Adjunct Instructor of Rock Climbing

We're hiring an Adjunct Instructor of Rock Climbing

Lifetime Leisure Skills Department

Description of Position

The Adjunct Instructor of Rock Climbing will provide instruction, evaluation, and feedback to students enrolled in LLS:1200 - Introduction to Rock Climbing. This 1-credit-hour course consists of three class meetings. There is a 50-minute introductory meeting on the Wednesday evening prior to the weekend portion of the course that covers course requirements, expectations, itinerary, and other logistics. Saturday is spent teaching studentsthe basics oftop-rope climbing and belaying at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center's 52-foot indoor climbing wall. On Sunday, the class will travel to Pictured Rocks County Park to put their skillsto useon various outdoor climbs. If weather does not allow for outdoor climbing on Sunday,class will take place atthe indoor climbing wall.

This course is designed to give students the knowledge and skills to perform basic climbing movements and safely belay a climber on top rope. Topics covered include rock climbing safety, terminology, equipment, technique, knots, communication, and top-rope belay mechanics. Topics such as lead climbing, multi-pitch climbing, rappelling, and anchor-building are not covered in this class. No overnight camping is involved or required in this course.

In addition to teaching the material listed above, the adjunct instructor will be responsible for transporting students to Pictured Rocks County Park (one hour from campus) in a university-owned vehicle, setting up & taking down top-rope anchors for the outdoor climbs, and managing the safety of the students while at the climbing sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop and/or provide course materials for instruction, including demonstrations, readings, syllabi, handouts, projects, papers, tests, and hands-on activities
• Be present for the entirety of the course and available to respond to emergencies
• Teach outdoors in a variety of circumstances and weather conditions
• Demonstrate and model correct techniques and best practices
• Promote general safety and welfare of students
• Evaluate students on their progression and development of technical skills taught throughout the course. Share feedback and provide individual instruction as needed.
• Organize, load/unload, properly care for and maintain equipment
• Ensure indoor and outdoor classroom spaces are left clean and ready for next group/class to use. Report any instances of substandard conditions to DEO.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and developmental feedback to course assistants
• Drive passenger vehicle to and from field locations (may include driving a trailer)
• Set up and take down anchors for outdoor climbs
• Respond to student emails/communications in a prompt and professional manner
• Inform students - verbally and in writing - of the LLS department's attendance requirements
• Utilize ICON to aid in students' academic experience
• Assign grades to students upon completion of the course. Submit grades to DEO following university deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or extensive experience in discipline area
• Relevant education and experience in rock climbing; technical proficiency in anchor building, top rope climbing, and lead climbing (sport - single pitch); proficiency in proper use and care of climbing and climbing related equipment; previous experience in instruction of rock climbing
• Must be comfortable working at heights up to - and, potentially, in excess of - 50 vertical feet
• Must be able to lead climb (sport) a single pitch of 5.8 or higher in difficulty
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification or higher (or ability to obtain prior to courses beginning)
• Effective Communication Skills:

Must possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Leadership:

Demonstrated leadership skills

• Successfully pass a criminal background check
• Successfully pass a driving history review and complete required driver safety courses
• Ability to use independent judgment and possess strong problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in outdoor recreation, recreation management/administration, or related field of study
• Single Pitch Instructor certification from a reputable agency such as AMGA or PCIA
• Advanced to Expert level experience in practicing and teaching rock climbing
• Wilderness First Aid certification or higher from a reputable agency such as NOLS or SOLO
• Leave No Trace Trainer certification
• Relevant experience teaching in a postsecondary setting and coordinating academic course curricula