Outdoor Pursuits Jobs
- Students expected to work at least 1-2 three hour shifts per week
- Assist customers renting equipment. Knowledge of use, set up and clean up required for all equipment
- Daily equipment and facility cleaning required including washing rented out gear such as boats, tents, sleeping bags, etc…
- Making sure the Outdoor equipment center is clean and running smoothly by dusting, sweeping, mopping, cleaning dishes, vacuuming and refueling vans and other general cleaning as needed
- Complete the “to-do” list daily, and show initiative to complete other projects as needed
- Students may work on trip preparations once all cleaning is complete
- Strong sense of customer service as this is the primary reason for the OER shift
- Complete transactions on Fusion including handling money, credit cards and properly checking equipment in and out of inventory
- Manage paperwork and ensure it is done correctly
- Strong communication skills in person, over the phone and email
- Daily checks of school email to communicate with MTOP staff and coordinators
- Learn and display excellent belay technique, figure 8 follow-through knot, how to put on a harness and shoes
- Understand basics of climbing in order to teach new climbers
- Daily inspect rope and climbing equipment
- Use excellent judgment and critical thinking skills
- Follow risk management protocol and properly complete paperwork
- Engage with other students to help them have a great experience and make the wall more inviting to new climbers
- Help market MTOP trips and OER on shifts
- Facilitate team building programs for student and community groups
- Focus on teambuilding programs in the indoor soccer arena
- Strong communication, leadership, teamwork and facilitation skills required
- Have personal roll down
- Either working toward or are a kayak trip leader
- Can commit to working Wednesday roll classes from 6-9p shifts
- Work well with many different types of people, and can adapt teaching style as needed
- Head trip leaders are usually juniors, seniors or graduate students that display the highest level of work ethic, responsibility, trustworthiness and technical skills. They also help with summer trainings for new staff.
- Unless you have high technical skills when hired, students are not eligible for this position until their second year working with MTOP, display the required skills and have completed training in each activity they plan to lead.
- Trainings are mainly over summer break and are required
- New hire backpack training is required for all new staff regardless if they lead backpacking trips
- Assistant trip leaders are required to obtain their Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification (3 day course, $150), although the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification (8 day course) is preferred. Head trip leaders must have a WFR. MTOP hosts a WFR course May 20-28 and cost for our staff is around $300-$350.
- MTOP Activities include the following. If you have any prior experience that is great. If not, we can attempt to train you. We ask staff to pick 1-2 activities, train with the goal to be an expert in those activities. Staff generally will pick a water or land based track, so if you are a raft guide you usually would become a kayak guide as well. On the other hand, if you are a climber, you would lead hiking and backpacking trips as well.
- White-Water and Flatwater Kayaking
- Class IV White-Water Rafting (Swift Water Rescue Training required for white-water rafting and kayak trip leaders)
- Class I-II Canoeing
- Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Outdoor Rock Climbing
- Caving
- Mountain Biking
- Backpacking, Camping, Day Hiking
Wage Summary
- OER, Climbing Wall, and Kayak Instructor: $9.00 per hour
- Challenge Courses and special events: $10.00 per hour
- Trip Shadow: $0 but trip and food are free
- Trip Leaders: Technically trips are volunteer trips, but you do get $25 per day stipend that goes towards trip prep and cleanup, and food is free
- Activity trainings: $0 but training and food is free, whereas these trainings would normally cost you hundreds of dollars if going through an outfitter or other company.
- Additional job perks are free use of OER gear and program vans to go practice skills at various locations, as well as access to pro-purchase deals (super cheap outdoor gear)
How to Apply to MTOP Positions
Submit an application that includes your resume with applicable experience, accomplishments (work-related or school-related), and current certifications. You will be contacted if you have been selected for an interview.
MTOP Contact Information
NAME: Blake Osborn
PHONE NUMBER: (615) 898-5492
EMAIL: [email protected]
FAX: (615) 898-5568
