"Outdoor Adventure Specialist"

Outdoor Adventure Specialist

About Us

Since our founding in 2005, Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has been dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience to our students. At GGC, we believe that our students' success is our success, and we are committed to creating a culture that supports and uplifts them throughout their academic journey.

As a member of our faculty or staff, you will become part of a dedicated and passionate community of educators and professionals. Together, we work towards a common goal of empowering our students to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. We take pride in our student body, which represents a multitude of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Whether you are involved in teaching or providing essential services, your contribution will make a significant impact on the lives of our students and the broader community.

In addition to our commitment to student success, we also value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support the needs of our faculty and staff. From competitive compensation to health and wellness programs, and professional development opportunities to work-life balance initiatives, we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and feel valued.

Located in the thriving community of Gwinnett County, GGC offers a rich cultural and social landscape that enhances the overall college experience. Our backdrop is a beautiful, modern 260-acre campus located just 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. Our students and employees benefit from the close proximity to various local amenities, including shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreational opportunities. This vibrant community serves as an extension of our campus, providing a stimulating environment for personal and professional growth.

Join GGC and become part of a dynamic team that plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives and celebrating the achievements of our students. Together, let's make a positive impact and empower the next generation of leaders.

Job Summary

The Wellness and Recreation Center is seeking a highly motivated, experienced, and safety-conscious Outdoor Adventure Specialist to join our dynamic team. This role is responsible for planning, leading, and executing a variety of engaging and educational outdoor adventure programs for the college community. The ideal candidate will possess a deep passion for the outdoors, exceptional leadership skills, and a commitment to fostering personal growth and environmental stewardship through adventure. The Specialist reports to the Associate Director of Wellness and Recreation.

Position may require non-standard work hours (nights and weekends).

Responsibilities

Program Development & Administration:

• Develop, plan, and administer a comprehensive outdoor recreation program that includes trips, workshops, and educational skill clinics for the college community.
• 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, creative ideas, 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 and activities.
• Enforce program policies and procedures, and maintain compliance with industry standards, including First Aid, CPR/AED, and Wilderness First Responder.
• Perform risk management audits of all Outdoor Adventure programming.
• Ensure all student and professional 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.
• Ability to hire, select, supervise, motivate, mentor, and evaluate student employees.
• Work closely with the Associate Director of Wellness and Recreation for the continued advancement of the program and development of student staff and participants.
• Complete biweekly timecard approvals for student staff.
• In collaboration with Campus Life, support the training and development of student leaders using recreation and other leadership models.

Equipment Management & Program Support:

• Oversee and promote equipment lending programs.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained, in proper working condition, and repaired in a timely manner when necessary.
• Perform program assessment and maintain equipment inventory.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings and assist in the general administration of Outdoor Adventures.
• Assist in writing program manuals, policies, and procedures.

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.

Required Qualifications

• 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree of Arts 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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, etc.).
• Prior experience in the management of a variety of outdoor recreation programs, including both land and water-based activities and trips ranging from one to multiple days.
• Experience working in collegiate outdoor recreation.

Proposed Salary

42,100 - 50,500

Salary offer will be dependent on candidate's experience and qualifications, internal equity considerations, budget availability, and salary administration guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Proven ability to manage projects and deliver results. The ability to think critically and present information is essential.

Ability to work some holidays, evenings, and weekends as required by job responsibilities.

Specialized knowledge in the management of a wide variety of collegiate outdoor recreation programs.