unable to sponsor work visas.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education at 540-231-2010 or Virginia Tech, 220 Gilbert Street, Suite 5200, Blacksburg, VA 24061.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Ryan Ferand at rferand@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
