Adventure Recreation
Climbing Staff
Climbing Staff are responsible for monitoring the climbing spaces and fostering the growth of the climbing community.
The pre-requisites for Climbing Staff are a willingness to learn, a dedication to safety, and good communication skills. Climbing Staff are required to obtain a full MSU belay qualification and to keep it current. Climbing Staff are required to have current American Red Cross Adult CPR/AED certification. Further, they are to comply with all the policies and procedures of the Recreational Sports and Fitness Services Department.
All Climbing Staff will be under the general authority of the Climbing Education and Adventure Recreation Coordinator, as well as a Climbing Supervisor.
Climbing Staff will be provided with initial and ongoing training to be able to succeed at their job. After an appropriate amount of time, climbing staff will be able to:
• Monitor the climbing area, including enforcing safety protocols, offering courtesy top-rope belays, and responding to climbing-related emergencies including rescues
• Provide excellent customer service and assist with memberships, waivers, equipment check-out, and safety orientations
• Accurately inspect climbing equipment and document appropriately
• Lead introductory climbing clinics, including belaying instruction
• Administer belay tests
Climbing Staff are expected to be able to handle the following situations:
• Injured participants – attend to any injuries and document properly.
• Rejected participants – assist with removal from facility.
• Emergencies – Help respond to weather, fire, violence, accidents, rescues, etc. and document appropriately.
• Effectively communicate membership requirements including MSU ID requirements.
Route Setters
Route Setters are responsible for creating fun, engaging climbing routes in the climbing spaces.
The pre-requisites for becoming a Route Setter are a demonstrable understanding of intermediate-advanced climbing movement, a strong sense of safety and accessibility, and creativity. Route Setters are required to have current American Red Cross Adult CPR/AED certification. Further, they are to comply with all the policies and procedures of the Recreational Sports and Fitness Services Department.
Route Setters will be under the general authority of the Climbing Education and Adventure Recreation Coordinator, as well as a Head Route Setter.
Route Setters will be trained on how to safely set new climbing routes that will appeal to a wide variety of climbing ability levels. This training will include, but is not limited to:
• Safe use of all route setting tools and associated PPE
• How to perform a rescue during route setting
• Ladder Safety
• Accessibility concerns with route setting
• Encouraging safe climbing movement
Adventure Recreation Center Staff
Adventure Recreation Center Staff are responsible for managing the ARC rental inventory.
The pre-requisites for becoming an Adventure Recreation Center staff are an attention to detail, the ability to move heavy loads, and excellent customer service. Further, they are to comply with all the policies and procedures of the Recreational Sports and Fitness Services Department.
Adventure Recreation Center Staff will be under the general authority of the Assistant Director of Adventure Recreation and Sailing Center.
Adventure Recreation Center Staff can expect to:
• Assist with managing the inventory of the Adventure Recreation Center
• Process equipment rentals, including check-in and check-out
• Clean equipment after it is returned
• Assist with other duties as assigned by the Coordinator or Assistant Director
Sailing Center Staff
The MSU Sailing Center is in Haslett, approximately a 15-minute drive from campus, and operates seasonally from May through October. The Sailing Center is open to the public and serves participants of all ages and experience levels.
Sailing Center Staff support participants before, during, and after their time on the water by assisting with equipment preparation, monitoring safety, and providing guidance and instruction. Staff are expected to demonstrate strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. This role is primarily outdoors and includes moving boats and equipment throughout the facility.
In addition, staff assist with sailing and paddling classes, support special programs and events, and help with general building and boat maintenance.
While prior boating experience is beneficial, it is not required. Staff must obtain CPR and First Aid certification within their first month of employment. MSU Sailing Center staff can expect to learn and develop the following skills while working at the center:
• Sailing and boat rigging
• Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing
• Safety boat operations (Michigan boating license required)
• General boat maintenance and repair
• Event promotion and marketing
• Weather forecasting
• Risk management
Sailing Instructors
Sailing Instructors assist the Lead Instructor in teaching beginning sailing to a diverse range of participants, both on and off the water. Instructors will obtain and maintain certifications through US Sailing or the American Sailing Association.
Instructors must be strong sailors and comfortable operating safety boats, assisting with rescues, and responding to on-the-water emergencies.
Application