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Hiring for positions is based on availability, scheduling needs, and experience. Applications will be held for one semester. Generally, hiring for the fall semester occurs at the end of spring semester after students enroll in courses. Hiring for the spring semester generally occurs at the end of the fall semester after students enroll in courses. If positions open up during the semester, applicants with the needed availability will potentially be contacted for interviews.
Position Title: OA Program Assistant Organization Name: Campus Recreation Work Schedule: Year Round, Flexible Wage Type: Hourly
Wage: $25 Hours per Week: Approx. 35
Appointment: Temporary, one-year appointment. This is a non-benefited position and is not eligible for vacation, sick leave, retirement, or other employee benefits.
JOB DESCRIPTION: The OA Program Assistant supports the planning, execution, and oversight of Outdoor Adventures programming by providing administrative, logistical, supervisory, and training support while assisting broader Campus Recreation initiatives as needed. This position serves as the primary supervisory oversight for Outdoor Adventures overnight programming, including backpacking and camping trips. The OA Program Assistant independently executes established programs, mentors student staff, and ensures compliance with department policies, procedures, and risk management standards in both office and field settings. Weekend availability, including overnight trips, is an essential function of this position.
This role is designed as a one-year professional development opportunity for someone seeking advanced experience in recreation management, operational leadership, and student staff development. The OA Program Assistant operates with a high level of independence while remaining aligned with the direction and vision of the Program Coordinator and Field Coordinator.
DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES:
- Assists with trip execution, administrative logistics, and student guide oversight while ensuring established workflows and documentation procedures are followed.
- Independently plans and executes established Outdoor Adventures programs within approved frameworks, ensuring logistics, staffing, safety standards, and documentation procedures are properly followed.
- Provides lead operational oversight for overnight programs by coordinating trip preparation, participant communication, guide readiness, logistics, and pre-trip meetings.
- Assists in training and mentoring student staff on policies, procedures, and risk management standards.
- Provides supervision on overnight trips and other programs when designated by professional staff.
- Participates in active risk management practices to ensure staff and participant safety and performs additional operational duties as assigned.
- Provides supervision at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center during programming including aquatic trips, courses, and rentals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to independently execute established programs while maintaining department standards and risk management protocols.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and overnight programs scheduled throughout the academic year and summer.
- Strong organizational, logistical, and decision-making skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and adapt in a dynamic outdoor environment.
- Ability to supervise, mentor, and support student staff while modeling professionalism and accountability.
- Ability to effectively teach and facilitate learning in an outdoor setting.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and the ability to learn department software and systems
- Must possess or be able to obtain required certifications and maintain driving eligibility.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience coordinating outdoor recreation programs, supervising staff, and leading overnight backpacking, camping, or expedition-style programs.
- Experience with equipment logistics, inventory management, and recreation management software (e.g., DSE, Fusion).
- Experience working in higher education, experiential education, outdoor recreation, or a related field with knowledge of Leave No Trace principles and outdoor risk management best practices.
- Advanced outdoor or aquatic certifications such as Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness First Aid, American Canoe Association, Swiftwater Rescue, American Sailing Association, Leave No Trace, or similar certifications.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Submit a cover letter, resume, current availability, and trip log. Email to outdooradventures@humboldt.edu.
Below are examples of some jobs in our organization
Build Your Outdoor Leadership Path with Us
Department: Outdoor Adventures
Wage: Dependent on experience. Hours will vary.
Outdoor Adventures is hiring Outdoor and Aquatic Guides who are passionate about the outdoors and eager to grow. We offer opportunities to train and lead in activities such as surfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, rafting, backpacking, and stand up paddle boarding.
Experience is always welcome, but it is not required. What matters most is a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. We provide the training, certifications, and mentorship to help you develop the skills needed to lead others safely and confidently.
If you’re excited about building leadership skills, gaining real field experience, and being part of a strong outdoor community, we encourage you to apply. Applications are accepted year-round, and hiring takes place on an as-needed basis.
Support the Adventure Behind the Scenes
Location: Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center and/or Cal Poly Humboldt Campus
Wage: Minimum Wage.10-20 hours a week
Outdoor Adventures is hiring Rental Assistants who are organized, dependable, and excited to support outdoor programming both on campus and at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center.
Rental Assistants play a key role in keeping our programs running smoothly. From helping students and community members rent gear, to preparing boats and equipment, to supporting events and waterfront operations, this position builds strong customer service, operational, and logistical skills in a dynamic outdoor environment.
Experience is welcome but not required. We’re looking for individuals who are detail-oriented, eager to learn, and excited to be part of a professional outdoor recreation team. Through this role, you’ll gain hands-on experience in equipment management, program support, safety procedures, and outdoor recreation operations.
If you’re motivated, reliable, and ready to grow within a supportive outdoor community, we encourage you to apply. Applications are accepted year-round, and hiring takes place on an as-needed basis.
Department: Outdoor Adventures / Cal Poly Humboldt Recreation
The Outdoor Assistantship is a training program and a HSU class that helps students gain more experience as outdoor leaders, be role models to peers, learn about outdoor professional standards and assist on Center Activities trips and class trips. You don't need to be a Recreation student to apply. Students are invited to apply for paid guide positions with Outdoor Adventures once they have gained enough experience. More information
Department: Recreational Sports
The Drop-In Supervisors open facilities, check ID's, monitor the safety of participants, write reports as needed, and secure facilities.Typical hours are listed below.
Monday - Thursday 7pm to 10 pm
Sundays - 1pm to 4pm
Department: Outdoor Adventures
Help with setup and management of home games for our Club teams. Sports include Rugby, Volleyball, Lacrosse, and others depending on the season. These positions will help with general setup, scorekeeping, equipment management during the game, and cleanup after the game ends. These positions generally work on evenings and weekends, so won't conflict with most class schedules. We need 2 to 4 workers per game, and have about 10 home games a year.
Department: Student Recreation Center (Cal Poly Humboldt Campus, Arcata)
Wage: Dependent on experience. Flexible work schedule. May include nights and weekends. Position open until filled.
Group Fitness Instructors are responsible for motivating, instructing and leading individuals in routine or specialized exercise programs, while monitoring and educating patrons on fitness and safety, and maintaining a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for class participants.
Department: Outdoor Adventures
Hours: Monday - Thursday from 7pm to 10 pm.
The Recreational Sports Program needs 10 to 15 officials every semester. We are looking for students who have time to commit two to eight hours per week working as an official and to attend three to four evening trainings per semester. These training sessions will consist of meeting with the other officials who are working in your sport and discussing rules, policy, mechanics, and how to handle difficult situations. We are looking for responsible, self-motivated individuals who can take constructive criticism, apply feedback, and have a desire to be challenged and continually improve.
Department: Outdoor Adventures
Our office staff works at our front desk providing customer service and support to our participants, and administrative support to our programs. Our office is open Monday - Thursday from 10am to 10pm, and Friday from 10am to 5pm, and we need assistance at our front desk during all of those hours.
Department: Student Recreation Center (Cal Poly Humboldt Campus, Arcata)
Wage: Minimum Wage. This is a 8-20 hours a week, non-benefited position.
Rock Wall Attendant responsibilities include overseeing and assisting rock wall users in order to maintain participant and facility safety. Rock wall staff work under the supervision of the rock wall coordinator and the Student Recreation Center supervisors. Please click here for more information.
Department: Student Recreation Center (Cal Poly Humboldt Campus, Arcata)
Wage: Minimum Wage. This is a 8-20 hours a week, non-benefited position.
Strength and Conditioning staff responsibilities include overseeing the strength and cardio areas of the student recreation center and assisting gym users with proper workout techniques and proper equipment usage. Mentor under the HSU Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and may assist with P.E. classes or athletic team workouts.
Campus Recreation is non-discriminatory in employment and is an equal opportunity service provider.