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Job Description
Job Title:
Graduate Assistant for
Outdoor Adventure Full or Part Time:
Part time
Hours:
20
Exempt:
No Supervisory Org:
Campus Recreation and Fitness (JM-SE)
Job Description:
JOB TITLE
Graduate Assistant for Outdoor Adventure
DEPARTMENT
Campus Recreation and Fitness WAGE:
$16.00/per hour
JOB SUMMARY
The Outdoor Adventure Coordinator supports the planning, coordination, and execution of outdoor recreation trips and programs that promote student engagement and experiential learning at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). Responsibilities include trip scheduling and logistics, participant communication, staff coordination, equipment and inventory management, and supporting safe outdoor experiences. This position also assists with program development, reporting processes, and long-term planning efforts that align with departmental and university initiatives while providing hands-on experience in outdoor recreation leadership and program This appointment is for a maximum of two calendar years
Schedule:
Hours may vary Graduate Assistants are required to work a minimum of 10 hours per week. During the fall and winter semesters, work hours may not exceed 24 hours per week. During the spring and summer semesters, Graduate Assistants may work up to 40 hours per week, but no more.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist with planning and coordinating several Outdoor Adventure trips and activities each semester, including supporting at least one weekend-long trip per month, along with assisting the OA Lead with daytrips and on-campus activities. Support the organization and management of Outdoor Adventure trip information within Fusion Software. Create the Trip Assistant schedule for trips throughout the year. Maintain regular communication with the Outdoor Adventure Lead and Trip Assistants. Assist with recruiting, hiring, training, and mentoring Trip Assistants. Ensure compliance with university policies, industry standards, and safety protocols. Maintain and inspect outdoor equipment to ensure safety and usability. Support outreach and engagement efforts aimed at increasing student participation in Outdoor Adventure programs and activities. Assist with gear inventory tracking, maintenance schedules, storage systems, and purchasing recommendations.. Contribute to long-term program planning and goal setting aligned with deapartment and strategic goals. Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
General supervision is received from the Director of Campus Recreation & Fitness.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in related field Currently admitted to a graduate program or eligible and intending to apply upon accepting the offer. Familiarity with camping, hiking, backpacking, or outdoor recreation activities. Experience participating in or leading outdoor activities, recreation programs, or student engagement initiatives. First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain upon hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certified
TUITION ELIGIBILITY & TAX IMPLICATIONS
Graduate Assistantships include a tuition and fee waiver of up to 12 credit hours per semester (maximum 30 per academic year), funded by the SVSU central budget. Full-time enrollment (9 credits or more) is required in the Fall and Winter semesters, with minimal exceptions available. Less than full-time enrollment is allowed in the final semester for completion or for programs that do not offer full-time enrollment Per IRS regulations, tuition waivers may be considered taxable income. Amounts exceeding $5,250 annually are generally taxable and will be included in compensation. Employees should consult a tax advisor for guidance.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions. All work associated with this role must be performed within the state of Michigan. This position is an on-campus position and doesn't qualify for remote work. The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.
About SVSU:
Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. SVSU was recognized as a "Great College to Work For" for 9 consecutive years (2016-2024). SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation. SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students' performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels. SVSU is constructing the first university research facility on Lake Huron to improve public health and the economy in the Saginaw Bay watershed. More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2025). SVSU fields 20 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website , http://www.svsu.edu .
