Outdoor Adventure
Job Description: Outdoor Adventure Trip Leader

Program Description: Outdoor Adventure’s mission is to teach skills and immerse people in the great outdoor spaces that Virginia has to offer. The trip leader team is composed of student leaders who take participants off campus to participate in outdoor recreational activities. Trip leaders plan and lead trips to a variety of locations with a variety of activities (hiking, backpacking, camping, paddling, climbing, caving, and more).

Team Members' Responsibility:

Establish a positive rapport and relationship with Student and Departmental Staff and program participants.

Take Initiative and be confident in decision making.

Be proactive and prepared to respond to all emergency situations and follow procedure/protocol for pre and post Incident/Accident.

Maintain a Standard of Excellence in professionalism.

Enforce policies and procedures as set forth by the department.

Area Specific Responsibilities:

Trip Leaders will be responsible for planning, organizing and leading 2-5 outdoor trips per semester for the UVA community.

Attend required trip leader training sessions including CPR/AED and Wilderness First Aid. A mandatory training session will tentatively be planned for the last week of August, prior to classes starting. WFA training (2 days, mandatory) will tentatively be planned for mid-May, immediately after the end of the exam period.

Attend bi-weekly trip leader meetings for continuing education and trip planning/debriefing.

Be a positive and respectful representative of the University and department.

Requirements/Qualifications:
No outdoor experience is required for Backpacking/Trail programs. For paddling and climbing, a baseline level of experience is preferred (Leaders have the opportunity to learn other functional areas on the job). We are looking for mature, enthusiastic and committed students who have an interest in working in the outdoors with groups of students. Experience with outdoor pursuits, outdoor leadership, group facilitation, and/or wilderness risk management are all beneficial. Ideal candidates should possess a servant leadership mentality and should be excited to work with students to facilitate friendships and community building.

Applicants should be able to lift 40+ pounds.

Applicants should possess a strong work ethic and personal initiative.

Salary & Benefits:
Instructors will receive outdoor and site-specific training.

$14 per hour for office work, stipend pay for trips (amount varying $60-$200 depending on duration and type of trip)

Wilderness First Aid certification (a $200 value)

Acquire work and life skills that will be useful to you after graduation, in a variety of professional contexts (group management and facilitation, leadership experience, risk management experience, logistics experience, and more)

Training and experience working in a prominent Outdoor Recreation program