Graduate Assistant: Climbing Wall and Operations at Ohio University

Ohio University Posts Opening for Graduate Assistant in Outdoor Pursuits and Climbing Wall Operations

Ohio University reported an active recruitment for a Graduate Assistant to manage the campus climbing wall, outdoor gear, and trip programming through the Outdoor Pursuits department. The position, designated under posting number 20161780STD, requires applicants to be enrolled as graduate students in an Ohio University academic program and carries an annual stipend of $13,500.

The role involves overseeing daily administration for the university’s outdoor recreation offerings, including logistics, gear management, challenge course administration, and staff supervision. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and commit to an expected workload totaling 300 hours per semester, which averages roughly 20 hours per week.

Submit References and Applications to Hans Rudolph

Applicants must submit an online application along with a cover letter detailing their qualifications, a resume or curriculum vitae, and a list of at least three professional references. This reference list must include current or prior supervisors with complete contact details. Hans Rudolph, Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation and Education, is handling inquiries regarding the position at [email protected].

Graduate Assistant: Climbing Wall and Operations at Ohio University

The contract spans one full year with the possibility of a second year, subject to departmental needs and graduate program restrictions. Successful candidates must report to Athens, Ohio, for onboarding, training, and semester preparation in August. While the department provides the $13,500 stipend, tuition waivers are not guaranteed and remain dependent on separate approval from the student’s specific academic department. A job offer itself is contingent upon official acceptance into an Ohio University graduate program.

Qualifications and Departmental Expectations

The Outdoor Pursuits Graduate Assistant will manage indoor climbing wall facilities, handle equipment inventory and billing, and coordinate challenge course programs. While not mandatory for application, preferred qualifications include an undergraduate degree in education, recreation, or a related field, alongside current certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR), First Aid, CPR, and AED. Desirable outdoor credentials include association with groups like the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), the American Canoe Association (ACA), or Leave No Trace (LNT).

The position requires a mix of desk administration and active field-based work across all weather conditions, which may include overnight trips. The application window opened on October 8, 2026, and closes on November 24, 2026.