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About the Outdoor Pursuits
The purpose of Outdoor Pursuits is to provide opportunities for physical and social interaction, student development, student employment, safe-risk taking, skill development, environmental awareness and ultimately a healthier University community. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment; learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.
Challenge Course Facilitator
Guide groups through teambuilding activities on our challenge course including games, challenges, low and high elements.
This is a flexible part-time position, requiring a flexible schedule including weekends. This position requires working outside in all weather conditions, particularly summer sun and heat.
This position is open to students and non-students.
- Set-up and run low and high elements, including dynamic elements, as facilitator.
- Provide excellent customer service and support all of the group’s needs on site.
- Take initiative to solve any issues that arise and exercise excellent judgment at all times.
- Maintain effective communication with supervisor and with all facilitators. Ensure all safety standards are met.
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Comfortable working at heights of 40 feet
- Able to lift 50 lbs. and work outside in all weather conditions
- Demonstrated commitment to safety and risk management
- Experience working with groups of all ages and diverse backgrounds
This is a seasonal position, candidates are welcome to apply for summer only, fall only or both.
- Summer: May 9 to August 21
- Fall: August 22 to November 4
Facilitators are paid an hourly rate starting at $16-$17, depending on experience.
Challenge Course Manager
Lead our team of facilitators as you guide groups through teambuilding activities on our challenge course including games, challenges, low and high elements.
This is a part-time hourly (20 hours/week) seasonal position. Summer season is mid-May through late August. Fall season is mid-August through early November. Applicants are welcome to apply for summer only, fall only or both.
This position is open to students and non-students.
- Serve as the liaison for all groups prior to their program on the challenge course.
- Create lesson plans for each program specific to the group’s goals and objectives.
- Contribute to developing new programs and improving on current programs, procedures, and resources.
- Assist with facilitator training.
- Serve as the PIC (person in charge) during challenge course programs.
- Set-up and run all low and high elements, including dynamic elements, as lead facilitator.
- Perform high element rescue and respond to medical emergencies.
- Provide excellent customer service, work closely with the group’s leader, and support all of the group’s needs on site.
- Take initiative to solve any issues that arise and exercise excellent judgment at all times.
- Supervise staff on the challenge course and provide daily feedback.
- Maintain effective communication with supervisor and with all facilitators.
- Manage course reservations and staffing schedule.
- Inspect course and equipment regularly.
- Ensure all safety standards are met.
- 200 or more hours of experience as a ropes course facilitator including high and low elements.
- 40 or more hours of ropes course training.
- Level 1 ACCT certification or ability to become certified.
- First Aid and CPR certification.
- Comfortable working at heights of 40 feet.
- Able to climb and perform rescue on 40 foot high course.
- Able to lift 50 lbs. and work outside in all weather conditions.
- Experience facilitating groups of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
- One year or more of experience in: customer service, staff supervision and staff training.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google applications.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety and risk management.
This is a seasonal position, applicants are welcome to apply for summer only, fall only or both.
- Summer: May 23 - August 27, 2023
- Fall: August 15 - November 3, 2023
Managers are paid an hourly rate of $20-$22, depending on experience.
Challenge Course Student Coordinator
This is a part-time position of 10 hours/week. Exact hours are flexible and can accommodate class schedules. This position is only open to current students at CU Boulder.
- Maintain professional communication with client groups by phone and email, and oversee the registration process from first inquiry through billing and follow-up.
- Provide excellent customer service to groups throughout the registration process.
- Maintain all records so that they are organized and updated regularly.
- Reach out to new and past client groups to schedule programs.
- Work as a course facilitator when needed.
- Contribute to developing new programs and improving on current challenge course programs, procedures, and resources.
- Assist with staff training when possible.
- Current student at CU Boulder.
- Professional written/verbal communication skills.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Experience working as a facilitator preferred.
A full academic year commitment is preferred, a one semester commitment may be considered.
Starting pay for Student Coordinators is $17.69/hr
Climbing Gym Attendant
This position supervises the climbing gym, customer contact for the rental center, cleaning and repairing equipment, administer top rope and lead belay tests. Must be able to work 5-10 hours/week, weekends, breaks and Monday nights.
- Supervise the climbing gym
- Customer contact for the rental center
- Equipment cleaning and repair
- Administer top rope and lead belay tests
- Extensive personal climbing experience
- Customer service experience
- Knowledge of climbing specific equipment required
- Knowledge of outdoor recreation equipment preferred
- Teaching/instruction experience a plus
- First Aid/CPR required (will have ability to obtain)
Candidates should expect to work 5 to 10 hours a week, with some weekend, night and break shifts.
Pay for this position is $16/hour.
Climbing Gym Route Setter
Climbing gym route setters set routes in the gym for both bouldering and roped climbing, contribute to group forerunning process, general maintenance of climbing and bouldering walls.
- Setting routes in the gym for both bouldering and roped climbing
- Gontribute to group forerunning process
- General maintenance of climbing and bouldering walls
- Ability to climb 5.11 and V4 is required
- Able to lift up to 50 lbs
- CU Boulder Climbing Gym top rope and lead belay certifications
- Comfortable working at height
- Familiarity with power tools preferred
Applicants should have the ability to work 6 - 8 hours/week, and Monday nights.
Starting pay for Route Setters is $16.85/hour
Trip Leader
CUOP trip leaders plan and lead trips and classes for a variety of outdoor outdoor activities. While all trip leaders are expected to lead hiking, backpacking and snowshoeing trips, many also have the opportunity to specialize in the areas of climbing, kayaking and backcountry skiing and fly fishing. If you are passionate about sharing your love of the outdoors with others, we would love for you to join our team!
This is a part time position that requires both evening and weekend availability. The position is only open to current students at CU Boulder. Please include trips that you have been paid to lead as well as personal trips in your resume and be sure to highlight any specialized skill sets you may have.
- Plan and lead hiking backpacking and snowshoeing trips (with opportunities to specialize in other activities)
- Conduct pre-trip meetings for full day and overnight trips
- Ensure all safety standards are met and exercise excellent judgment at all times.
- Attend Trip Leader skill development days
- Complete required skills checks
- Previous trip/course instructor experience
- Excellent interpersonal and instructional skills
- Demonstration of and a commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment
- Ability to attend New Hire Training in September and October - This year’s training will take place the weekends of Sept. 7-8 and 21-22.
- Availability to lead Incoming Student Trips beginning mid August (optional for graduating seniors)
- First Aid and CPR certification (WFA/WFR preferred)
- Valid drivers license and ability to complete required driver and trailer trainings
- Time Commitment: Semester
- Starting pay for Trip Leaders is $16/hour