Get involved!

Staff Employment

Do you love the outdoors? Would you like leadership training in a variety of outdoor activities? Do you want free equipment rentals? Are you interested in guiding program trips? Become a Trip Leader!

 

ROPE Student Trip Leaders

 

What is a Trip Leader?

A Trip Leader is the liaison between ROPE staff and the student and faculty participants in program trips. Trip Leaders are responsible for executing the trip itineraries developed by ROPE office staff in a safe, educational, and fun manner. The relationship between ROPE staff and Trip Leaders is a dynamic one, as trips are collaboratively envisioned and implemented.

 

 

 

Fall 2008 Trip Leaders

 

Trip Leader Benefits & Expectations

There are great benefits to becoming a volunteer ROPE Trip Leader.  You will meet and work with a fun and talented group of Rice University student leaders.  You will receive trainings in both technical skills and soft skills such as group facilitation, judgment and decision-making.  You will be offered Wilderness First Aid, CPR and First Aid certifications, a Leave No Trace Trainer certification and be eligible for financial aid for rock climbing or paddling certifications.  You may also rent outdoor equipment from our rental center free of charge through the duration of the academic year (items based on availability).

What we ask for in return is that you attend all required training trips and workshops (listed below).  After you complete your initial 1-year training period you will be asked to lead at least two outdoor trips each semester.  Trip activities will be based on your interests, expertise and availability.  You will also be asked to assist with the training process and various workshops for incoming ROPE Trip Leaders in training.

 

Required Trip Leader Trainings

Fall:

• Weekend camping and rock climbing
• CPR and First Aid
• Group Facilitation workshop
• Weekend LNT Trainer course
• Rock gym climbing

Spring:

• Leadership and Group Dynamics workshop
• Weekend backpacking
• Judgement and Decision Making workshop
• Weekend kayaking
• Rock gym climbing

Trip Leader

Responsibilities:

• Schedule Pre-trip and post-trip meetings with ROPE administration
• Meet with ROPE staff to review trip itinerary, participant information, and all other trip-specific considerations
• Be available to lead pre-trip meeting, designed to update and educate participants
• During excursion, manage program implementation, transportation, participation, site safety and security, ROPE equipment, food, and other logistics as necessary
• Be aware of all trip logistics, even those not falling under personal responsibility
• Ensure all trip activities stay within the guidelines and standards of Rice Outdoor Programs and Education
• Promote safety of the participants and staff during events and planning
• Familiarity with the trip area and sufficient experience leading groups in relevant skill areas
• Communicate learning goals and responsibilities to Assistant trip leader(s)
• Review and maintain trip file, including contact information, relevant participant forms, and itineraries
• Inspect and maintain proper equipment use prior to, during, and after each outdoor trip
• May assist with program trip and calendar development and other projects as interested
• Complete post-trip evaluation and post-trip meeting with ROPE staff
• Help participants enjoy and learn from the experience

Qualifications:

• Current Rice Student
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications required
• Wilderness First Aid and/or Wilderness First Responder preferred
• Experience leading groups in skill specific area
• 21 years and older preferred

 

Trip Leader in Training

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the safety of the participants and staff during events and planning
• During excursion, assist Trip Leader with managing program implementation, participation, site safety and security, and ROPE equipment
• Attend necessary pre- and post-program trip meetings
• Assist the Trip Leader with executing logistics of a trip or workshop
• Review relevant manual sections before the event and ensure safety guidelines are met
• Experience in relevant skill areas sufficient for assisting Trip leader with guiding group
• Help the participants enjoy and learn from the experience
• Complete post-trip evaluation and post-trip meeting with ROPE staff

Qualifications:

• Current Rice Student
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications required
• Must be at least 18 years old

 

How Do I Apply?

1. Submit the Trip Leader Candidate Statement and Application - You may supplement with a resume.
2. Potential candidates will be contacted for an in-person interview during Fall hiring period.

For any additional questions or comments, please contact Nathan McKinnis, Outdoor Program Coordinator, by emailing nathan11@rice.edu or calling x8817.