Trip Leader (Poly Escapes)

Under the supervision of the Coordinator I – Outdoor Recreation, the Trip Leader plans, organizes, and safely leads outdoor trips for the Cal Poly campus community. This role focuses on training, development, and maintaining trip equipment while supporting Poly Escapes’ mission of providing student development through outdoor recreation and education.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled Cal Poly student with a minimum of 6 units (4 units for graduate students).
• Wilderness First Aid and/or Wilderness First Responder certification required.
• American Red Cross certification in Adult CPR, AED, and First Aid required within 30 days of hire (training provided).
• Experience in organized outdoor recreation programs with demonstrated competencies in leadership, participant development, inventory tracking, and risk management preferred.
• Experience teaching, leading, or managing groups.
• Strong organizational abilities.
• Experience planning, facilitating, or evaluating outdoor trips.
• Working knowledge of outdoor trip gear.
• Basic knowledge of budgeting and spending tracking preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage trip participants to ensure a safe environment.
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip paperwork in a timely manner.
• Respond appropriately to accidents and incidents.
• Provide a positive and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Mentor new program members during onboarding and training.
• Attend all staff meetings and training sessions.
• Facilitate proper gear use and teach “Leave No Trace” principles.
• Respond effectively to participant and co-leader feedback.
• Deliver quality customer service to staff and participants.
• Track, return, and maintain rental and trip equipment.
• Follow all equipment checkout procedures according to policy.
• Abide by and enforce ASI and campus security regulations regarding confidential information.
• Stay informed of ASI policies and enforce them as necessary.
• Maintain the integrity of the ASI philosophy and brand.
• Attend meetings, workshops, and retreats.
• Participate in self-evaluation and peer evaluations.
• Understand the safe use of all outdoor equipment at the Poly Escapes Rental Center.
• Keep Poly Escapes facilities clean and orderly.
• Maintain inventory of Poly Escapes equipment.
• Follow safety and risk management procedures.
• Collaborate with the Coordinator I – Outdoor Recreation to implement new ideas and maintain program success.
• Plan and prepare trips for the Cal Poly student body.
• Serve as a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Background Check

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. A conditional offer may be rescinded if disqualifying information is revealed.

Benefits

• Hourly pay rate: $16.90 per hour.
• Maximum 20 hours per week while attending classes (hours may vary during trips).
• Position may require late nights, weekends, or holidays.
• Requires a minimum of two consecutive terms of work availability.

Location: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.