Assistant Director of Campus Recreation - Wilderness Pursuits

Position

Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Assistant Director of Campus Recreation for Wilderness Pursuits.

The position reports to Director of Campus Recreation, and is responsible for providing supervision to 15-20 student employees.

The Assistant Director of Campus Recreation for Wilderness Pursuits is responsible for the effective implementation of Wilderness Pursuits programs. This includes trip scheduling and logistics, equipment purchasing, storage, repair and maintenance, rental shop management, permitting, marketing, and risk management.

Programs should span a wide range of difficulty and duration, from highly accessible day trips to more technical overnight experiences, ensuring opportunities for a diverse student population. This includes planning and implementing shorter outings, such as local hikes at Hartman Rocks, as well as longer, more technical trips like a multi-day Wilderness-Based Orientation mountaineering.

Risk management requires a thorough understanding of industry standards and best practices for all activities offered by WP, including wilderness medicine, avalanche awareness, and backcountry decision-making.

The position also oversees staff hiring, training, scheduling, leadership, mentorship, and evaluation. The Assistant Director must maintain a working knowledge of all activity areas offered by WP and have the ability to provide training in these areas.

Additional administrative responsibilities include tracking budgets and operating within established parameters, approving timesheets, following proper purchasing procedures, and managing staff schedules.

Finally, the position serves as advisor to the WCU Mountain Rescue Team (MRT), providing guidance and support to ensure the success of the team’s operations and collaboration with campus partners.

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Outdoor Education, Business, or a related field. At least three years of relevant field-based experience and one year of outdoor program administrative experience. Current certifications in Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Training, and CPR. Strong skills in organizational leadership, wilderness risk management, budget management, staff supervision, and outdoor equipment management.

This position requires a medium level of physical exertion with the ability to move outdoor equipment and perform most of the program’s outdoor activities.

Master’s degree in Recreation, Outdoor Education, or a related field. More than four years of relevant field-based experience and at least two years of outdoor program administrative experience. Advanced certifications such as AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Swift Water Rescue Technician, Colorado River Guide, and AIARE Level 2 or Pro 1 Avalanche Training. Experience with permitting through federal land management agencies and proficiency with Fusion recreation software.

Experience working with and supervising students.

Salary range: $53,000 - $56,000
. This position is FLSA exempt. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

Apply online tern.edu/jobs. Required attachments for online application include a letter of application addressed to Kevin Geisen, Director of Campus Recreation, resume, and contact information for three references.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Western Colorado University is unable to sponsor work visa/work authorization for this position at this time.

Please direct questions to the search committee chair at kgeisen.

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