Outdoor Pursuits Specialist - Student Hourly

The Outdoor Pursuit Specialists are responsible for the daily operation of the Outdoor Pursuits Program (climbing wall, rental office, teambuilding, etc.).  
 
This position will have supervision from the Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits and will work closely with the Outdoor Pursuits Program Manager. All Outdoor Pursuits staff must maintain a complete knowledge of the Outdoor Pursuits Program and operations (how to belay, how to rent and utilize all rental equipment, etc).   50% - Climbing Wall

• Performing belay certification checks for participants who wish to be belay certified. 
• Enforcement of all rock-climbing policies and procedures. 
• Supervising of all activities at the climbing wall: lead climbing, belaying, etc. 
• Belaying rock-climbing participants on the main climbing wall in the KU Recreation Center. 

40% - Rental Office

• Assisting participants in renting outdoor equipment and facility spaces. 
• Performing point-of-sale transactions for equipment rentals and handling cash. 

5% - Teambuilding

• Facilitate teambuilding programs. 
• Organizing activities for participants. 

5% - Other duties as assigned

• Assist with trips and programs as needed. 
• Attending all staff meetings and trainings. 
• Assisting in all areas of Recreation Services as assigned. 

1. During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

1. CPR/AED certification (can be completed up to 30 days after being hired).  
2. Past experience of climbing and route setting and a knowledge of climbing equipment and outdoor equipment preferred.  
3. Current belay certification at the KU Chalk Rock Climbing Wall. 
4. Work Study eligible.  

N/A

(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.

(2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:  

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing outdoor/outdoor pursuits experience

The application deadline is 10/16/2026. A review of applications is ongoing; hires will be made throughout the posting period.

Ray Harris
ray.harris@ku.edu

Up to 10-15 hours per week.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.