Aztec Adventures Intern

Under the direction of the Outdoor Programs Coordinator and Aztec Adventures Leads, the Adventures internship allows students to gain practical experience in a outdoor recreation setting working with the Aztec Adventures program at Aztec Recreation. The internship program is offered during fall, spring, and in some instances, summer semesters for credit needed for Recreation Tourism Management courses. The Adventures Intern is responsible for assisting in various projects and events within Aztec Recreation. The emphasis will be to assist in and promote active, healthy living by conducting tabling events, promoting activities at ARC special events, and assisting with assessment of programs. Becoming an integral member of a hard working team of full-time and part-time staff within Aztec Recreation, the Intern should possess the ability to work independently and as a team member interacting with a diverse population of Aztec Recreation members and staff.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Primary Functions

Knows and represents the Aztec Recreation mission, vision and values
Knows and implements the Aztec Recreation policies and membership handbook
Demonstrates knowledge of processes, policies and procedures of the Aztec Adventures programs including: outings, climbing wall, team challenge and outdoor skills classes
Demonstrates knowledge of the various departments and facilities of Aztec recreation and facility layout
Explains and demonstrates basic skills in one or more activity areas: camping/hiking, backpacking, team building, paddling, and climbing
Completes informational interviews of full-time Aztec Recreation employees about job responsibilities and career paths
Completes marketing and promotional projects, including member survey data collection
Assists with Outdoor Skill class evaluations and program design
Develops sustainable programs: community garden, student conservation association, etc.
Learns about outdoor leaders and shadowing, in addition to other positions
Learns about equipment maintenance and budgeting
Researches major outdoor recreational organizations and influential individuals in the industry as well as trends in the industry
Educates, explains and enforces all policies and procedures consistently to participants, members, and guests
Serves as an active member in the Emergency Action Plan if an incident were to occur
Manages office during operating hours and is responsible for keeping the office clean, neat and free of any hazardous objects noting any maintenance items needing attention
Attends and participates in all ARC, Aztec Adventures and Lead staff meetings and trainings

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
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

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education:

Must be currently enrolled at San Diego State University, taking a minimum of 6 units
Successful completion of an ENS Outdoor Skills course required

Experience:

Proficient knowledge of Aztec Adventures programs required
Specific experiences in the fields of backpacking, camping/hiking, paddling, and or climbing are preferred
Knowledge about Aztec Recreation is preferred
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 ranging from student to corporate is preferred

License & Certification:

First Aid and CPR/AED certifications are required

Trainings:

Must complete Gender Awareness and Computer Security trainings within 30 days of hire

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Must be able to develop and maintain quality effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and co-workers within a diverse, frequently changing campus community
Must be able to work with confidential items and understand the importance of confidentiality in project work
Must be capable of maintaining positive working relationships with staff and customers
Must be able to exercise tact and exhibit sound professional judgment
Must be punctual and regular in attendance: arrive on time and ready for the workday
Must be able to work efficiently and show initiative
Must be able to physically lead and demonstrate the skill and/or activity
Must meet commitments and complete tasks satisfactorily by demonstrating thoroughness, completeness, follow through on presentation and appearance of work
Must be able to work independently and stay focused under pressure
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 outdoor programming preferred
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
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 volunteer position. Must be able to work up to 20 hours per week including evenings and weekends. Volunteer schedules vary according to business needs throughout a full academic year. Extended workdays required for weekend outings trips.

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. 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, climbing, 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.

RELATIONSHIPS

Inside the Organization:

Position is supervised by the Aztec Adventures – Outdoor Programs Coordinator
May include interaction other full-time staff within Aztec Recreation, including, but not limited to, Recreation Director, Associate Director of Programs, Associate Director of Member Services and Facilities, Facilities Supervisor, Member Services Supervisor and Coordinator, Building Services and Engineers, Member Services Supervisor, Marketing Coordinator, and Office Supervisor.
Additional interactions may include part-time staff within Aztec Recreation