Program Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Assistant (PA) provides leadership and support in the areas of program delivery/logistics, academic support, technical skill instruction, group dynamics, risk management, and emergency response on the Westminster Outdoor Education and Leadership (OEL) Field Semester. The PA serves as the single consistent staff and instructor throughout the entire semester. They are a liaison between the OEL faculty, who will rotate throughout the semester, and the field semester students.

They also play an essential role in the development, cohesion, and maintenance of the Field Semester student and staff community for the entirety of the semester.

This is a temporary position for Fall 2026 semester. In addition to salary, compensation will include access to healthcare benefits, plus food, lodging, transportation, and access to a 16-hour swiftwater rescue training and Wilderness First Responder recertification (via a standard WFR course format.) Employment dates: 8/17/2026 – 11/16/2024; some minor negotiation on start date is possible.

• Provide leadership and instruction to students
• Deliver and facilitate course content, as needed
• Assist with management of logistical details
• Track curriculum delivery throughout the semester through record keeping/communicating with OEL faculty
• Manage risk effectively in diverse and often unpredictable environments
• Facilitate group development
• Assist with camp duties including camp setup, cooking, leading students, etc.
• Transport students and faculty in a Westminster vehicle
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; preference given to degrees with emphasis in Environmental Studies, Outdoor Education & Leadership, or related field
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification
• Experience instructing extended outdoor expeditions with multiple activities and modes of transport
• Demonstrated leadership experience and conflict management skills
• Demonstrated competence in front and backcountry camping skills and risk management in the outdoors
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Strong desire and ability to mentor, support, and build rapport with college students
• Clean driving record; ability to become certified driver (including pulling a trailer) through Westminster University

• Previous experience with a similar semester-long academic field-based program
• Intermediate or advanced skill level and the ability to effectively instruct the following outdoor activities: backpacking, whitewater paddling, rock climbing, and/or canyoneering
• Advanced skill certifications (i.e. SPI, SWR, etc.) in at least one technical outdoor skill or comparable experience

To apply: