OP Trip Leader

On-Campus ACA Variable Position

U.S. Work Authorization is required

OP Trip Leader

Responsibilities:

Outdoor Programs is looking for high-caliber individuals to lead fellow students in dynamic outdoor environments on OP trips. You will have the opportunity to gain leadership and outdoor skills while planning and operating trips in various outdoor activities throughout Utah and surrounding states. You will educate others on outdoor skills, oversee safety and risk management of participants as well as enforce OP and USU policies. Most important, you will develop life-long friendships while working in the great outdoors!

Being a trip leader is a significant time commitment! Night, weekend, holiday and spring break/fall break work required. Training meetings every other Wednesday night. All trip leaders must attend the orientation and training weekend Sept 4 - Sept 7, 2026 in Moab.

Wilderness medical training certification (WFR/WFA) and activity-specific (i.e. climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, backcountry skiing) skills completion required to be eligible for financial compensation. Position is an unpaid shadow position until skills/certification requirements are met. Skills training time is paid.

If you love sharing outdoor experiences with others, want to develop leadership skills and have fun while working outdoors, this is the job for you! If you are just looking for a paycheck, best to consider other positions on campus.

Visit https://www.usu.edu/campusrec/outdoor/op-leadership for more information.

Looking to fill multi-year positions starting Spring/Summer. Applicants for fall will be considered but priority will be given to those in Logan for the summer. Initial on boarding/training may begin during the spring 2026 semester.

Qualifications:

Proficient in basic outdoor living skills and personal/professional experience in one of the following areas: backpacking, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, backcountry skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing or mountain biking. WFR/WFA certification or willingness to obtain within 1 year (required to be eligible for pay). Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must have valid driver's license and obtain State of Utah driver certification. Must be able to lift 50lbs and perform all physical tasks related to various outdoor activities without assistance. Must be able and willing to work during spring/fall break as well as holidays, nights and weekends.

Work Environment:

Outside work with changing weather conditions. Physically and mentally demanding. Must be able to take care of oneself in the outdoors in order to take care of participants. Must be able to lift 50lbs and perform all physical tasks related to various outdoor activities without assistance.