Sea Kayak and Tripping Coordinator

The Sea Kayak and Tripping Coordinator will design, create, plan, implement and evaluate the Recreational Sports Outdoor Program (RSOP) Sea Kayak and Outdoor Trips programs. This role develops programs with a wide range of audiences in mind, including UMD students, community members, external organizations, and underrepresented populations. This position is responsible for instruction in sea kayak skills, outdoor education and outdoor skills. The Sea Kayak and Tripping Coordinator supports the mission and activities of RSOP through whole-unit, campus and community involvement.

Location and Work Environment: Located at the University of Minnesota Duluth, this in-person position extends outside of the office to provide staff training, trip guiding, and outdoor skills instruction in settings that include Lake Superior, Apostle Islands, Duluth Harbor, St. Louis River Estuary, Bagley Nature Center, Boulder Lake ELC, etc. Sea kayak and grounds maintenance occur at UMD's Boat Shed on Park Point and our Surf Shack at the mouth of the Lester River (UMD Limnology Building).

Work Schedule: In order to meet the demands and expectations of this position, work hours may vary greatly from day-to-day, week-to-week and season-to-season, and include some evenings and weekends. This position is eligible for overtime pay.

Review of applications will begin on Monday, March 16th, 2026.

Salary Range: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 annually.

To assess that the candidates have the necessary on-water sea kayaking skills to safely guide, instruct, and train students and staff, we would like to include a short paddle outing as part of the interview process for finalists, as has been done in the past. This will be contingent on wind and weather, following American Canoe Association venue limits for a Level 3 Certified Coastal Kayak Instructor.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Sea Kayak Program Coordination and Delivery - 35%
  • Teach sea kayaking courses to UMD students and the regional community (i.e. Basic Strokes and Rescues, Rolling and Bracing, etc.)
  • Lead outings as needed for UMD students, regional youth camp partners, and the greater regional community. Outings could include harbor tours, extended sea kayak camping trips, semester break trips (October and March), and local and regional day trips to premier paddling locations on Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands, and the St. Louis River Estuary
  • Conduct American Canoe Association Skills Assessments and Instructor Certification Workshops in coastal kayaking
  • Assemble calendar of sea kayak programs in partnership with student staff (school year, student-facing programs), and local and regional partners (summer contracts for single and multi-day programs)
  • Maintain, improve, identify long term needs of RSOP off campus facilities and all sea kayaking equipment
  • Teach academic courses that could include sea kayaking and outdoor education (0- 4 credits per semester on a rotating basis)

• Outdoor Trips Program Coordination and Delivery - 35%
  • Plan and coordinate First-Year Outdoor Trips logistics: this includes venue and transportation booking, guide recruitment and hiring, planning the format of programs, and homebase support during First Year Trips
  • Assist with planning, coordination, and implementation of outdoor trips throughout the year to include school year overnights and break trips. This may occasionally include guiding
  • Instruct and assist with other outdoor and adventure education programs as experience and expertise allows, which could include surf, snow kite, whitewater paddling, flatwater canoeing, climbing, winter camping, naturalist programs, etc.

• Student Supervision and Development 20%
  • Recruit, hire and supervise student-employees for sea kayaking and tripping roles
  • Train in sea kayak staff, and coordinate the Outdoor Program professional team to deliver training and development to student staff and volunteers who guide trips, including first-year trips, break trips, and OP school year program offerings
  • Actively contribute to increasing inclusiveness of all RSOP activities through staff training, outreach and relationship building with diverse and underrepresented audiences
  • Approve student staff work hours
  • Assist with RSOP recognition events

• Administration 10%
  • Plan and monitor sea kayak and trips program budgets; to include purchasing, receipt reconciliation, monitor billing and track payments o Assess and evaluate the sea kayaking and trips programs to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and training needs
  • Collaborate to create, monitor, assess and update policies and practices in all aspects of outdoor recreation, including risk management
  • Provide timely and supportive communication to participants and customers on how to be prepared for their upcoming program
  • Manage permits (application, reporting, fees), including the Commercial Use Authorization with Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and the Commercial Operators Permit with the City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department
  • Represent RSOP on campus and community committees and external collaborations

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS plus at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least 6 years
• Experience in teaching sea kayaking
• Valid US Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications:

• American Canoe Association Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification
• Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Experience with a variety of outdoor activities that could include surf, snow kite, whitewater paddling, flatwater canoeing, climbing, winter camping, naturalist programs, etc.
• Demonstrated experience with staff supervision
• Master's degree in outdoor education-related field

Recreational Sports Outdoor Program fosters active, healthy lifestyles and connections to the natural world. RSOP employs over 200 student staff to serve a student body of close to 10,000 students, as well as faculty, staff, and the region with outstanding recreation programs that support student wellbeing, contribute to sense of belonging, and promote retention. In addition to intramurals, sports clubs, fitness classes, personal training, summer youth day camps, a campground, and an outdoor equipment rental center, RSOP features climbing, surf, snow kiting, sea kayaking, whitewater paddling, multi-day camping excursions, and naturalist programming in world class local locations. To accomplish this, the department employs multiple outdoor adventure specialists in climbing, paddle surf kite, and sea kayaking.

Pay Range: $50,000 - $60,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).