Definition and Purpose

The Coordinator I—Outdoor Recreation oversees all aspects of the ASI Poly Escapes Outdoor Recreation Program, including the ASI Climbing Park, ASI Rental Center, and ASI Trips Program. This role is responsible for risk management, budget oversight, student staff leadership and development, and gear and equipment inventory management. The Coordinator supports the delivery of safe, accessible, and engaging outdoor experiences that promote student well-being and community.

This position is based at the Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Requirements

Educational/License/Credential Requirements

• Graduation from a four-year college or university (8 years applicable experience may be substituted for educational requirement).
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification is required within 60 days of employment.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum three (3) years of experience, five (5) years preferred, that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience coordinating outdoor recreational trips and managing outdoor program safety and risk management protocols.
• Experience in budgeting and fiscal management.
• Supervisory experience required.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge across a variety of outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, surfing, kayaking, and related activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of rock climbing methods, including traditional and artificial wall systems, facility operations, and instructional practices.
• Knowledge of outdoor recreation equipment, including maintenance, repair, and inventory practices.
• Strong knowledge of safety and risk management principles and emergency response protocol.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills in dynamic, high-risk environments.
• Strong leadership skills to train, mentor, and develop student staff.
• Effective communication, organization, problem-solving, and adaptability skills.
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial tracking, and inventory management practices.
• Ability to work independently within program areas and collaboratively with teams and campus partners.
• Program assessment skills to support an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and administrative systems.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise the Student Manager—Poly Escapes, Trip Leaders, Climbing Park Supervisors, Frontline Services Student Assistants—Poly Escapes, and Office Student Assistant—Poly Escapes.

Outdoor Program Operations

• Oversee all aspects of the ASI Poly Escapes Outdoor Recreation Program, including the Climbing Park, Rental Center, and Trips program.
• Develop accessible and engaging program offerings that encourage outdoor participation and support the development and well-being of students.
• Ensure programs operate safely, effectively, and in alignment with established policies and procedures.
• Monitor program staffing coverage, scheduling needs, and day-to-day communication.
• Develop, update, and maintain policies, procedures, and operational documentation.

Planning & Logistics

• Plan and coordinate program calendars and trip offerings.
• Coordinate trip logistics including itineraries, transportation, permits, reservations, and contingency plans.
• Develop and maintain training schedules, certification tracking, and leadership development opportunities.
• Anticipate seasonal and peak program needs through short- and long-term planning.

Risk Management

• Conduct ongoing risk assessments for trips, climbing activities, and rental center operations.
• Make real-time decisions regarding trip modifications, cancellations, or emergency responses based on environmental conditions, participant readiness, and equipment status.
• Ensure compliance with CSU, Cal Poly, ASI, and departmental risk management policies.
• Review and respond to incidents, near misses, and safety documentation.

Student Staff Leadership

• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and mentorship for ASI Poly Escapes student staff.
• Foster a culture of leadership development, accountability, and professional growth.
• Assess student staff performance and training effectiveness through observations and debrief meetings to inform future training, policy updates, and operational adjustments.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and monitor budgets across program areas and track expenditures.
• Manage purchasing and inventory for the rental center, climbing park, and trips program.
• Research vendors, obtain quotes, and coordinate purchases for replacements, restocks, and new inventory.
• Assess equipment needs, condition, usage, and replacement cycles to inform purchasing decisions.

Assessment & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the development and implementation of assessment tools for Outdoor Recreation programs.
• Evaluate program effectiveness using participation data, incident reports, and staff feedback.
• Use assessment outcomes to inform program improvements, innovations, planning, and operational changes across ASI Poly Escapes programs.
• Ensure program offerings remain responsive to the needs and interests of students.

Collaboration

• Regularly communicate policies, expectations, and safety information to participants and staff.
• Support marketing and communication efforts to promote ASI Poly Escapes program offerings.
• Stay current on innovative trends and best practices in outdoor recreation and student development through collaboration with industry networks and partners.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Represent ASI on the Student Manager Development Team (SMDT).
• The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in ASI policy as a condition of their employment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Background Check

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. ASI will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current ASI employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Benefits

Salary Schedule

• Starting Annual Salary: $78,139.31
• Annual Salary Range: $78,139.31 - $125,022.90
• Premium Overtime: No
• Shift Differential: No
• Exempt

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Social Security (FICA)
• Paid State Holidays
• Vacation Time
• Sick Leave
• Personal Holiday
• Birthday Holiday
• Worker’s Compensation Insurance
• Unemployment Insurance

Location: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.

Date of Last Equity Review:  11/2024

Date revised:  7/23/2066

The Associated Students, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.