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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Outdoor Adventures Supervisor
The Department of Campus Recreation is seeking to fill the position of Outdoor Adventures Supervisor. This tier 3 leadership position is for folks with significant outdoor/adventure leadership experience (preferably as an Outdoor Adventures Lead Facilitator) and specialized skills and knowledge.
Staff are responsible for staff supervision and oversight of high quality outdoor/adventure experiences for individuals and groups in the Penn State community and beyond.
Primary duties may include supervision of part-time staff, complex decision making and conflict resolution, risk management and emergency response oversight, and serving as a site or activity-specific expert. These responsibilities may be conducted in a variety of environments and roles including group-based teambuilding (indoor & outdoor), climbing facilities, Stone Valley Recreation Area (boat rentals, outdoor climbing structures, facility rentals, general recreation), outdoor trip leading, and the Outdoor Adventures Rental Center. This position may include driving University vehicles and trailers.
Strong candidates will possess a minimum of one year of outdoor leadership experience (preferably within Campus Recreation) and a track record of leading others in dynamic and challenging settings. Applicants should be committed to personal and professional skill development and possess comprehensive knowledge of Campus Recreation and Outdoor Adventures programs, services, and facilities. All Supervisors will receive Peer Supervision training and up to 20 hours of additional role-specific training. Opportunities are available for professional development and advancement (see Outdoor Adventures Senior Student Manager position).
Supervisors should expect to work a minimum of 1-2 afternoons/evenings per week and 5-6 weekends per semester. Programs and facility coverage may include overnight shifts. A minimum of 12-15 hours/week is expected (with potential for up to 24 hours/week). Must attend and assist with leading mandatory staff development workshops and trainings (Monday nights, 6-8pm).
Campus Recreation is a department within Student Affairs that provides fitness, wellness, and recreational programs to the campus community through the operation and administration of the new expanded and renovated 200,000 of Intramural Building, the McCoy Natatorium, the 700-acre Stone Valley Outdoor Recreation Area, a Tennis Center including six clay courts and four indoor courts, the White Building, Outdoor Adventures, Aquatics, Club Sports, Fitness and Wellness Programs, and Intramural Sports.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and be accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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HotlinesSkills Required
- Minimum of one year of outdoor leadership experience
- Experience within Campus Recreation (preferred)
- Track record of leading others in dynamic and challenging settings
- Comprehensive knowledge of Campus Recreation and Outdoor Adventures programs, services, and facilities
- Ability to supervise part-time staff and oversee program operations, risk management, and emergency response
- Availability for 1-2 afternoons/evenings per week, 5-6 weekends per semester, potential overnight shifts, minimum 12-15 hours/week (up to 24)
- Willingness to attend and assist with mandatory staff development workshops and trainings (Monday nights, 6-8pm)
- May include driving University vehicles and trailers (ability/authorization to drive)
- Successful completion of background check(s)
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
