Career Instructor - Outdoor Pursuits Program - University of Oregon
Eugene, OR
About the Job
Department: Physical Education and Recreation
Rank: Instructor
Annual Basis: 9 Month
Review of Applications Begins
February 3, 2025; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
For consideration in this search, applicants must submit a complete application which includes the following materials:
-Cover letter which expresses your interest in the position and specifically addresses how you meet the requirements. Please refer to the minimum qualifications, professional competencies and preferred qualifications contained within the job announcement. Describe how your skills, abilities and experience allow you to meet and/or exceed these requirements. Provide appropriate examples to show details and experience. Please discuss each element completely, but succinctly.
-Current resume with detailed employment history, including the month and year for the start and end dates of each role.
-Names and contact information for three professional references, one of which is current or , if not currently working, a most recent supervisor. Note, candidates will be notified prior to references being contacted.
Questions regarding the application procedure can be sent to:
Patty Smith
Executive Assistant
Department of Physical Education and Recreation
plsmith@uoregon.edu, 541-346-1041
Department Summary
The Physical Education and Recreation Department (PE and Rec) plays a vital role at the University of Oregon in educating, engaging, and inspiring the campus community to live active, balanced lives! As part of the Division of Student Life, we expand learning beyond the classroom and facilitate positive experiences to support physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, as well as student success. We actively cultivate a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment at the Student Rec Center that honors diverse needs and encourages people of all abilities and backgrounds to participate.
PE and Rec offers world-class facilities, a long tradition of curricular-based physical education classes, and a growing and diverse set of programs, but what really sets the department apart is the culture co-created by the people who work here. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and social justice and foster a diverse and culturally-aware community. PE and Rec team members are cooperative and collaborative, both within and outside the department, and we strive for excellence in everything we do for our community. We demonstrate integrity in our interactions and challenge each other to continually grow and develop. We also can’t fail to mention that we have a lot of fun together!
We encourage candidates to apply who have demonstrated capacity to create inclusive environments, work effectively on teams, and serve an increasingly diverse University of Oregon campus community.
Position Summary
This instructor position in the Outdoor Pursuits program is a 9-month career faculty position responsible for leadership and instruction in wilderness medicine, rock climbing, backcountry, and leadership training courses. This role involves overseeing curriculum development, teaching various outdoor pursuits classes, and managing weekend outings.
The instructor will advise and mentor 4-10 student leaders, and plan and lead 3-5 weekend outings per term. These outings require advance scouting, route planning, weather assessment, and implementation of safety protocols. The position also entails managing equipment, coordinating transportation, and overseeing equipment rentals and loans.
In addition to instructional duties, this position will contribute to program administration by assisting with hiring practices, scholarship decisions, equipment management, and budgetary planning. Departmental responsibilities include serving on committees, attending meetings, and participating in institutional initiatives.
This position involves student advising and oversight of student leaders but does not include formal supervision responsibilities. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Physical Education – Outdoor Pursuits.
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in physical education or related field.
• Experience, expertise and/or certification in outdoor adventure and three (3) years of experience instructing to groups of 10 or more.
• Experience with risk management application in outdoor education, to effectively mitigate risk and promote safety in accordance with industry standards, teach high quality outdoor pursuits courses, and oversee the safe operation of the Wilderness Medicine Program.
• Two (2) years of experience in mentoring, advising, and training leaders in outdoor adventure/education.
• Three (3) years of experience and skill in rock climbing, including traditional climbing, sport climbing and lead climbing, as well as competence in setting up a top-rope climbing site, including site selection, anchor construction, and safety systems.
• Wilderness First Responder certification.
• National and State Emergency Medical Technician License
• SOLO Instructor Trainer for Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder courses.
• Holds an accredited single pitch instructor (SPI) certification.
Professional Competencies
• Effective communication skills.
• Proficiency with software applications for email, word processing, scheduling, curriculum management and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience with and/or commitment to working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, in support of an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Understanding of current issues and best practices in outdoor education and physical education.
Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in outdoor education, physical education, teaching, recreation administration or related field. In exceptional circumstances, significant professional experience may substitute for an advanced degree.
• Evidence of leadership experience and/or a commitment to student learning and development.
• Best practices in teaching regarding research-informed, professional, engaged and inclusive teaching standards.
• Knowledge of curriculum development and administration.
• Knowledge of local and regional land, water and snow-based outdoor recreation resources and resource management policies.
• Climbing Wall Instructor Certification (CWI).
• AIRE Level I Avalanche Certification (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education).
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-benefits.
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.