Outdoor Specialist

Outdoor Adventure Specialist

Location: Georgia Gwinnett College, Georgia.

Job : 289035

The Wellness and Recreation Center at Georgia Gwinnett College is seeking a highly motivated, experienced, and safety‑conscious Outdoor Adventure Specialist to join a dynamic team. This role plans, leads, and executes engaging and educational outdoor adventure programs for the college community, fosters personal growth and environmental stewardship, and reports to the Associate Director of Wellness and Recreation. The position is designated as Campus Security Authority (CSA) and may require non‑standard work hours.

• Program Development & Administration
  • Develop, plan, and administer a comprehensive outdoor recreation program that includes trips, workshops, and educational skill clinics.
  • Design programs suitable for all experience levels, providing students with co‑curricular learning opportunities.
  • Ensure a wide range of activities to meet the needs of a globally rich student population using needs assessments and student feedback.
  • Assist with the overall daily operations and facilitation of the Outdoor Adventure program.
• Risk Management & Safety
  • Assist with regularly conducting, developing, updating, and maintaining risk management and emergency action plans for all outdoor programs.
  • Enforce program policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with industry standards including First Aid, CPR/AED, and Wilderness First Responder.
  • Perform risk management audits and ensure all student and staff maintain current certifications in Wilderness Medicine and program‑specific training.
• Program Leadership & Facilitation
  • Lead and facilitate outdoor adventure activities with a strong emphasis on safety, positive group dynamics, and participant engagement.
  • Plan, facilitate, and execute outdoor programming, including evening, overnight, and multi‑day trips as necessary.
  • Work closely with the Associate Director of Wellness and Recreation to plan and implement regular staff trainings, including annual multi‑day expedition training.
  • Inspire participants with a love for the outdoors and a deeper understanding of natural environments.
• Student Staff & Leadership Development
  • Develop and administer a Student Outdoor Leadership program to train student leaders.
  • Hire, select, supervise, motivate, mentor, and evaluate student employees.
  • Collaborate with the Associate Director of Wellness and Recreation for ongoing program advancement and staff development.
  • Approve bi‑weekly timecards for student staff and support training in collaboration with Campus Life.
• Equipment Management & Program Support
  • Oversee and promote equipment lending programs and ensure all equipment is maintained and repaired in a timely manner.
  • Perform program assessment, maintain equipment inventory, and assist in writing program manuals, policies, and procedures.
  • Participate in weekly staff meetings and assist in the general administration of Outdoor Adventures.
• Marketing & Outreach
  • Effectively market programs and conduct outreach efforts to increase participation, awareness, and visibility within the college community.
• Professional Engagement
  • Attend meetings, conferences, and serve on college committees to support the mission of Recreation and Wellness, Student Affairs, and the College.
  • Engage in pertinent industry training and development opportunities.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

• 4‑Year Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Recreation, Education, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Certification as a Wilderness First Responder or a higher certification.

• Graduate Degree (Master of Arts in Outdoor Recreation, Education, or a related field).
• 4 years of higher education programming experience directly supervising student employees.
• Program‑specific instructor certifications and expertise (e.g., PICA, AMGA, ACA).
• Prior experience in the management of a variety of outdoor recreation programs, including land and water‑based activities and trips ranging from one to multiple days.
• Experience working in collegiate outdoor recreation.

42,100 – 50,500

• Proven…