UGA Outdoor Recreation trips and clinics are led by student staff that plan, lead, instruct and facilitate day and weekend activities on and off campus. Regular training is provided to new staff as well as veteran leaders. There is no requirement for a depth of prior experience, but it helps. Trip Leaders (TLs) are responsible for the safety, risk management, and well-being of participants while engaged in trips or clinics that the UGA Outdoor Recreation programs offers. Above all else, safety must be a priority for successful trip leaders. Safety, as it pertains to the activity, the skill level of participants, and location that the trip or clinic is being held are to be of main concern. TLs must be comfortable managing a diverse group in an outdoor setting and making decisions based on informed judgment for the good of the group. TLs are expected to have a foundation of outdoor recreation experience within the activity they are leading while also being motivated to continually improve their knowledge and skill base with a variety of activities (camping, hiking, climbing, paddling, etc.). The goal of the trip leader is to provide the highest degree of professionalism, guidance, instruction, and supervision to the participants (typically beginner/novice) that are under their care while attempting to instill an appreciation for the natural resource/area they are utilizing. Group development and community building are also areas of focus for TLs.
In addition to leading trips, effective spring 2016, the Trip Leaders will also operate the Outdoor Recreation Center (ORC). Trip Leaders will assist patrons with their outdoor adventure equipment needs including fitting, training, and educating students, staff and faculty of and about the outdoor adventure gear available for rent and purchase in the ORC. The staff member is expected to correctly operate cash handling equipment and reconciliation procedures, advise patrons of, and administer all related ORC rental policies, and engage patrons always with a supportive and friendly demeanor. The staff member should be knowledgeable of local and regional locations for outdoor recreation and be able to communicate information and answer questions that any customer may have regarding UGA Outdoor Rec trips and clinics.
- Must have current certification: American Red Cross CPRo, First-Aid, AED or ability to acquire within first month of hire
- Wilderness First-Aid and First Responder certifications are preferred (UGA offers these courses each semester)
- Trip Leading Skills:
- Must have prior experience in a particular outdoor recreation activity and technical skill to safely and competently participate in that activity (i.e. hiking, canoeing, backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, etc.)
- Must have a willingness and ability to teach those skills to others
- Must have organizational skills to plan a trip in advance, carry out all the logistics of preparing for departure and then lead/facilitate a safe experience abiding by university policies and procedures
- Must have good communication and interpersonal skills to manage group dynamics in the field and make good decisions to manage risks and respond to emergency situations
- Must be able to drive a 12-passenger van, participate in required driver training, and comply with vehicle driver policies
- Must be able to participate in regular TL meetings, trainings, and staff expeditions
- Must be willing to learn new ideas, methods, and techniques for effective trip leading
- ORC Skills:
- Must be capable of handling financial transactions
- Able to demonstrate knowledge on use, care, and maintenance of all ORC equipment
- Able to follow rental/reservation protocol, including electronic and paper forms
- Othe ORC-related duties as assigned
- Physical Requirements (must be able to):
- Stand/walk for long periods
- Walk for long periods
- Climbing
- Driving
- Bending/stooping
- Kneeling/squatting
- Reaching/grasping
- Pushing/pulling
- Repetitive use of hands
- Handling chemicals (stove fuel)
- Lift at least 25 lbs.
- Reading
- Strong analytical skills
- Computer skills
- Customer interaction (strong verbal, written, and listening skills)
- Attention to detail (long attention span, multiple stimuli, manage priorities)
- Other physical requirements specific to various outdoor recreational activities
For questions, contact Cathy Stedman, Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation