Career Instructor - Outdoor Pursuits Program

Department: Physical Education and Recreation
Rank: Instructor
Annual Basis: 9 Month

Review of Applications Begins

February 3, 2025; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

For consideration in this search, applicants must submit a complete application which includes the following materials:

-Cover letter which expresses your interest in the position and specifically addresses how you meet the requirements. Please refer to the minimum qualifications, professional competencies and preferred qualifications contained within the job announcement. Describe how your skills, abilities and experience allow you to meet and/or exceed these requirements. Provide appropriate examples to show details and experience. Please discuss each element completely, but succinctly.

-Current resume with detailed employment history, including the month and year for the start and end dates of each role.

-Names and contact information for three professional references, one of which is current or , if not currently working, a most recent supervisor. Note, candidates will be notified prior to references being contacted.

Questions regarding the application procedure can be sent to:
Patty Smith
Executive Assistant
Department of Physical Education and Recreation
plsmith@uoregon.edu, 541-346-1041

Department Summary

The Physical Education and Recreation Department (PE and Rec) plays a vital role at the University of Oregon in educating, engaging, and inspiring the campus community to live active, balanced lives! As part of the Division of Student Life, we expand learning beyond the classroom and facilitate positive experiences to support physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, as well as student success. We actively cultivate a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment at the Student Rec Center that honors diverse needs and encourages people of all abilities and backgrounds to participate.

PE and Rec offers world-class facilities, a long tradition of curricular-based physical education classes, and a growing and diverse set of programs, but what really sets the department apart is the culture co-created by the people who work here. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and social justice and foster a diverse and culturally-aware community. PE and Rec team members are cooperative and collaborative, both within and outside the department, and we strive for excellence in everything we do for our community. We demonstrate integrity in our interactions and challenge each other to continually grow and develop. We also can’t fail to mention that we have a lot of fun together!

We encourage candidates to apply who have demonstrated capacity to create inclusive environments, work effectively on teams, and serve an increasingly diverse University of Oregon campus community.

Position Summary

This instructor position in the Outdoor Pursuits program is a 9-month career faculty position responsible for leadership and instruction in wilderness medicine, rock climbing, backcountry, and leadership training courses. This role involves overseeing curriculum development, teaching various outdoor pursuits classes, and managing weekend outings.

The instructor will advise and mentor 4-10 student leaders, and plan and lead 3-5 weekend outings per term. These outings require advance scouting, route planning, weather assessment, and implementation of safety protocols. The position also entails managing equipment, coordinating transportation, and overseeing equipment rentals and loans.

In addition to instructional duties, this position will contribute to program administration by assisting with hiring practices, scholarship decisions, equipment management, and budgetary planning. Departmental responsibilities include serving on committees, attending meetings, and participating in institutional initiatives.

This position involves student advising and oversight of student leaders but does not include formal supervision responsibilities. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Physical Education – Outdoor Pursuits.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in physical education or related field.
• Experience, expertise and/or certification in outdoor adventure and three (3) years of experience instructing to groups of 10 or more.
• Experience with risk management application in outdoor education, to effectively mitigate risk and promote safety in accordance with industry standards, teach high quality outdoor pursuits courses, and oversee the safe operation of the Wilderness Medicine Program.
• Two (2) years of experience in mentoring, advising,