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Explore employment opportunities with our Outdoor Adventures team!
Handshake: Assistant Trip Leader
ASSISTANT TRIP LEADER
George Mason University’s Outdoor Adventures program is designed to offer students a unique and valuable opportunity to experience the outdoors, that works to facilitate an outdoor experience for our participants, and allows them to learn about the outdoors while also gaining a better understanding of themselves.
Assistant Trip Leaders are responsible for safely leading outdoor programs for members of the Mason community. Trips may include: hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, cycling, and other activities. Assistant Trip Leaders work closely with the Outdoor Adventures professional staff and fellow trip leaders on program planning, development, and leading.
Because Outdoor Adventures is willing to accept applicants with minimal outdoor experience to become Assistant Trip Leaders, initial offers of employment are contingent upon attendance in a series of field-based outdoor training trips. Additionally, all student employees are required to be trained in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens. Assistant Trip Leaders are required to obtain wilderness first aid certification (WFA) within one semester of being hired before leading any overnight or backcountry trips. For students that do not already possess these certifications, training will be provided by the department upon being hired.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Include, but are not limited to:
- Planning logistics and transportation needs for each trip;
- Safely leading groups of students in wilderness settings, sometimes in adverse weather conditions;
- Obtain certification in wilderness first aid (WFA);
- Providing emotional and medical attention to participants during emergencies;
- Assisting with gear rental, equipment check out/in, repair and cleaning;
- Teaching skills workshops and clinics.
- Must be available to work nights and weekends
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Prior experience or a strong interest in outdoor recreation;
- Attendance in weekend training trips over the course of the first semester as an Assistant Trip Leader;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Excellent customer service skills;
- Willingness to learn and grow;
- Strong organizational and time management skills;
- Ability to work in all weather conditions including heat, cold, and rain;
- Ability to obtain certification in George Mason University’s Van Driver training. Driving requirements can be found in Section A here
- Ability to work extended hours on your feet in rugged terrain with a backpack of up to 60 pounds
Feel free to reach out to outdoor@gmu.edu with any questions!