Adventure Leadership ENS Instructor

Under the supervision of the Outdoor Programs Coordinator, the Adventure Leadership ENS Instructor is responsible for teaching the fundamentals of team building and challenge course technology for credit courses offered through the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences (ENS) and Aztec Recreation. The emphasis will be to promote active, healthy living by teaching the principles and skills that prepare students to successfully participate and facilitate in recreational and outdoor activity. This individual helps to ensure the diverse instructional needs of the San Diego State University students and Aztec Recreation members are met while emphasizing a safe, positive, and educational environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Functions

Instructs registered participants in adventure team building activity planning, challenge course operations, sequencing, assessing risk, identification of safety/risk management, equipment use/repair, leave no trace principles, safety protocols and proper etiquette associated with facilitating team building events
Develops and implements approved lesson plans and course syllabus with grading policies and learning outcomes
Measures learning outcomes and evaluates student growth/comprehension through technical skill assessments, written/oral assignments, quizzes & exams
Explains and demonstrates basic skills leadership, group dynamics, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, risk management procedures, physical fitness mental well-being and health education goal setting and other wellness topics associated with the facilitation of team building exercises
Provides appropriate safety instruction, exercises quality judgement, and regularly inspects classroom/program environment and equipment to ensure safe learning environment
Maintains and enforces the operational policies and procedures of each team building facility, Aztec Recreation, and Associated Students of San Diego State University
Completes administrative tasks such as communication with students, attendance sheets, incident reports, class evaluations, grading updates and grade submission
Submits grades and other course materials by university and department deadlines
Works with Aztec Recreation to advertise class (i.e. tabling, flyers, demos, etc.)
Ensures all class cancellations are communicated promptly by contacting all participants/professional staff along with posting notifications in the appropriate areas
Creates reports/presentations utilizing Windows XP, Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint as required/needed
Utilizes Webportal, blackboard, and google email/drive tools to effectively manage course communication and management
Submits time card by 4:00 pm on the last day of the pay period
Completes tasks as assigned/ required
Other duties assigned by supervisor

Customer Service and Collaboration

Establishes and maintains working relationships with various Associated Students and University departments
Ensures customer service standards are met; responding to customer inquiries in a timely manner
Assists all customers with questions and /or comments
If unable to assist, refers customer to someone who is knowledgeable
Maintains positive and effective working relationships with all customers
Informs supervisor of any customer issues

Safety

Ensures all operations are conducted with safety of staff and customers as first priority, and in accordance with the Injury and Illness Prevention
Plan and other safety policies
Adheres to Associated Students’ Code of Safe Practices
Reports accidents to supervisor and reviews changes required to avoid reoccurrence Ensures completion proper documentation is completed for each accident (employee and/or non-employee) and forwards to supervisor
Reports maintenance problems and/or broken and unsafe equipment to the appropriate party immediately
Provides appropriate safety instruction and regularly inspects classroom/program environment and equipment to ensure safety
Responds to emergencies according to established department procedures

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Physical Education, Recreation, Leadership, Kinesiology/Exercise Science, Health or related field

Experience:

Knowledge of the practices and principles of leadership theory, facilitation techniques, program sequencing, challenge course technology of dynamic courses, and safety/rescue procedures required
Previous participation in and teaching/facilitation/guiding experience required
Must be able to physically lead and demonstrate the skill and/or activity
Specific experiences in the fields of instruction: team building, backpacking, camping/hiking, paddling, and/or climbing preferred
Must possess excellent customer service skills
Strong oral and written communication skills required
Proficient computer skills required: must be able to utilize Google Email and Calendar, create reports/presentations utilizing Windows XP, Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint as required/needed
Experience working with a variety of groups of customers within a campus recreation setting desired

License & Certification:

Association of Challenge Course Technology Level 1 Certification from an accredited provider required
Current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certifications are required upon first day of work
Outdoor skills certifications (WFR, WEMT, SPI, CWI, ACA, etc.) preferred

Trainings:

Must complete Gender Awareness, Computer Security, and EAP training within 30 days of hire
Must attend and complete a site specific Team Challenge training conducted mid August

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Must be punctual and regular in attendance: arrive on time and ready for the workday
Must be able to work with confidential items and understand the importance of confidentiality in project work
Must meet commitments and complete tasks satisfactorily by demonstrating thoroughness, completeness, follow through on presentation and appearance of work
Must be able to develop and maintain quality effective working relationships with staff and customers within the diverse campus community
Must be able to work independently and stay focused under pressure in stressful situations
Must be able to exercise tact and exhibit sound professional judgment at all times
Must be able to work efficiently and show initiative
Must be able to physically lead and demonstrate the skill and/or activity
Must be accurate and pay attention to detail with strong organizational skills
Must be able to follow oral and written directions and follow projects through to completion

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Evidence of and ability to articulate a strong, current, practical knowledge of team building programming
Knowledge of operational systems of dynamic low and high element challenge courses
Ability to work with a diverse group of people effectively and diplomatically
Ability to manage information flow prioritizing tasks effectively (including internal, external and participant communication)
Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to relate and communicate effectively with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, colleagues and guests
Must have strong English language skills and the ability to read, write and verbally communicate at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
Proficient computer skills required
Ability to take the initiative for additional projects and be self-motivated to initiate interactions with participants

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a part-time position, approximately 3 hours per week for each course with a maximum 20 hours per week during academic term. Employees are responsible for their own travel to work locations, both on campus and off campus, for all shifts.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While working indoors, the lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available and in recreation field areas including low and high element challenge courses. Possible exposure to distracting/uncomfortable noise levels may require hearing protection to be worn when performing duties.

When working outdoors for program activities, exposure to sun, heat, wind, rain, weather and other outdoor elements expected. Outdoor areas will include trails, campgrounds, field areas, lakes, rivers, pools, and challenge courses located in forested areas.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include but are not limited to: walking, walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working at height, and working in confined space, lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying loads up to 50 pounds (unassisted) and 75 pounds (with assistance), and using ladders. Work may require standing and moving for extended periods and working at heights.

RELATIONSHIPS

Inside the Organization:

Reports to Aztec Adventures – Outdoor Programs Coordinator
Further interaction include other full-time staff within Aztec Recreation, including, but not limited to, Director of Recreation, Associate Director of Recreation, Facilities Manager, Operations Supervisor, Member Services Manager, Competitive Sports Manager, Competitive Sports Supervisor, Building Services Engineers, Member Services Supervisor, Fitness & Wellness Coordinator, Aquaplex Manager, Marketing Coordinator, and Office Supervisor
Additional interactions may include part-time staff within Aztec Recreation

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with Associated Students. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students employees who apply for the position.

MVR and DMV record review is required for positions that drive university vehicles and/or passengers for program related trips.