Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation Operations

Description & Details:

Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation Operations

All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page.

Job Posting Title:

Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation Operations

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAM AA - SA - H&WB - URec - PO - Adventure and Experiential Education (J.C. Miller (00075256))

Work Location:

0102 Student Recreation Complex

Pay Grade:

Professional Hourly

Job Description:

COORDINATOR OF OUTDOOR RECREATION OPERATIONS

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation, the Coordinator for Outdoor Recreation Operations is responsible for managing the UREC Climbing Wall, gear rentals, and bike shop retail services. This position combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership to create dynamic and safe experiences, ensuring participants and student employees feel empowered, supported, and ready to reach new heights.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THIS POSITION INCLUDE:

• Supervise and train student employees for Climbing Wall, Gear Rental, and Bike Shop services.
• Plan and organize Climbing Wall Skill Sessions, including Learn to Climb and Learn to Belay programs.
• Manage inventory and maintain accurate records of Outdoor Gear Rentals and Bike Shop retail items.
• Coordinate marketing efforts to promote Gear Rental and Bike Shop offerings in the Outdoor Recreation Center.
• Hire, train, supervise, and support outdoor recreation assistants.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEADERSHIP:

Design and Implement Innovative Curriculum

At the UREC we embrace the idea that “play” serves a vital role in student learning and success. Nothing this, the Coordinator for Outdoor Recreation Operations will have the opportunity to develop a student employee training curriculum for Climbing Wall, Gear Rental, and Bike Shop operations that incorporates innovative climbing wall programs that cater to a wide range of skill levels, enhancing participant engagement and skill development while aligning with national outdoor recreation trends. By accomplishing this task, the Coordinator will help establish best practices that position the Outdoor Recreation Center as a leader in campus recreation.

Create a Framework to Maximize Service Usage

UREC is committed to maximizing its impact on campus and for students year over year. In support of this goal the Coordinator for Outdoor Recreation Operations will champion safety and quality standards across all operational areas while spearheading initiatives to seek to expand gear rental and bike offerings by identifying creative ways to meet participant needs and increase usage through strategic inventory management and marketing collaborations.

ATTRIBUTES OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

• Views outdoor recreation through a lens of creativity and play.
• Committed to implementing outdoor recreation experiences that facilitate LSU students’ learning, growth, and development.
• Experience in teaching the proper use of climbing wall equipment to ensure a safe environment.
• Can develop a plan to increase rentals and bike shop usage through promotion of offerings.

ABOUT THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS PRIORITIES:

Three priorities guide our work in the Division of Student Affairs. Foremost, we maintain a commitment to quality which is rooted in the belief that LSU students deserve our best effort. Every interaction we have with students should communicate care, relevance, polish, and attention to detail. We work to ensure every space, place, and staff-to-student interaction communicates a sense of home to students. Finally, we design programs, services, events, and experiences with everyone in mind.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administrative Support (40%)

Responsible for day-to-day operations for the climbing wall and retail & rental services through administrative management. Ensure all equipment meets safety standards and inspections are conducted regularly. Develop and enforce clear policies and procedures that promote safety, efficiency, and engaging participant experiences. Manage inventory, customer service, and point-of-sale systems. Design instructional climbing programs for a range of participants, from beginners to advanced climbers. Responsible for overseeing and managing the financial operations related to equipment rentals, including budgeting, invoicing, expense tracking, and ensuring financial compliance.

• Direct Student Support (30%)

Recruit, hire, and train student assistants for climbing wall, retail, and rental operations. Serve as the liaison between students and the leadership in the unit. Provide ongoing professional development opportunities, fostering a high-performing, customer-oriented team. Set clear expectations for staff performance and create systems to regularly evaluate and provide feedback.

• Program Support (15%)

Responsible for operations of one or more programs, services, events, and/or experiences. Strategically enhance climbing wall, gear rental, and other retail offerings based on user feedback and national outdoor recreation trends. Collaborate with marketing to ensure programs and services are effectively promoted to students and the community.

• Quality Control (10%)

Ensures every aspect of programmatic and facility outputs, including administrative tasks, implementation, and overall design, exudes a high degree of quality. Embraces and executes the marginal gains approach and seeks to improve the level of all services, events, programs, and experiences in the department for continuous improvement every academic year. Contributes to the work environment by developing and maintaining positive relationships that support a culture of teamwork and cooperation.

• Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Other duties as assigned by UREC leadership or Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation. This includes, but is not limited to, efforts that support broad division and institution efforts, including at least 40 hours per year spent helping divisional initiatives such as Move-In Day, Welcome Week, Family Weekend, Career Expo, Disability Services Finals Testing, and other special projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with related experience.
• LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in Sport Management, Parks and Recreation, Kinesiology, Higher Education, Business, Public Administration, or related field.
• 2 years of experience in outdoor and experiential education, with particular emphasis on facilitating climbing programs for various client groups.

DESIRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:

• Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) certification.
• American Red Cross – CPR/First Aid for Professional Rescuers Instructor certification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/EXPECTATIONS:

This position regularly engages in financial matters including handling credit cards, cash, grant funds, or other university funds, and must undergo a credit check per FASOP HR-04. Ability and willingness to work evening and weekend hours. We support, when appropriate, the ability to have a flexible work schedule.  Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. overhead. Due to the position's physical requirements, a pre-employment physical examination will be required per FASOP: HR-04. This position and/or position's responsibilities require work directly with minors. Finger printing and National Sex Offender Registry check required per FASOP HR-04. As with all LSU employees, due to this position title and/or responsibilities, this position has an obligation to assist students in the acquisition of necessary services. Should a student appear in need of or seek assistance with issues of an emotional, behavioral, or mental health related matter they should be referred to the proper service within the Student Health Center. In situations where the student creates an impression that they are a danger to themselves or others, the advisor should immediately contact the Care Team, the Dean of Students, or the appropriate law enforcement agency. The employee outside of those rights contained within FERPA should create no impression of client or patient confidentiality.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Applications will be accepted online on the LSU Careers website. The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue to accept applications until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, submit completed applications by March 28, 2025. Requested application materials include a letter of interest; curriculum vitae or resume; and the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications. An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact J.C. Miller at 225-578-7029 or jcmiller@lsu.edu.

Posting Date:

March 14, 2025

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HCM Contact Information: