Climbing Wall ENS Instructor

GENERAL PURPOSE: Under the supervision of the Aztec Recreation Climbing Supervisor, the Climbing ENS Instructor is responsible for teaching the fundamentals and/or the advanced skills of rock climbing for credit courses offered through the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences (ENS) and Aztec Recreation. The emphasis is to promote active, healthy living by teaching the knowledge and skills preparing students to successfully participate in climbing activities. This individual helps to ensure the diverse instructional needs of the San Diego State University students and Aztec Recreation members are met while emphasizing a safe, positive, and educational environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary Functions

• Instructs registered participants in basic bouldering, top rope rock climbing, and sport climbing. Explains and demonstrates the skills of rope management, anchor building, equipment use, body movement/positioning, safety practices, and proper etiquette associated with rock climbing. Includes topics of physical and mental fitness and goal setting with rock climbing.
• Develops and implements approved lesson plans and in accordance with the course syllabus, with learning outcomes appropriate for the skill level
• Measures learning outcomes and evaluates student growth/comprehension through technical skill assessments, written/oral assignments, quizzes & exams while following the grading policy outlined in the course syllabus
• Provides appropriate safety instruction and regularly inspects classroom/program environment and equipment to ensure safety
• Co-leads class day trips to a local rock climbing destination for students to apply their skills in an outdoor setting
• Completes administrative tasks such as communication with students, attendance sheets, incident reports, class evaluations, grading updates, and grade submissions
• Submits grades and other course materials by university and department deadlines
• Works with Aztec Recreation to advertise class (i.e. tabling, flyers, demos, etc.)
• Ensures all class cancellations are communicated promptly by contacting all participants/professional staff along with posting notifications in the appropriate areas
• Creates reports/presentations utilizing Windows XP, Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint as required/needed
• Uses university my.sdsu registration, SDSU Canvas, and Google systems for class communication and management
• Submits time card by 3:00 pm on the last day of the pay period
• Completes tasks as assigned/required
• Other duties assigned by supervisor

Customer Service and Collaboration

• Establishes and maintains working relationships with various A.S. and University departments and professionals
• Ensures all customer service standards are met; responds to physical, virtual, and verbal inquiries in timely manner
• Assists all customers with questions and/or comments
• If unable to assist, refers customers to someone who is knowledgeable
• Maintains positive and effective working relationships with all customers
• Informs supervisor of any customer issues

Safety

• Ensures all operations are conducted with safety of staff and customers as first priority, and in accordance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and other safety policies
• Adheres to Associated Students’ Code of Safe Practices
• Reports accidents to supervisor and reviews changes required to avoid reoccurrence; ensures proper documentation is completed for each accident (employee and/or non-employee) and forwards to supervisor
• Reports maintenance problems and/or broken and unsafe equipment to the appropriate party immediately
• Provides appropriate safety instruction and regularly inspects classroom/program environment and equipment to ensure safety
• Responds to emergencies according to established department procedures

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred in Physical Education, Recreation, Kinesiology/Exercise Science Health or a related field

Experience:

• Knowledge of indoor and outdoor rock climbing practices/principles and instruction required
• Previous participation in and teaching/facilitating/guiding experience required
• Must be able to physically lead and demonstrate the skill and/or activity
• Must be able to comfortably top rope climb at a 5.9 grade
• Previously lead climb at 5.8 grade or higher preferred
• Specific experiences in the fields of instruction: team building, backpacking, camping/hiking, and/or climbing preferred
• Must possess excellent customer service skills
• Proficient computer skills required
• Strong oral and written communication skills required
• Must have at least 12 months of indoor/outdoor climbing experience
• Experience working with a variety of groups of customers within a campus recreation setting desired

License & Certification:

• Current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certifications are required upon first day of work
• Climbing Wall Instructor Certification from a professional climbing industry organization/provider (AMGA, CWA, PCIA, etc.) preferred
• Other relevant outdoor skills certifications (WFR, WEMT, SPI, ACCT, ACA, etc.) preferred

Trainings:

• Must complete Gender Awareness, Computer Security, and Sexual Harassment Prevention trainings within 30 days of hire

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Must be punctual and regular in attendance: arrive on time and ready for the workday
• Must be able to work with confidential items and understand the importance of confidentiality in project work
• Must meet commitments and complete tasks satisfactorily by demonstrating thoroughness, completeness, follow through on presentation and appearance of work
• Must be able to develop and maintain quality effective working relationships with staff and customers within the diverse campus community
• Must be able to work independently and stay focused under pressure in stressful situations
• Must be able to exercise tact and exhibit sound professional judgment at all times
• Must be able to work efficiently and show initiative
• Must be able to physically lead and demonstrate the skill and/or activity
• Must be accurate and pay attention to detail with strong organizational skills
• Must be able to follow oral and written directions and follow projects through to completion

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Evidence of and ability to articulate a strong, current, practical knowledge of climbing programming
• Knowledge of climbing safety rescue procedures required
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving participants with patience, good judgment, and with diplomacy expected
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people effectively and diplomatically
• Ability to manage information flow prioritizing tasks effectively (including internal, external and participant communication)
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to relate and communicate effectively with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, colleagues and guests
• Must have strong English language skills and the ability to read, write and verbally communicate at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
• Proficient computer skills required
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a part-time position, approximately 3 hours per week for each course with a maximum 20 hours per week during academic term. Employees are responsible for their own travel to work locations, both on campus and off campus, for all shifts.

COURSE TIMES:

2024 Fall Semester: August 27-November 14

*Each course includes 12 instructional sessions and 1 day trip outing

• Beginning Rock Climbing
  • Thursday 11:00am-12:40pm
• Intermediate Rock Climbing
  • Thursday 9:00am-10:40am

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While working indoors, the lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment with standard office equipment available and at the climbing wall. Possible exposure to distracting/uncomfortable noise levels may require hearing protection to be worn when performing duties.

When working outdoors for program activities, exposure to sun, heat, wind, rain, weather and other outdoor elements is expected. Outdoor areas will include trails, campgrounds, field areas, lakes, rivers, pools, and challenge courses located in forested areas.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include but are not limited to: walking, walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working at height, and working in confined space, lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying loads up to 50 pounds (unassisted) and 75 pounds (with assistance), and using ladders. Work may require standing and moving for extended periods.

RELATIONSHIPS

Inside the Organization:

• Reports to Aztec Adventures – Climbing Supervisor
• Works closely with Aztec Adventures Program Assistant(s) and other instructors
• Further interactions include other full-time staff within Aztec Recreation, including, but not limited to Executive Associate Director, Associate Director of Recreation, Operations Supervisor, Member Services Coordinator, Assistant Director of Competitive Sports and Outdoor Programs, Competitive Sports Supervisors, Building Services Coordinator, Building Services Engineers, Member Services and Operations Manager, Fitness & Wellness Coordinator, Fitness & Wellness Supervisor, Aquaplex Manager, Marketing Manager, and Office Coordinator
• Additional interactions may include part-time staff within Aztec Recreation

EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY: Part-time, starting rate per hour of class time based on qualifications and experience. The starting rate is $25-40/hour for class instruction time

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with Associated Students. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students employees who apply for the position.

MVR and DMV record review is required for positions that drive university vehicles and/or passengers for program related trips.