The University of Southern Mississippi is seeking talented, dedicated individuals to fill three graduate assistant positions within Campus Recreation for the 2026-2027 academic year. Those positions include:

• Facilities Graduate Assistant
• Fitness and Wellness Graduate Assistant
• Intramural Sports and Sport Club Graduate Assistant
• Aquatics
• Outdoor Recreation

GENERAL INFORMATION: Southern Miss Campus Recreation is housed in the Payne Center, a 125,000 square-foot recreational facility which includes the following: four-gym complex, racquetball and squash courts, an indoor pool (M.C. Johnson Natatorium), a circuit training room, a free weight room, cardio area, a multi-purpose room, group exercise, locker and shower facilities, F45 fitness studio, escape room, and academic spaces.  Other facilities are a ¾-mile lighted, paved fitness trail (Bruce and Virginia Wilgus Trail), sand volleyball courts, a 4.3-acre intramural complex and a two-acre multi-purpose artificial turf complex (Pride Field).

GRADUATE ASSISTANT FOR FACILITIES

DESCRIPTION: The Graduate Assistant for Facilities will help manage the Payne Center and all outdoor facilities.  Responsibilities include the following:

• Assist with the management and scheduling of all Campus Recreation facilities and outdoor field spaces
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise and evaluate approximately 60 student employees and submit student payroll
• Oversee and staff the 7,500 square-foot Work Out Zone and assist with minor equipment repairs as needed
• Track and purchase equipment inventory at equipment checkout
• Meet with event contacts to discuss logistics of potential events hosted at the Payne Center and outdoor facilities
• Verify new and expiring memberships for Payne Center patrons
• Conduct routine maintenance of all Campus Recreation facilities, equipment, and machines
• Maintain the F45 equipment and studio space as well as promote the F45 membership sales
• Complete daily, weekly and monthly records of participation, events, and sales for year-end reports
• Assist the risk management committee in the presentation of the various in-service and risk management programs.
• Serve as professional staff (rotating nights) on duty for overall management and supervision of all staff, programs, and Campus Recreation facilities to include opening and closing the facility and handling customer related situations and emergencies.
• Adhere to a 20-hour work week.
• Collaborate and assist with all special events hosted by Campus Recreation such as the Comcast Golf Tournament, Regional NIRSA Flag Football tournament, Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo, and Campus Recreation Graduate Assistant sponsored 5k Color Run
• Continue NIRSA or other professional-recreation-related organizational involvement

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Qualifications include a bachelor's degree and acceptance into the graduate program of the academic department of your choice. Experience with membership sales, calendar and equipment check out functions using the Fusion platform, and familiarity with fitness equipment is preferred.  Certifications recommended are CPR, AED and First Aid. Computer expertise and the ability to work and communicate effectively with university students, faculty, staff and the general public are needed. Proficiency in written and verbal communication skill is required. Additional desired qualifications include NIRSA or other professional recreation-related organizational involvement as a student.

GRADUATE ASSISTANT FOR FITNESS AND WELLNESS

DESCRIPTION: The Graduate Assistant for Fitness and Wellness will assist the Coordinator of Fitness and Wellness with the administration and supervision of the group exercise program, personal training program, and F45 program. Responsibilities include the following:

• Assist with the overall management and scheduling of the group exercise schedule and its studios (Magnolia and Dogwood).
• Assist with the overall management and scheduling of the personal trainers.

• Assist with the overall management and scheduling of the F45 program.

• Supervise, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate approximately 35 student employees for group exercise, personal training, and F45. This includes biweekly payroll duties.

• Teach and train clients on an as needed basis.

• Maintain daily, weekly and monthly records of participation for year-end reports.
• Promote campus recreation through presentations and other cooperative efforts with academic classes, student organizations, and community groups.
• Serve as professional staff (rotating nights) on duty for overall management and supervision of all staff, programs, and Campus Recreation facilities to include opening and closing the facility and handling customer related situations and emergencies
• Adhere to a 20-hour work week.
• Collaborate and assist with all special events hosted by Campus Recreation such as the Comcast Golf Tournament, Regional NIRSA Flag Football tournament, Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo, and Campus Recreation Graduate Assistant sponsored 5k Color Run
• Continue NIRSA or other professional recreation-related organizational involvement.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Qualifications include a bachelor's degree and acceptance into the graduate program of the academic department of your choice. Experience with teaching a variety of group exercise class formats (i.e. step, kickboxing, toning, yoga, and water aerobics) and a knowledge of weight room/resistance equipment and personal training techniques.  Certifications recommended are CPR, AED, First Aid, group exercise, and/or personal trainer (ACE, ACSM, AFAA, NSCA). Computer expertise and the ability to work and communicate effectively with university students, faculty, staff and the general public are needed. Proficiency in written and verbal communication skill is required. Additional desired qualifications include NIRSA or other professional recreation-related organizational involvement as a student.

GRADUATE ASSISTANT OF INTRAMURAL SPORTS AND SPORT CLUBS

DESCRIPTION: The graduate assistant for Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs will assist the Coordinator of Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs in the daily operations of the Intramural Sports program, including team sports, meets, and individual and dual sports, as well as the Sport Clubs program. This program offers an outstanding variety of programs and services to students, faculty and staff of The University of Southern Mississippi. The Intramural program offers over 40 competitive team and individual events annually. It is the goal of Campus Recreation to be as broad as possible, offering each student the opportunity to participate, regardless of ability.  Responsibilities include the following:

• Assist the Coordinator of Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs with the presentation of the various in-service and risk-management programs.
• Hire, train, schedule and supervise Intramural Sports supervisors and Sport Club officers.
• Serve as adviser of the Southern Miss Sports Officials Association. The graduate assistant is directly responsible for hiring, training, assigning- and evaluating all student sports officials.
• Serve as adviser of the Sport Club Council and the Sport Club Disciplinary Board
• Maintain daily, weekly and monthly records of participation for year-end reports.
• Produce, in a timely manner, packets to include rules and information prudent to the activities.
• Serve as professional staff (rotating nights and weekends) on duty for overall management and supervision of all staff, programs- and Campus Recreation facilities to include opening and closing the facility and handling customer-related situations and emergencies.
• Adhere to a 20-hour work week.
• Collaborate and assist with all special events hosted by Campus Recreation such as the Comcast Golf Tournament, Regional NIRSA Flag Football tournament, Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo, and Campus Recreation Graduate Assistant sponsored 5k Color Run
• Continue NIRSA or other professional-recreation-related organizational involvement

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Qualifications include a bachelor's degree and acceptance into the graduate program of the academic department of your choice. Certifications recommended are CPR, AED, First Aid and sports officiating. Computer expertise and the ability to work and communicate effectively with university students, faculty, staff and the general public are needed. Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills is required. Additional desired qualifications include NIRSA or other professional, recreation- related organizations involvement as a student.

GRADUATE ASSISTANT for OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

DESCRIPTION: The graduate assistant of outdoor adventures will primarily assist the Coordinator of Aquatics and Outdoor Adventures with the administration and supervision and oversight of the outdoor adventures program, including staffing, programming, and events. This individual would also assist the coordinator with some aspects of the Southern Miss Aquatics program.

 Responsibilities include the following:

• Assist with the overall management and scheduling of the outdoor adventures program.
• Assist with the overall management and scheduling of the outdoor adventure staff.
• Supervise, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate approximately 20 student employees for outdoor programs. This includes biweekly payroll duties.
• Maintain daily, weekly and monthly records of participation for year-end reports.
• Promote campus recreation through presentations and other cooperative efforts with academic classes, student organizations, and community groups.
• Plan and facilitate outdoor adventure trips for students.
• Facilitate team-building activities for academic classes, student groups, and community groups.
• Maintain and coordinate group reservations for rock wall parties and events at the Lake Sehoy Challenge Course.
• Serve as professional staff (rotating nights and weekends) on duty for overall management and supervision of all staff, programs- and Campus Recreation facilities to include opening and closing the facility and handling customer-related situations and emergencies.
• Adhere to a 20-hour work week.
• Assist the coordinator as needed with facilitating operations for the aquatics program.
• Collaborate and assist with all special events hosted by Campus Recreation such as the Comcast Golf Tournament, Regional NIRSA Flag Football tournament, Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo, and Campus Recreation Graduate Assistant sponsored 5k Color Run
• Continue NIRSA or other professional-recreation-related organizational involvement

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have the following: bachelor’s degree, experience with outdoor programs. Recommended certifications include CPR, AED, first aid, and wilderness first aid. Computer expertise and the ability to work and communicate effectively with university students, faculty, staff and the general public are needed. Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills is required. Additional desired qualifications include NIRSA or other professional-recreation-related organizational involvement as a student.

GRADUATE ASSISTANT for AQUATICS

DESCRIPTION: The graduate assistant in aquatics will primarily assist the Coordinator of Aquatics with the administration and supervision and oversight of the aquatics program, including staffing, programming, and events. This individual would also assist the coordinator with some aspects of the Southern Miss Outdoor Adventure program.

 Responsibilities include the following:

• Assist with the overall management and scheduling of the aquatics and the MC Johnson Natatorium.
• Assist with the overall management and scheduling of the lifeguards and water-safety instructor staff.
• Supervise, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate approximately 20 student employees for the aquatic program. This includes biweekly payroll duties.
• Maintain daily, weekly and monthly records of participation for year-end reports.
• Promote campus recreation through presentations and other cooperative efforts with academic classes, student organizations, and community groups.
• Maintain and coordinate group reservations for pool parties and other special events in the natatorium.
• Serve as professional staff (rotating nights and weekends) on duty for overall management and supervision of all staff, programs- and Campus Recreation facilities to include opening and closing the facility and handling customer-related situations and emergencies.
• Adhere to a 20-hour work week.
• Assist the coordinator as needed with facilitating operations for the outdoor adventures program.
• Collaborate and assist with all special events hosted by Campus Recreation such as the Comcast Golf Tournament, Regional NIRSA Flag Football tournament, Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo, and Campus Recreation Graduate Assistant sponsored 5k Color Run
• Continue NIRSA or other professional-recreation-related organizational involvement.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have the following: bachelor’s degree, experience with aquatic programs. Recommended certifications include CPR, AED, first aid, lifeguard, and water safety instructor. Computer expertise and the ability to work and communicate effectively with university students, faculty, staff and the general public are needed. Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills is required. Additional desired qualifications include NIRSA or other professional-recreation-related organizational involvement as a student.

STIPEND: A $15,600 12-month stipend and full-tuition waiver will be awarded (in-state and out of state) for all positions. Academic classes are required during summer semester.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: The first year commitment is August 2026–July 2027. We recommend a two-year commitment; renewal for second year is contingent upon satisfactory performance in the classroom and within Campus Recreation. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Send cover letter and résumé to the address below. Phone interviews will take place starting at the end of February, with follow-up interviews possibly taking place via video-conference call. The positions will remain open until filled.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY, CONTACT:

Mark Crager – Director of Campus Recreation

The University of Southern Mississippi                                                      

Department of Campus Recreation                                                            

118 College Drive #5155

Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001

601.266.5405

mark.crager@usm.edu

For more information about The University of Southern Mississippi, visit www.usm.edu. 

For specific information about Campus Recreation, visit www.usm.edu/campus-recreation. 

About The University of Southern Mississippi

The Campus Recreation Department serves the university community of approximately 16,000 university students, faculty, and staff. The Campus Recreation department has 9 professional staff. Recreational facilities include a 125,000 square foot rec center and three outdoor facilities. Southern Miss is a member of the Conference USA Division 1 All Sports Conference. The Department of Campus Recreation is a member of the Division of Student Affairs. The mission of Southern Miss Campus Recreation is to provide safe, quality, and comprehensive programs, services, and facilities that enhance recreation and wellness for the University community while supporting the educational mission of the university through student learning and developement. For a comprehensive view of Southern Miss please refer to it's website at www.usm.edu.

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