Outdoor Program - Assistant Director

Primary Responsibilities

St. Lawrence University seeks to fill a permanent, 10-month (August 1- May 31) position of Assistant Director in the Outdoor Program. As part of the Outdoor Leadership department, the Outdoor Program provides professional quality outdoor recreational and educational programming to the campus community, locally in the Adirondack Mountains, throughout North America, and internationally. Instruction and guiding is done with Outdoor Program professional staff and trained student guides unless outside guide services are required. Our goal within the Outdoor Program is to provide a safe and challenging environment for students to develop their leadership skills while encouraging responsible environmental and wilderness ethics. For a complete overview of programs currently offered, see the Outdoor Program website at



Position responsibilities include the following:

• Teach or co-teach 1-1.5 credits on campus in the Fall
• Teach or co-teach 1-1.5 credits, either on campus or in the field, during the Spring semester
• Team-teach the Advanced Topics of Outdoor Leadership Course (Guide Training) in Spring Semester
• Management of two of our campus facilities (indoor climbing wall, rental equipment, canoe livery)
• Supervision, management, and continued development of a technical skill program (climbing, paddling, skiing, biking); support staff in implementation of other skill programs
• Administrative duties related to departmental operation including oversight of student staff, outreach, system development, event and trip planning, field support and logistics, and other duties as assigned by department Directors (may include as-needed support for the ADK Semester and the Center for the Environment operations).
• Collaborate with and mentor the Outdoor Program Coordinator(s)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent educational experience
• 1-3 years of experience leading and instructing multi-day technical trips, leading extended wilderness trips, and teaching outdoor leadership
• Instructor training experience in one or more of the following disciplines: Rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, whitewater canoeing/kayaking/rafting, flatwater canoeing/kayaking, mountain biking
• Current certifications from professional industry organizations, Wilderness First Responder & CPR required by start of employment
• Experience as a climbing instructor or manager of a climbing wall facility

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience with organizations such as NOLS, Outward Bound, or similar programs including college outdoor programs
• Professional certifications from outdoor organizations (ACA, AMGA, PCIA, PSIA, PMBIA, etc.); Certification provider credentials (instructor trainer) for specified discipline
• Experience hiring and training student staff
• Master’s degree

Salary $51,961.67 Status (FT, PT, Seasonal, Temp) FT Seasonal

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

ST01496

Desired Start Date

08/01/2026

Open Date (to accept applications)

Close Date (date applications will not be considered)

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant

Interested and qualified applicants should complete the online application form uploading all required documents in the “applicant documents” section of the form. Also, copies of certifications should be submitted as “other documents” . Additionally, candidates should arrange for three reference letters to be sent, via email, to [email protected] .


Review of applications will begin immediately with priority review by May 15, 2026. Review will continue until position is filled. Questions about the position may be sent to Anna Carpenter, Director, at [email protected].


All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background (including criminal records) check.