Sea Kayak & Trip Coordinator

Overview

The Sea Kayak and Tripping Coordinator will design, create, plan, implement and evaluate the Recreational Sports Outdoor Program (RSOP) Sea Kayak and Outdoor Trips programs. This role develops programs with a wide range of audiences in mind, including UMD students, community members, external organizations, and underrepresented populations. This position is responsible for instruction in sea kayak skills, outdoor education and outdoor skills.

The Sea Kayak and Tripping Coordinator supports the mission and activities of RSOP through whole-unit, campus and community involvement.

Located at the University of Minnesota Duluth, this in-person position extends outside of the office to provide staff training, trip guiding, and outdoor skills instruction in settings that include Lake Superior, Apostle Islands, Duluth Harbor, St. Louis River Estuary, Bagley Nature Center, Boulder Lake ELC, etc. Sea kayak and grounds maintenance occur at UMD's Boat Shed on Park Point and our Surf Shack at the mouth of the Lester River (UMD Limnology Building).

In order to meet the demands and expectations of this position, work hours may vary greatly from day-to-day, week-to-week and season-to-season, and include some evenings and weekends. This position is eligible for overtime pay.

Review of applications will begin on Monday, March 16th, 2026.

$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 annually.

To assess that the candidates have the necessary on-water sea kayaking skills to safely guide, instruct, and train students and staff, we would like to include a short paddle outing as part of the interview process for finalists, as has been done in the past. This will be contingent on wind and weather, following American Canoe Association venue limits for a Level 3 Certified Coastal Kayak Instructor.

• Sea Kayak Program Coordination and Delivery - 35%
• Outdoor Trips Program Coordination and Delivery - 35%
• Student Supervision and Development 20%
• Administration 10%

• BA/BS plus at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least 6 years
• Experience in teaching sea kayaking
• Valid US Drivers License

• American Canoe Association Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification
• Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Experience with a variety of outdoor activities that could include surf, snow kite, whitewater paddling, flatwater canoeing, climbing, winter camping, naturalist programs, etc.
• Demonstrated experience with staff supervision
• Master’s degree in outdoor education-related field

$50,000 - $60,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience