We are looking for students who value community, diversity and student wellbeing to join our dynamic team of over 600 JMU students who are committed to Motivating Madison into Motion!  

We invite all students, from all majors and backgrounds to learn more and apply for UREC’s open positions below. There are a wide range of entry level student positions available with no previous experience required. UREC also hires for specialized positions that have pre-requisite certifications or training. All student employees undergo comprehensive training and are provided opportunities for professional development and advancement.

UREC is now hiring for the positions listed below! Applications for the positions below are posted until filled on JMU Joblink.

• Water Safety Instructor - Apply now!
• Emergency Responder - Apply now!
• Adventure TEAM Challenge Course Facilitator - Apply now!
• Certified Personal Trainer - Apply now!

Apply on JMU JobLink

Where and how can I apply? 

Applicants must apply on JMU JobLink for consideration.

What are the basic requirements to be hired?

To be hired, students must be degree-seeking (enrolled on at least a half-time basis - 6 credits for undergraduate; 5 credits for graduate), in good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or over), and present documentation of their identity (inclulding a Social Security Card or equivalent for international students).

When does UREC hire students?

There are two main periods of time that UREC hires student employees. This timeline ensures time for completing hiring paperwork, processing hiring paperwork, and training new employees.

Periodically, there may be jobs posted in between these hiring periods. These positions will be posted on JMU Joblink. 

UREC student employee training takes place before classes begin in the Fall, during Orientation. Incoming new JMU students interested in working at UREC are encouraged to apply after completing Orientation at JMU. 

The following UREC student employee positions are entry-level positions, meaning you can apply for these positions without any prior UREC experience, and, if there are required certifications, you may complete the certification after being offered the position.

Adventure Camp Counselors
Adventure Camp Counselor responsibilities include providing a safe and enjoyable environment for campers between the ages of 9 and 14, facilitate/lead activities that promote life-long learning, recreation and wellness as well as assist with administrative camp duties. One must obtain a current CPR and First Aid certification prior to first day of employment, Wilderness First Aid is preferred. Prior experience with hiking, canoeing, rock climbing and stand up paddle boarding preferred. Must be able to attend training week in the summer as well as each session. Previous camp experience is preferred. Contact the Assistant Director for Adventure and TEAM Programs for more information.

Adventure Specialists
Responsible for participant experiences at the UREC climbing walls. Staff will belay participants, teach climbing and belaying basics, and monitor participants in the Adventure Center and Atrium Climbing Wall. Experience belaying is recommended as well as personal outdoor experience. Hours are 5-15 per week.  Contact the Coordinator of Adventure and Camp Specialist for more information.

Adventure Service Specialists
Responsible for managing the check in and check out process of the Adventure Center, Rentals and Climbing. Staff will play an active role in the maintenance and upkeep of the adventure equipment and service areas. Staff will also assist participants with entering, exiting, and utilizing the bike repair area. Willingness to learn about adventure equipment is a must, personal adventure experience is not required. Hours are 5-15 per week. Contact Assistant Director for Adventure and TEAM Programs for more information.

Cooking Instructors
Cooking Instructors will develop and instruct cooking classes in the UREC Demonstration Kitchen, develop and present nutrition related educational programming and assist with the facilitation of special events and workshops. Senior dietetics majors will also be eligible to complete Nutrition Analysis appointments. Background in Dietetics, Health Science, Health Promotion, Public Health or Hospitality is recommended. Contact the Assistant Director for Fitness and Nutrition for more information.

Event Operation Specialists
Responsible for managing special events in UREC facilities and satellite areas. Events will include but are not limited to; youth birthday parties, sport club events, non-JMU group events, and JMU student group and organization events. Event Operation Specialists assist with set up and tear down of equipment and areas within the facility as well as housekeeping needs for events. They ensure that all special event participants are following all UREC policies and procedures. They solve problems and make decisions regarding event concerns and issues to include communication with the event’s contact person, Operation Supervisors, Graduate Assistants and other staff as needed. One must obtain a current CPR and First Aid certification prior to first day of employment. Contact the Coordinator for Reservations and Events for more information.

Facilities Assistants
Facilities Assistants will work alongside the Facilities Manager to perform required maintenance and risk management inspections at University Park, East Campus Fields, Mauck Stadium, Godwin Hall, and the Auxiliary Gym in Memorial Hall. They will also assist with field painting and maintaining facility aesthetics. Contact the Facilities Manager for more information.

Fitness Assistants
Fitness Assistants oversee the Fitness Center, Cardio Deck and Multi-Purpose Studio. They greet participants and help them navigate the policies and equipment in the fitness areas, ensure their safety by supervising the free weight area and providing spots, and perform preventative maintenance and housekeeping duties. Contact the Coordinator of Fitness Programs for more information.

Intramural Sports Team Sport Officials
Officials are responsible for enforcing rules of play and providing supervision for safety, fair play, and sportsmanship for various intramural activities. Official training will be available for interested parties prior to the start of each intramural season. Officials also have the opportunity to be a part of the Student Officials Association. Advancement opportunities are available with certification. Contact the Coordinator of Intramural Sports and Youth Programs for more information.

Maintenance Assistants
Maintenance Assistants may focus in building maintenance or equipment maintanance, or both. They will perform preventative maintenance and repairs on fitness equipment, office furniture, pool systems and building hardware. They will also assist in maintaining facility aesthetics and grounds. Contact the Maintenance Manager or the Equipment Manager for more information.

Marketing Assistants
Marketing Assistants are responsible for the promotion and dissemination of information regarding all University Recreation programs, facilities and services. This includes the design and implementation of various marketing and communication efforts. Experience and/or knowledge of marketing, photography, graphic design, communications, or writing preferred. Contact the Assistant Director for Communications and Engagement for more information.

Member Services Assistants
Member Services Assistants work in three areas of University Recreation to provide a welcoming and friendly atmosphere including the UREC Welcome Center, UREC Equipment Center and University Park Gatehouse. The staff helps to monitor participants’ entrance and exit to both facilities. Responsibilities at the Welcome Center include answering phone calls, swiping JAC cards, processing guest passes and selling memberships. This staff helps participants register for programs and activities offered by UREC. Member Services Assistants also check out informal recreation equipment such as basketballs and lifting belts from the UREC Equipment Center. Other duties include processing locker and towel contracts, assisting with facility laundry, reserving racquetball courts, assist with lost and found and lead facility tours. Contact the Assistant Director for Member Services for more information.

Office Service Assistants
The Office Service Assistants assist the Office Manager with a variety of tasks. Duties may include data entry, purchasing and receiving of supplies and equipment, reconciling departmental credit card and assisting professional staff with projects as needed. Office Assistants also provide general office receptionist coverage by receiving calls and greeting visitors. Contact the Office Manager for more information.

Recreation Assistants
Recreation Assistants maintain and prepare all open recreation areas including the gymnasiums, multi-activity centers, tracks, racquetball courts, and turf field. This includes enforcement of policy and procedures, maintaining safety and cleanliness throughout the facility and providing exceptional service to UREC participants. Contact the Coordinator of Operations for more information.

Technology Specialists
Technology Specialists serve as a resource to all UREC staff and students for all computing and technology related issues. Must quickly respond and troubleshoot software, hardware, and network problems for computers, tablets, and printers. Problem solving and customer service skills are essential for this position to effectively communicate technical issues to staff members. Must be able to carry computers, printers, and other related devices. Outstanding technology specialists are proficient in Microsoft Office software suite and Google Docs, familiar with Windows command line interface, self-motivated, and always learning. Additional duties include researching new technologies to improve UREC’s services and maintaining inventory of hardware and software resources. Must also be willing to quickly learn UREC’s complex technology environment including specialized recreation management software. Contact the Technology Manager for more information.

Summer Camp Staff
Camp UREC positions include Camp Director, Head Camp Counselor, and Camp Counselors. Counselor responsibilities include providing a safe and enjoyable environment for campers between the ages of 5 and 12, facilitate/lead activities that promote life-long learning, recreation and wellness as well as assist with administrative camp duties. One must obtain a current CPR and First Aid certification prior to first day of employment. A background check is required to be hired. Must be able to attend training week in the summer as well as each session.  Previous camp or youth programming experience is preferred. Contact the Assistant Director for Intramural Sports and Youth Programs for more information.

Wellness Instructors
Wellness Instructors will facilitate educational programming and outreach to groups and individuals and supervise the Wellness Center reception area. Educational programming and outreach is related to substance misuse prevention, sexual and relationship health, bystander intervention and body image. They will track inventory of and restock campus Safer Sex Stations, including fulfillment of safer sex supply online orders, serve as a 21^st Birthday facilitator and assist with the facilitation of large scale health promotion special events and workshops. Interest in enhancing student health and wellness, confidence speaking about topics such as substance misuse and sexual health and comfort with public speaking preferred. Contact the Coordinator of Wellness Programs for more information.

The following UREC student employee positions require a certification or successful prep course completion before being considered for employment. 

Adventure TEAM Facilitators
Lead and facilitate activities for groups from both the JMU campus as well as the Harrisonburg community. Training provided includes games, initiatives, low elements and the high ropes course. Experience with facilitation desired but not required. Completion of JMU TEAM Facilitator training required. Hours vary depending on program load and will mainly be weekends with some through the week. Contact the Assistant Director for Adventure and TEAM Programs for more information.

Adventure Trip Leaders
Adventure Trip Leaders are responsible for implementing adventure trips and clinics. Responsibilities include conducting pre-trip meetings, organizing and maintaining group equipment, monitoring vehicle operation, supervising groups during trips, educating participants in necessary skills and enforcing policies. Essential trip leader skills include punctuality, self-motivation and the ability to work independently. Previous experience either working or participating in adventure activities is required. Hiring is based on outdoor activity skill set assessed through the extended interview process including the Trip Leader Prep Course. Candidates with substantial prior experience will still be considered for the position even if unable to attend the Trip Leader Prep Course. In this scenario, those hired would attend an alternate “Trip leader Area Training” after being offered and accepting the position. All employees must complete 16 hours of Wilderness First Aid, CPR and Leave No Trace training in addition to the trip leader training. The position hours vary depending on the type and number of trips assigned each semester. Contact the Interim Coordinator of Adventure and TEAM Programs for more information.

Certification Instructors
Safety Instructors teach CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Lifeguard Training Classes. American Red Cross Instructor certifications for CPR, First Aid, or LGT are required. Instructors may also assist with in-service training. Contact the Assistant Director for Aquatics and Safety for more information.

Emergency Responders
Emergency Responders provide first aid to the participants of UREC facilities within the limits of their certification. The Emergency Responders also supervise and provide first aid during Sport Club practices and games. One must have a current EMT-B certification OR EMT certification in progress, Lifeguard, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers or Emergency Medical Response (EMR) required to apply (or successfully complete the courses by the start of employment). EMT-B certification and experience is preferred. Contact the Assistant Director for Aquatics and Safety for more information.

Group Exercise Instructors
Group Exercise Instructors are required to teach 3-5 classes per week in several class formats. They lead classes of all skill levels and various activity types. Instructors will also assist with special events and workshops. To apply to be a Group Exercise Instructor, you will need to complete an 8 week prep course to give you the skills needed to teach. You can sign up for the prep course starting the second week of each semester. The course begins the third week of classes each semester and you can register on URECRegister.jmu.edu. ACE, AFAA, and YogaFit Certifications will be considered. Certifications are available through UREC. Contact the Coordinator of Group Exercise for more information.

Lifeguards
Lifeguards watch over all persons using the UREC aquatic facilities. The staff also provides aquatic and safety program information to the participants of UREC. One must hold a current Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification or willingness to obtain before start date to apply. There is an increased pay rate for UREC Summer Lifeguards. Contact the Assistant Director for Aquatics and Safety for more information.

Personal Trainers
Personal Trainers administer exercise tests assessing the five components of fitness. They create an exercise program for the participant based on their goals and perform one-on-one training sessions. They may also lead small group training classes and conduct educational programs on fitness-related topics. To apply to be a Personal Trainer, you must complete the Personal Trainer Prep Course offered by UREC or hold a valid CPR and accredited Personal Training certification. Visit urecregister.jmu.edu for information on the next course offering. Contact the Assistant Director for Fitness and Nutrition for more information.

Water Safety Instructors (Swim Instructors)
Swim Instructors teach Learn to Swim classes, private swim lessons and other swim programming. Water Safety Instructor certification is preferred, but not required. Lessons primarily take place on the weekends between Fridays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. Contact the Assistant Director for Aquatics and Safety for more information.

There are opportunities for current UREC student employees to advance within the department, and may become qualified to be considered for a specialist or manager position (dependent upon the area) with elevated responsibilities and pay. All student employees are eligible to apply for the highest-level student position, the Operations Supervisor, after working at UREC for two terms. 

Operations Supervisors
Operation Supervisors play a vital role in the operations of UREC and UPARK. They are directly responsible for the supervision of all UREC & UPARK activities, facilities, programs and student staff. These responsibilities include and are not limited to the execution of emergency procedures, administration of first aid & CPR skills, resolving/mediating conflicts, event management and acting as liaison between professional staff, student staff, and participants. Viable candidates must have strong leadership qualities and be able to work independently while applying critical thinking skills and making value based decision. This position requires 12-18 hours/ week and shifts during holidays and university breaks.  All applicants must have worked for UREC for two terms (Fall/Spring/Summer) to be eligible to apply. Contact the Assistant Director for Operations for more information.

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