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Cornell University

We're Hiring!

A team of belayers on the challenge course
We currently have openings available for:

Click here to APPLY!

Or, send a resume and cover letter to:

Matt Kager, Challenge Course Coordinator, at mtk74@cornell.edu or teambuilding@cornell.edu 

New Staff Training ScheduleStudents and community members are welcome to attend staff training.  Complete the application above or sign up by contacting our Leadership Programs Coordinator and email teambuilding@cornell.edu
Focus of TrainingDatesTime
Portable Element TrainingTBA 
Spring Low Elements and Facilitation TrainingApril 20th and 21st, 20248:30 am to 6 pm (weekend)
Spring High Element Skills TrainingMay 4th and 5th, 20248:30 am to 6 pm (weekend)
Tower Training (by invitation only)TBD- May 202410 am-3:30 pm
Rescue Training (by invitation only)TBD- May 202410 am-3:30 pm
Summer Low Element and Facilitation TrainingJune 1st and 2nd, 20248:30 am to 6pm (weekend)
Summer High Element Skills TrainingJune 8th and 9th, 20248:30 am to 6 pm (weekend)

 


Group of students standing at a low element while a challenge course facilitator in a red shirt leads a discussion.

Challenge Course Facilitator​ 

One of the coolest jobs at Cornell is certainly working as an instructor for Cornell Outdoor Education. The Cornell Team & Leadership Center hires and trains students, staff, and community members to facilitate icebreakers, low element teambuilding, and high element challenge course programs. Multiple positions are open. We are offering free Low and High Initiative trainings for those who are interested in Cornell Team & Leadership Center and have the intent to work for us. No previous experience on a challenge course is required, though previous experience as either a staff or participant on a challenge course is preferred. The trainings take place over two full days at the Hoffman Challenge Course. For those looking to expand their challenge course skillset, there may be an opportunity to participate in a single day of training for the tower elements - the Zip Line and the King Swing. Following the trainings, each facilitator is expected to TA 3 low and 3 high programs. During the TA time, you will verify your skills, and receive feedback from the Lead Facilitator. Once you and the Lead Facilitator agree on your readiness, you can start facilitating for pay. For some people with experience, it may take less than 3 programs, for others with less or no experience, it may take more than 3 programs.

Click here to apply!

Qualifications & Skills

  • Experience with rock climbing or ropes course facilitation is preferred but not required
  • Excellent personal leadership and communication skills 
  • Flexible, resourceful, creative
  • Team player and a great collaborator
  • Able to work independently
  • Able to manage large groups of people 
  • Compassionate
  • Energetic and willingness to jump in on tasks
  • Interested in personal growth, leadership development and learning
  • Able to engage with diverse groups of people of different backgrounds, ages and interests
  • Must have reliable and independent means of transportation to get to the ropes course facility which is located in Freeville NY.
  • Must be comfortable working outdoors 
  • Ideal candidates are engaged, focused and attentive

Benefits

  • Very flexible work schedule
  • Professional development and mentoring opportunities
  • Work outdoors
  • Discounted enrollment on many COE courses, including First Aid, CPR, and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
  • Eligible for FREE Lindseth Climbing Center pass
  • FREE and discounted use of many other rental items from COE Outfitting
  • Make a difference in the lives of Cornell University Students and the Ithaca Community

Four student coordinators standing outside in the snow next to a Cornell Outdoor Education sign

Student Coordinator - Summer/Fall Semester

CLOSED

The CTLC Student Coordinator is a part-time position (10 hours per week when class is in session) for a current Cornell University student who desires the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the business/administration side of outdoor education. This position entails significant responsibilities for all aspects of the Cornell Team & Leadership Center operations and services, including sales, client relations, marketing, contract management, scheduling, and staffing. This position may entail occasional weekend and evening responsibilities. This person will co-coordinate with one of our current Student Coordinators for the semester.

Click here to apply via the Workday Student Employment Portal!

Responsibilities

 

  • Sales: Connect with clients, sell programs and answer inquiries about CTLC
  • Client relations: Take primary responsibility for maintaining client relationships, specifically student organizations. Responsibilities include returning phone calls and emails promptly, creating group contracts, distributing information sheets for program participants, and following up with evaluation summaries. In general, keeping clients informed and satisfied is the role to be played.
  • Administration: Create and manage course folders, which consist of waivers, evaluations, log forms, incident reports, etc.
  • Scheduling: Schedule all programs at the Hoffman Challenge Course, Barton Challenge Course, and portable programs on relevant calendars. Schedule vans and any other necessary facilities.
  • Staffing: Arrange staffing of student programs through email and phone contacts, generate staff contracts from CTLC database, and track Staff certifications and training. 
  • Program Assistance: Assist the CTLC Director, Challenge Course Programs Coordinator, and Leadership Programs Coordinator in all aspects of coordination and implementation of CTLC programs, including but not limited to professional programs, facility maintenance, and special projects as needed.

 

Qualifications

  • Strong organizational skills
  • Computer proficiency 
  • Excellent personal leadership and communication skills 
  • Flexible, energetic, team player
  • Working knowledge of the Cornell Team & Leadership Center helpful
  • Previous experience in facilitating teambuilding programs helpful

 

Benefits

  • Real, hands-on work experience running all aspects of a growing outdoor program serving 8,000 people per year 
  • Support, supervision, responsibility and opportunities for professional development
  • Make a difference in the lives of Cornell University Students and the Ithaca Community
  • Discount on COE classes, rentals, programs, Lindseth Climbing Center passes and more!