The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks qualified candidates for three Graduate Assistant positions: Outdoor Adventures, Sport Programs, and Nutrition Education.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES GRADUATE ASSISTANT:

The University of Nebraska Outdoor Adventures program is seeking a self-driven candidate who wants to contribute at a high level in a fast-paced program.  Qualified candidates will possess the skills necessary to contribute to offering the university and greater Lincoln community with broad-reaching outdoor and leadership programs.   

In service of the university community, Outdoor Adventures operates the largest climbing facility in Nebraska, professional level bike shop, outdoor gear and boat rentals, challenge course, and adventure trips program. 

The candidate selected will surely grow their own potential as a professional. At the close of the two-year partnership, working with 4 full-time outdoor professional staff, this GA will be expected to create change and contribute to all program areas.  More importantly, this individual will have gained immeasurable professional growth by their involvement in building an expanded foundation for one of the longest running collegiate outdoor adventure programs in the nation.  

Graduate Assistants also have the chance to attend local and national conferences and earn certifications specific to outdoor recreation and education (PCIA, ACA). 

Academic Program: 

There is no required graduate program for this position, merely that any course of study equips the graduate assistant to advance their program work and professional goals. Current and former graduate assistants have enrolled in programs ranging from Applied Science (Science for Educators), Political Science, or Higher Education Administration (on-line options available).  

Minimum Requirements:

• Possess a bachelor's degree in a related field of study 
• Exhibit a strong work ethic and initiative  
• Possess extensive leadership and programming experience in two or more of the following: 
• rock climbing, paddling, backpacking, challenge course facilitation, or bike touring 
• Possess a valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record 
• Will be current (or willing to obtain) Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Experience working in a University Outdoor Adventures program

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Leave No Trace Trainer, ACA Instructor, PCIA/AMGA certifications 
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Publisher) 

Application Process:
A cover letter, resume, trip experience log should are required and should be submitted to Jordan Messerer, Assistant Director for Outdoor Adventures at jordan.messerer@unl.edu.  
Anticipated start date of August 1, 2024.  
Application review will begin December 15, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.  A criminal history background check is required prior to employment. 

SPORT PROGRAMS GRADUATE ASSISTANT:

Under the guidance of the Assistant Directors for Sport Programs and the Coordinators for Sport Programs, the Graduate Assistant will receive extensive experience in the comprehensive collegiate intramural and extramural sports, sport clubs, and youth activity programs for two years. 

With a mission to offer innovative opportunities for every student to be active and involved, UNL Sport Programs is among the largest recreational sports programs in the BIG Ten. Campus Recreation facilities frequently host NIRSA tournaments and conferences, club sport regional events, and campus wide programs, creating additional opportunities for the Graduate Assistant to lead and network.

The Graduate Assistant will assist with the planning, development, and promotion of all activities offered within Sport Programs for a diverse population. Specific responsibilities will include: 

• Training, supervision, and evaluation of a large staff, including 40 student supervisors and 120+ student officials;
• Advising of club sport officers, including assistance with coordinating on-campus competitions and adherence to travel guidelines;
• Use of IMLeagues and Connect2 software for comprehensive event management;
• Administering intramural sport participant disciplinary/ejection meetings as needed;
• Submitting budget reports for intramural and extramural programming;
• Attending weekly office hours, bi-weekly professional staff meetings, and monthly student staff meetings;
• Collaborating with university partners for promotion of upcoming events and job opportunities;
• Contributing to Campus Recreation risk management and emergency action procedures;
  • Expected to obtain Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor certification in first semester of employment (provided by Campus Recreation)
• Assisting with the daily operations and program development of the Husker Kids Summer Camp program; and
• Serving on assigned Campus Recreation work teams and committees;

Academic Program: 

The University of Nebraska offers Graduate Degree Programs in 68 fields of study, including: Nutrition and Health Science, Educational Administration, and Leadership Studies.  Minimum requirements include a Bachelor's Degree (2.75-3.00 minimum undergraduate G.P.A.) from an accredited college or university, and an educational background which will satisfy the academic graduate entrance requirements of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

Minimum Requirements:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree program and related experience in recreational sports administration/programming. 

Related experience may include supervising student personnel, employment with intramural sports, sport clubs, or youth activity programming, and sports officiating. 

Application Process:

A cover letter, current resume, and names of two professional references should be submitted to Aaron Dueker, Assistant Director for Sport Programs at adueker2@unl.edu. 

Anticipated start date of August 1, 2024, with the opportunity for a May start date. 

Application review will begin January 2, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.  A criminal history background check is required prior to employment. 

NUTRITION EDUCATION GRADUATE ASSISTANT:

The Nutrition Education Graduate Assistant will work cooperatively with the staff at Campus Recreation to administer a comprehensive nutrition education program for students, faculty, and staff at UNL. Primary responsibilities include the following: teaching an academic class; planning, implementing, and evaluating programs; coordinating events in the Wellness Kitchen; and leading outreach programs and presentations for the University and Lincoln communities.  Some early morning, evening and weekend hours will be required. 

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or currently completing a Bachelor’s degree in Health, Nutrition, Community Wellness, or a related field.  
• Admission or ability to be admitted into Graduate School at the University of Nebraska.
• CPR/First Aid/AED Certification and Instructor Certification or ability to obtain upon employment.  
• Hold a Lancaster county food handler’s permit or ability to obtain upon employment. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies. 
• Exceptional organizational abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hold nationally accredited Fitness and/or Wellness certification(s) (i.e. ACSM, ACE CPT, Group Fitness Instructor, etc.)
• Experience creating, managing, and evaluating wellness programming 
• Experience presenting to diverse populations
• Food service experience 

Application Process:

Send a cover letter, resume and three references to: Brenna Schmader at bschmader2@unl.edu.  Position will remain available until filled.

About University of Nebraska - Lincoln Campus Recreation

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln was chartered as a land-grant university on February 15, 1869, to create opportunity for the state of Nebraska. A proud member of the Big Ten Conference, the Big Ten Academic Alliance, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), Nebraska is classified within the Carnegie “R1: Doctoral Universities – Highest Research Activity” category. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

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