Get involved!

Staff Employment

Do you love the outdoors? Would you like your program trip registration fees compensated? Are you interested in guiding program trips? Become a Program Trip Leader!

What is a Program 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 Program Trip Leaders is a dynamic one, as trips are collaboratively envisioned and implemented. In addition, Program Trip leaders are eligible for fully subsidized trips and gear rentals, as well as hourly compensation for any planning or wrap-up work done.

Depending on experience, you can get involved with ROPE by becoming either a Chief Program Trip Leader or an Assistant Program Trip Leader:

Chief Program Trip Leader

Responsibilities:

• 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, assistant trip leaders, 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 of Rice Outdoor Programs Manuel
• See to the 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 equipment before use.
• May assist with program trip and calendar development and other projects as interested.
• Complete post-trip evaluation and/or wrap-up 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
• At least one previous experience as Assistant Program Trip Leader

Assistant Program Trip Leader

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the safety of the participants and staff during events and planning.
• During excursion, assist Chief Program Trip Leader with managing program implementation, participation, site safety and security, and ROPE equipment
• Attend necessary pre- and post-program trip meetings.
• Assist the Chief 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 Chief Program Trip leader with guiding group.
• Help the participants enjoy and learn from the experience.
• Complete post-trip evaluation and/or wrap-up 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
2. Potential candidates will be contacted for an in-person interview
3. Read the Rice Outdoor Program Manual
4. Attend Outdoor Program staff training and successfully complete the Manual Test
5. Lead Trips!

For any additional questions or comments, please contact Liz Harwood, Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs, by emailing harwood@rice.edu or calling x2742.