Outdoor Education Specialist

Location: New York

Outdoor Education Specialist

Inside Higher Ed

Department Statement

Colgate University is a special place to work and offers many unique opportunities, including the ability to work with and among world class faculty and staff at a highly selective residential liberal arts institution. This position provides an opportunity to become familiar with the variety of regular positions that are available at the University, as well as the ability to add employment at a distinct University to your resume.

Successful candidates for this position will earn sick leave, paid time off, free parking, and a University ‘Gate Card that provides access to fitness facilities, athletic and cultural events, as well as a discount on many items at the University Bookstore. This type of appointment is not approved to work more than 999 hours per year for all positions combined.

Should incumbents work more than a total of 999 hours in a year the appointment may not continue beyond one year of service. As a casual wage staff member, you may be called to work in various capacities to facilitate break trips, staff training, climbing wall events, ropes course facilitation, and/or physical education classes for the student body, including but not limited to facilities such as the Outdoor Education Rental Center, Angert Family Climbing Wall, and various remote outdoor environments.

Hours will be variable and will include weekend days, and hours outside of normal business hours. Some positions may last for a few hours, whereas some may be full weeks (i.e. spring break trips) depending upon need. Job duties will be based upon the needs of the facility, activity program, and skills required.

Job Category

Casual Wage

Position Title

Outdoor Education Specialist

Full Time/Part Time

Part Time

Division

Athletics

Department

Outdoor Education

Hiring Wage/Salary Range

$20/hr

Accountabilities

Temporary employees support full-time Outdoor Education staff by providing a specific skill set to enhance programming for student staff and/or participants.

Professional Experience/Qualifications

Are you passionate about outdoor adventure and have experience or certifications in various outdoor education skills? We’re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join our team and share your expertise with students and staff.

What We’re Looking For

• Outdoor or indoor rock climbing/route setting
• Whitewater kayaking
• Sea kayaking
• Mountain biking
• Challenge course facilitation
• Wilderness Adventure Pre-Orientation Trips

Qualifications

• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications (unless applying for in‑town work, like at a climbing wall or ropes course)
• A valid driver’s license may be required depending on the position

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience working with university‑aged students. Relevant knowledge about a specific location, region, or natural environment.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent.

Physical Requirements

Proficiency in performing specialized skills related to outdoor activities with competence and confidence. Ability to work long hours outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, freezing temperatures, and more, often in remote locations. Strong decision‑making skills, particularly in assessing safety and ensuring high‑quality programming, even under physically demanding conditions.

Requisition Number

2025CW001

Posting

Temporary

Yes

Work Schedule

Hours will be variable and will include weekend days, and hours outside of normal business hours. Some positions may last for a few hours, whereas some may be full weeks (i.e. spring break trips) depending upon need. Job duties will be based upon the needs of the facility, activity program, and skills required.

Job Open Date

01/22/2025

Open Until Filled

Yes

EEO Statement

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

Clery Act

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported:
1. crimes that occurred on‑campus; in certain off‑campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters.

You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at:…