Part-Time Adjunct Instructor at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana

Job Description:

Department



IU OUTDOOR ADVENTURES (BA-IUOA-IUBLA)



Department Information



Exceptional is the type of experience we strive to provide every participant at IU Recreational Sports Outdoor Adventures! It is as simple as a warm smile, a genuine interest in people and a belief in the importance of our mission. Just as we have something for everyone in terms of programs and activities, we also have employment opportunities that will develop skills that can benefit you as a professional no matter where life takes you.


Join Indiana University's Recreational Sports Outdoor Adventures team and be a part of our mission to connect, inform, and inspire people to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. We serve over 36,000 students, faculty, staff, and public participants annually. Our programs utilize 2 multipurpose facilities (housing over 400,000 square feet of activity space), 3 indoor pools, an outdoor pool complex, an indoor tennis center, an outdoor adventure center and numerous outdoor activity spaces. Our team consists of 46 professional staff members, and over 800 hourly staff members.


When you join our team, you become part of an organization that prioritizes collaboration, strong business practices, excellence in all areas and student development. Student employees and participants are encouraged to be involved in decision-making and leadership. You can expect to have opportunities for personal and professional growth in a fun and exciting environment at Recreational Sports Outdoor Adventures.



Job Summary



The Indiana University Outdoor Adventures Program is seeking dynamic and motivated Adjunct Instructors to teach academic courses, lead outdoor recreation trips, mentor student trip leaders, foster a positive and inclusive environment, and engage students in experiential learning. This position offers a unique opportunity to guide outdoor adventures, provide academic instruction on outdoor skills, and develop future leaders through mentorship.


Department Specific Responsibilities

• Fosters student engagement, safety, and growth in the context of outdoor activities while contributing to the academic and experiential education of the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and leaders.


• Plans, leads, and facilitates outdoor trips such as backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing for students, and staff.


• Ensures the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of participants by providing clear instructions, managing group dynamics, and responding to emergencies when necessary.


• Shares knowledge on outdoor skills, environmental stewardship, and Leave No Trace principles, creating a learning environment for participants and student trip leaders.


• Collaborates with other Trip Leaders and Outdoor Adventure staff in trip planning, gear preparation, and risk management.


• Completes all necessary documentation, including trip reports, incident reports, and equipment inventories.


• Promotes inclusivity, diversity, and environmental sustainability in all trip activities.


• Teaches academic courses related to outdoor recreation and leadership, such as outdoor skills, adventure programming, and environmental education.


• Develops and implements course materials, including syllabi, assignments, and assessments.


• Works directly with the Academic Coordinator and course leader team to develop class itineraries, plan course routes, complete waivers, group gear forms and risk management plans, grade student papers and respond to student questions and concerns.


• Provides in-class instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and guidance for students enrolled in Outdoor Adventure courses.


• Fosters a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds.


• Mentors and supports student trip leaders by providing guidance on leadership, outdoor skills, group management, and safety protocols.


• Offers regular feedback and conduct debrief sessions to help student leaders grow in their roles.


• Assists with the development of student leadership opportunities within the program.

Qualifications



EDUCATION



Required

• High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED)

WORK EXPRIENCE



Required

• Previous experience in outdoor leadership, guiding, or instructing

Preferred

• Experience teaching outdoor education or recreation-related academic courses


• Background in environmental education, sustainability, or outdoor program administration


• Previous experience working with college students or youth groups in outdoor settings

LICENSES ANC CERTIFICATES



Required

• Certification in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR), or the ability to obtain certification prior to leading trips


• Current CPR certification or ability to obtain certification

Preferred

• Certifications in relevant outdoor skills or leadership courses

SKILLS



Required

• Ability to work well with diverse groups and foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants


• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills


• Willingness to teach beginner students and design realistic learning outcomes


• Experience in outdoor recreation, including hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, or other relevant outdoor activities. Strong technical expertise in 1 or more areas desired


• Ability to complete an Instructor-level skills rubric in specialty areas

Working Conditions / Demands



Availability for trips, teaching, and student mentorship throughout the academic year, including weekends and some weekdays. This includes time in field and classroom settings. Hours vary depending on course.


Must be able to move heavy loads, work in outdoor conditions, and manage physical and mental challenges in remote environments.



Work Hours



Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends.



Benefits Overview



For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance


• Health savings account with generous IU contributions


• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts


• Basic group life insurance paid by IU


• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance


• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting


• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options


• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses


• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year


• Generous paid time off plans


• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events


• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.



Job Classification



Career Level: Part Time Employee


FLSA: Nonexempt


Job Function: Part Time Employee


Job Family: Part Time Employee


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Posting Disclaimer



This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.


If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.



Equal Employment Opportunity



Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.



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