Position Summary

The Outdoor University Department at Saint John’s University invites applicants for a 1-year (August through May) full-time, benefit-eligible position of Outdoor Education Fellowship. The Fellowship provides an experiential learning opportunity for a developing professional interested in outdoor education career growth.

This position is responsible for assisting Saint John’s Outdoor University to inspire and empower college students to develop, organize, and lead outdoor education programs utilizing the variety of resources available at the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU). Examples of these efforts include off-campus adventure trips, Collegebound (pre-orientation Boundary Waters canoe trip for incoming college students), climbing wall, team building initiatives, outdoor equipment rental, and other on campus programs. The Fellow will work as part of a team consisting of five full time staff members, an environmental education fellow, and college students committed to providing outdoor education and recreation opportunities to diverse audiences.

Benefits
CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program. The anticipated rate of pay for this position is $17.00/hour. Other benefits include a flexible schedule that can be adjusted as needed to provide a manageable work/life balance, subsidized, campus adjacent housing (2-Bedroom apartment $700/month, 1-Bedroom apartment $600/month, internet and utilities included), and professional development opportunities including funding to attend the International AEE conference, a Climbing Wall Instructor training, or other relevant certifications (E.G. Wilderness First Responder, Lifeguard, Swiftwater Rescue, American Canoe Association).

Responsibilities 

1. Develop student leaders through instruction on technical outdoor skills and the social skills to manage groups in front and backcountry settings.
2. Train student leaders in planning and executing multi-day adventure trips on their fall, winter, and spring breaks.
3. Support the assistant director of CSB and SJU outdoor education to expand existing activities and develop new programming.
4. Participate in the fellowship aspect of the position, including goal setting, engaging in professional training/networking opportunities, and reflection.
5. Assist in the instruction of CSB and SJU students through established connections with academic and co-curricular departments.
6. Manage and maintain adventure education equipment and gear (e.g. cross-country skis, bicycles, camping gear, indoor climbing wall, etc.).
7. Other duties as assigned by the assistant director of CSB and SJU outdoor education.

Qualifications 

1. Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree completion by August 2023, with preferred major in a related field (e.g. environmental studies, outdoor education, parks & recreation, etc.).
2. A strong foundational knowledge of outdoor education concepts, methods, and leadership with an emphasis on adventure-based programs and activities.
3. Experience working with college outdoor programs, summer camps, outdoor guiding companies, outdoor retailers, or facilitating team building.
4. Experience working with culturally and economically diverse audiences.
5. Strong oral and written communication skills.
6. Ability to work independently.
   Ability to drive a college vehicle which requires possession of a valid driver’s license and completion of college defensive driving program.
7. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative relationships with college-age students.
2. Experience working at a climbing wall or high ropes course.
3. Time spent developing technical and interpersonal skills in outdoor leaders.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to meet the physical and emotional requirements of the position, including working indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions in all seasons, walking for extended distances on uneven terrain, swimming, camping in wilderness settings, and lifting/moving equipment up to 50 lbs.

Travel Requirements: 

Occasional travel for conferences, student adventure programming, and related.

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) is a liberal arts college for women, and Saint John’s University (SJU) is a liberal arts college for men and a graduate School of Theology and graduate Nursing programs for both men and women. SJU is the home of the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library and the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research. The campuses are located in the central lakes area of Minnesota, surrounded by more than 3,000 acres of pristine forests, prairies, and lakes. The campuses are minutes away from St. Cloud, an increasingly diverse regional center with a population of over 100,000, and 70 miles from Minneapolis and St. Paul. Some CSB and SJU faculty and staff choose to reside locally, while others commute from the Twin Cities. Both St. Cloud and the Twin Cities offer a wide range of fine arts, cultural, dining, recreational, and sporting opportunities.

CSB and SJU are Catholic colleges in the Benedictine tradition enlivened by values of community, hospitality, stewardship, and justice. The schools are dedicated to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons. Students, staff and faculty from many diverse belief systems and backgrounds collectively bring a rich dimension to the academic, cultural, and religious experience at CSB and SJU. Learn more in our Institutional Statement on Diversity and in our brochure regarding Higher Education in the Catholic and Benedictine Tradition.

With a total enrollment of approximately 3,200 students, CSB and SJU are unique in all of higher education, distinguished by their commitment to the holistic transformational development of women and men within the context of a unified, coeducational experience. All students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to experience and engage with the two institutions. For further information, see http://www.csbsju.edu/about.

To Apply

Applications are accepted online by visiting:

https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/csbsju/jobs/4053438/outdoor-education-fellowship?sort=PostingDate%7CDescending&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

If you require an accommodation to participate in the Saint John’s University hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-2508 or [email protected].

It is the policy of SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Saint John’s also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

Saint John’s University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.