UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

UConn Recreation is the place “Where the Student Body Develops.” Our department mission, to promote human connection and enrich the well-being of our community through physical activity, is achieved by providing premier facilities, innovative programs, and excellent service, all led by a talented team of professionals and students. UConn Recreation is a leader within the Division of Student Life and Enrollment promoting the well-being of an active community, and with over 800,000 annual participations, has a significant impact on enhancing overall student wellness and success.

UConn is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the Northeast and among the best in the nation. With a beautiful rural campus located in Storrs, CT, UConn has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,800 and with over 70% living on-campus, is a vibrant, diverse, and thriving educational community.

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Program Director of Outdoor Programs, the Coordinator - Climbing Center and Outdoor Programs (Student Services Program Assistant 2) provides daily operational oversight, staff management, and programmatic support of the 5000sq ft. UConn Climbing Center. Position implements a wide variety of practices designed to ensure department and unit performance, provide industry standard service to participants, and promote a professional culture that is safety first. Position also serves as a principal resource within the Outdoor Adventure program, leading daily and weekly outdoor adventure programs, and developing UConn Adventure Center student staff. Weekend and evening work is required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the UConn Climbing Center. Support Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventure with overall management of the Outdoor Adventure Center unit.
• Responsible for implementing departmental policy and procedure for all Climbing Center and Outdoor Adventure programming.
• Inspect and maintain performance of all unit facilities and equipment. Coordinate with UConn Rec Facility Operations and Risk Management and Safety to confirm department standards and compliance. Maintain accurate and accessible inventory of all programmatic equipment and operational resources.
• Promote a professional culture that is safety first. Ensure unit meets industry and department operational standards for risk management and safety. Serve on UConn Rec Risk Management and Safety Work Team.
• Review operating procedures for efficiency and effectiveness; put forward recommendations for changes or improvements.
• Supervise unit staff in the performance of their daily responsibilities, including the creation of work schedule and payroll verification. Ensure staff meet operational performance, department policy, and university compliance standards.
• Implement ongoing staff training and development program; evaluate student employee performance including annual performance reviews.
• Collaborate with UConn Rec Human Resources in support of unit recruitment, hiring, training, on-boarding, discipline, recognition, retention and compliance.
• Develop, plan, budget, schedule, and market an innovative schedule of programs to serve the university community.
• Provide direct support for events hosted by UConn Rec.
• Serve as a resource to individuals and groups on matters relating to program activities, administrative policies and procedures.
• Manage unit responsibilities with department systems of record, Outlook, Teams, Fusion, Connect2Concepts, Sub-it-Up and Husky Time.
• Research and submit purchasing recommendations to Assistant Program Director.
• Provide program assessment including collecting, compiling, reviewing and reporting programmatic data.
• Drive department vehicles in support of Outdoor Adventure operations including implementation and supervision of scheduled special events.
• Participate in various committees and advisory groups on request.
• Instruct CPR/First Aid/AED classes for student employees and the UConn Community.
• Related duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Two to three years of related experience.
• Current First-Aid/CPR/AED Certification or ability to acquire within 6 months of hire.
• Demonstrated understanding of, stated commitment to and/or experience working with diverse populations.
• Valid driver's license and ability to acquire Connecticut Passenger "A" endorsement or equivalent.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Documented professional experience managing climbing facilities and programs.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating employee development and training.
• CWI Instructor Certification or ability to acquire within 6 months of hire.
• One or more current outdoor skill certifications (ACA, AMGA, PCIA, WEA, IMBA, LNT, CWA, USA Climbing).
• Wilderness First Responder Certification or ability to acquire within 6 months of hire.
• First-Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Certification.
• Proficient with software applications related to department operations (e.g. Fusion, Connect2Concepts, SubItUp).

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The incumbent must have the ability to work flexible and irregular hours including weekends and holidays. This position requires a valid driver’s license and the ability to acquire a Connecticut Passenger “A” endorsement or equivalent. Additionally, the role requires the ability to repeatedly lift up to 30 pounds and perform physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting as part of daily work assignments. The University offers outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498877 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 28, 2025. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

 The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.