The Outdoor Instructor will be responsible for planning, organizing, and teaching assigned outdoor recreational activities for USU students within the USU Eastern Campus Life Department. This role includes grading, engaging with students, and ensuring they understand course expectations. The ideal candidate will have a passion for promoting physical fitness, wellness, and a positive lifestyle.

• Planning, organizing, and leading one trip within the 7-week course related to the specific outdoor recreation class.
• Conducting an initial class on the first week of the semester to review trip details (time, place, travel, etc.), and discuss needs, safety, and equipment.
• Collaborating with the Campus Life Department to enhance the outdoor program course.
• Following all University policies and procedures for taking students on trips and engaging with students.
• Ensuring all equipment is properly maintained, safe, and ready for use.
• Assessing students' skills, participation, and knowledge throughout the course and providing constructive feedback.
• Encouraging a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
• Keeping detailed records of trips and student participation.
• Staying updated with current trends and practices in outdoor education and recreation.
• Reviewing the class course fee annually and recommending any necessary adjustments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 1-2 years of experience in related outdoor activity.
• Knowledge of and experience in planning and organizing trips and events.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of outdoor activity related to the course.
• Comprehensive knowledge of safety protocols, first aid, and emergency response strategies.
• Familiarity with instructional methods and teaching strategies suitable for outdoor education.
• Awareness of university policies and procedures related to student activities and trips.
• Knowledge of environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace principles.
• Understanding of how to properly use and maintain outdoor recreational equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for delivering instructions, safety briefings, and feedback.
• Excellent organizational skills to plan, coordinate, and execute trips and activities.
• Effective problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations and emergencies.
• Proficiency in teaching and engaging students in a hands-on learning environment.
• Competence in using relevant technology and software for scheduling, communication, and documentation.
• Ability to lead and motivate students in outdoor settings.
• Ability to participate in and lead physically demanding outdoor activities.
• Flexibility to adapt plans based on weather conditions, student needs, or other variables.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in high-stress or emergency situations.
• Keen attention to detail in planning trips, ensuring safety, and maintaining equipment.

Employment contingent on the successful completion of a back ground check

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application  

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work each department performs. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).  

Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Additionally, indoor or outdoor work environments may include being confined or in narrow spaces for periods of time. The incumbent may also be exposed to loud noises or vibrations from equipment, and conditions that may affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 50 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.  

USU Eastern Campus Life is dedicated to enhancing students' educational competence, leadership skills, academic success, social connections, and social responsibility by creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive campus environment that provides abundant opportunities for engagement and learning.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 04/2024

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023