UWILD First Year Adventure Instructor
Department Description
UW Recreation is a department within the Division of Student Life. We provide safe, accessible, and dynamic recreation experiences to engage students in growth and wellbeing. UW Recreation serves over one million students, faculty, and staff each academic year through informal and formal recreation, including fitness and sports classes, intramural and club sports, outdoor education, mindfulness programs, and more.
Diversity Statement
At the University of Washington, diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity and justice for all.
Job Description
Under the supervision of the UWild Program Manager, the Instructor is responsible for operating the UWild Adventures program. Examples of duties include instructing and co-instructing outdoor trips ranging from 3-7 days, teaching program curriculum, maintaining and controlling program equipment, managing risk, and responding to emergency situations.
Educational Benefits
UW Recreation provides student employees with a meaningful work experience. As a part of our Husky Experience initiative, student employees will engage in a variety of experiences including staff orientation and trainings, leadership development workshops, social justice roundtables, service projects, and social gatherings to build connections across the department with peers and professional staff. Some intended learning competencies that will be developed in this position include:
Analysis/evaluation
Idea generation
Problem solving
Decision making
Scope of competence
Receiving/providing feedback
Productive relationships
Appropriate interaction
Customer service
Motivation
Supervision
Collaboration
Inclusion
Verbal, non-verbal, listening, and written communication
Conflict negotiation/resolution
Goals, plan, organization
Initiative
Functioning independently
Follow-through
Positive attitude
Confidence
Excellence
Minimum Qualifications
- University of Washington matriculated student
- At least two years of personal outdoor experience
- Basic knowledge in hiking, backpacking, and kayaking
- Ability to hike trails with steep climbs, mud, rocks, roots, and sand
- Passion for outdoor activities and natural environments
- Strong problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations
- Great interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with students
- Flexibility in adapting to changing schedules, weather conditions, and guest needs
- Ability to lead and work as part of a team to ensure guests' safety and enjoyment
- Valid UW Driver Safety Training (can be completed after hiring)
- Wilderness medicine certifications (not required but preferred)
- Ability to work all summer (July- September)
Pay Rate:
The starting daily rate is $180 for 2025.
Application Instructions
Apply through Handshake.
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
The University of Washington prohibits sex discrimination and sex-based harassment in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns, make complaints, or direct inquiries to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at: uw.edu/titleix/title-ix-notice/.
The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206.543.6450/V, 206.543.6452/TTY, 206.685.7264 (FAX), or dso@uw.edu.