Employment

Lifeguard - $15.50/hour

• Prepare facility for opening as described in lifeguard shift procedures.
• The lifeguard is responsible for the safety and general welfare of all patrons.
• Enforce and abide by all facility rules, regulations, and facility policies.
• Serve as an example to patrons in dress, conduct, language, personality, and courtesy.
  • Lifeguard t-shirt, rescue tube and whistle must be worn at all times.
• Check and verify member/non-member ID’s and pool passes.
• Maintain a positive, friendly attitude. Greeting members as they enter the pool is expected.
• Be knowledgeable of all programs and information pertaining to NIU Recreation.
• Work closely and cooperatively with other student employees and professional staff to maintain high efficiency through the aquatics program. Communication is of the utmost importance to us all.
• Be proficient in all lifeguarding skills and in responding to emergency situations as prescribed by the emergency action plan.
• Complete all required forms.
• Report issues and problems on time sheet.
• Keep all working areas clean and report all damaged equipment.
• Make sure all equipment used is put away properly.
• Answer telephone always being polite and courteous.
• Keep in good physical condition, in order to perform emergency rescues.
• Perform additional tasks as required in the daily operation of NIU Recreation aquatic programs and assigned by the graduate assistant, associate director or assistant director.
• Prepare facility for closing as described in lifeguard shift procedures.
• Certifications: Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, and AED
  • Must be current and have within two weeks of the initial hire date.
• Preferred: Water Safety Instructor

Please contact Emily Payne at epayne1@niu.edu to apply.

Facility Supervisors - $13.75/hour

• Responsible for the supervision and oversight of designated NIU Recreation program and facility areas including the Recreation Center, Chick Evans Field House and the Outdoor Recreation Sports Complex.
• Perform opening and closing duties for the facility.
• Directly supervise Building Staff members.
• Monitor and verify financial transactions and reports for membership services workers.
• Develop and display leadership skills while motivating team members.
• Demonstrate, teach, and require excellence in customer service.
• Assist in hiring, training, and evaluating Building Staff members.
• Respond to emergencies within established guidelines and possess knowledge in the areas of risk management and emergency procedures.
• Provide immediate or timely feedback for maintenance concerns.
• Enforce all NIU Recreation and NIU policies and procedures.
• Establish good relationships, resolve conflicts, and communicate policies and procedures to patrons.
• This position is designated as security sensitive. In compliance with the Illinois Campus Security Act, before an offer of employment is made, the University will conduct a pre-employment background investigation which includes a criminal background check.
• CPR/AED, blood borne pathogen, and first aid certified required.
• Current enrollment at NIU and progress towards a degree required.

Building Staff - $13/hour

• Responsible for the supervision and oversight of designated NIU Recreation program and facility areas.
• Must be willing to work in any of the entry-level open recreation positions:
  • Welcome desk: Responsible for maintaining a customer-friendly environment which includes greeting patrons; providing access to eligible students, members, and guests; answering phones; assisting patrons with court reservations; and maintaining the front office area and operations.
  • Equipment check-out: Responsible for the management of equipment check-out and inventory.
• Must be knowledgeable in the areas of risk management and emergency procedures and be able to respond to emergencies within established guidelines.
• Enforce all NIU Recreation and NIU policies and procedures.
• Establish good relationships, resolve conflicts, and communicate policies and procedures to patrons.
• Must be CPR/AED, blood borne pathogen, and first aid certified.
• Must be currently enrolled at NIU and be progressing towards a degree.

This position is an entry-level position in the Recreation Facilities program area. Additional position advancements include: register management, satellite facility oversight (Chick Evans Field House and the Outdoor Recreation Sports Complex), and facility supervisor positions which are contingent upon work experience and job performance.

This position is designated as security sensitive. In compliance with the Illinois Campus Security Act, before an offer of employment is made, the University will conduct a pre-employment background investigation which includes a criminal background check.

Contact Emily Payne at epayne1@niu.edu to apply.

Fitness Assistants - $13/hour

• Required to have knowledge on exercise equipment and safety guidelines.
• They will work in the Recreation Center, New Hall Fitness Room or the Gilbert Hall Fitness Room.
• Fitness Assistant duties include:
  • Provide exceptional customer services
  • Responsible for interacting with patrons and ensuring proper techniques are being performed during exercises
  • Responsible for enforcing policy in the facility.
  • Responsible for cleaning equipment.
  • Responsible for preventative maintenance on exercise equipment.
  • Responsible for risk management within all cardio and weight rooms in the Recreation Center.
  • Responsible for proper use of exercise equipment.

Contact Josh Soderstrom at jsoderstrom1@niu.edu to apply.

Group Fitness Instructors - starting at $18.25/hour

Group fitness instructors are responsible for teaching and instructing various fitness and instructional exercises, while providing a safe environment at NIU Recreation. This position will monitor all participants in the classes they teach, assist patrons, and set up/tear down equipment as needed.

Expectations

• Provide exceptional customer service.
• Lead effective group exercise according to safety standards of AFAA, ACE, ACSM, and NIU in-house training.
• Bring to each class a commitment to participants by showing concern for their fitness goals. Also show enjoyment, passion, have fun, provide safe exercise instruction, appropriate modifications, and assessment of performance.
• Obtain an approved substitute instructor in case of absence and notify the assistant director of fitness.
• Check email and phone frequently for any new/updated fitness information.
• Attend appropriate training sessions and meetings.
• Maintain current exercise/fitness certification and CPR/AED certification.
• Arrive promptly for scheduled classes.
• Start and finish classes on time.
• Provide support to other instructors and participants.
• Always display good manners and professionalism.
• Average 5-7 participants for morning/afternoon classes and 10-20 participants for evening/night classes.
• Complete semester evaluations.
• Promote other NIU Recreation (personal training and nutrition).
• Use appropriate music during Group Fitness classes.
• Always invite others to participate in Group Fitness classes.
• Enforce the rules of NIU Recreation to ensure a safe, clean, and organized class.
• Put equipment back after each class, turn off the microphone and stereo system.
• Attend regular staff meetings and training.
• Make announcements before every class.
• Report any incidents, suggestions, or complaints to assistant director of fitness or graduate assistant.
• Arrive to class early enough, when possible, to set up equipment, have music playing and greet participants at the door.

Contact Josh Soderstrom at jsoderstrom1@niu.edu to apply.

Personal Trainers - starting at $18.25/hour

• Work one-on-one with clients, providing them with specific exercise programs in cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, and flexibility. Conduct fitness assessments and consult with clients on personal needs and interests. Teach the benefits of exercise and wellness to assist with improving client quality of life through support and motivation.
• Personal trainers must be certified through ACE, ACSM, or NSCA. Certifications from any other organization will need to be discussed and approved before employment. Trainers not certified upon employment will need to obtain a personal training certification from one of the organizations previously mentioned within 3 months.
• Each staff member must also maintain up-to-date standard CPR, first aid and AED certifications. It is your responsibility to inform the administrative staff if you are having trouble getting certified or re-certified. During your shift, it is imperative that you adhere to all guidelines that are concurrent with your certifications.
• This position is designated as security sensitive. In compliance with the Illinois Campus Security Act, before an offer of employment is made, the University will conduct a pre-employment background investigation which includes a criminal background check.
• Must be currently enrolled at NIU and be progressing towards a degree.

Contact Josh Soderstrom at jsoderstrom1@niu.edu to apply.

Email intramurals@niu.edu to apply.

Intramural Official - $13/Hour

Duties

• Attend sports officials' training.
• Officiate sports and activities during nights and weekends.
• Actively keep score and track affiliated items related to specific activities.
• Resolve conflicts manifested during sporting events.
• Promote and enforce all NIU Recreation policies and procedures.
• Always exhibit good customer service to all participants.
• Provide clear and concise instruction to participants regarding rules and other intramural policies. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Recommended Qualifications

• Strong level of interpersonal skills and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of a wide variety of sports and sport rules.
• Marginal interest in sports officiating
• Must be enrolled at NIU and processing towards a degree.

Intramural/Sport Club Supervisor - $13.75/Hour

Duties

• Responsible for on-site supervision of Intramural and Sports Clubs programs and events conducted at the Student Recreation Center, Chick Evans Field House, Outdoor Recreation Sports Complex, and other locations as necessary.
• Promote and enforce all NIU Recreation policies and procedures.
• Exhibit good customer service to all participants, at all times. 
• Process nightly incident, accident and protest reports.
• Serve as the on-site manager for general logistics and staff operations.
• Provide clear and concise instruction to participants regarding rules and other intramural policies. 
• Serve as first responder to all injuries and follow emergency action plans.
• Must currently or be willing to become CPR/AED and First Aid Certified.
• Other tasks as assigned. 

Graphic Designer - $15.50/hour

Position Overview

NIU Recreation is seeking a visual communication major to develop designs for posters, fliers, t-shirts, brochures, signage, digital signage and social media. The student graphic designer will assist in the execution of a departmental marketing plan and collaborate with the Marketing Assistant and Intercollegiate Athletics for NIU Recreation.

Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and produce NIU Recreation print publications, social media graphics, and facility signage.
• Coordinate the development of design plans and timetables for projects.
• Assist with developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote facilities, programs, services, and special events for the department.
• Adhere to design standards and principles of Intercollegiate Athletics and Northern Illinois University.
• Assist in keeping production and printed materials and projects on schedule.
• Write, edit, and proofread copy for publications.
• Take program and event photos or videos as needed and retouch any photos as needed.
• Assist in the development of audio and video productions for NIU Recreation.

Qualifications

• NIU undergraduate student studying visual communication and has passed program review.
• Evidence of experience gained inside or outside the classroom, or both.
• Above average knowledge of various design software programs including but not limited to: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat. Lightroom and Premiere Pro.
• Organized and able to multi-task.
• Strong attention to detail and able to edit and work with templates.
• Solid one-on-one and group communication skills- including listening, researching, and collaborating.
• Ability to work independently or in a group setting.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to meet departmental goals and deadlines.

Additional Information

Security clearance will be conducted prior to employment. Employee must complete the State of Illinois Ethics Training after accepting the position. Employee will need to complete first aid, CPR/AED and blood borne pathogen certification after hiring.

How To Apply

Interested and qualified individuals should send a cover letter, resume and two references (work or academic), plus digital portfolio link to Lee Ann Gustafson, creative branding and marketing associate, lgustafson1@niu.edu.

To apply send your resume, cover letter, and schedule to outdooradventure@niu.edu.

Student Support Staff

Position Type: NIU On-Campus Student Employment, Part Time, Work Study Eligible

Desired Class Level(s): First Year, Sophomore

Work authorization: Authorized to work in the U.S.

Desired Skills: Public speaking, outdoor recreation, communication, leadership, coordinating events, cash handling, outdoor guiding and outdoor education. A clean driving record is mandatory if you have any moving violations, you cannot be employed.

In compliance with the Illinois Campus Security Act, before an offer of employment is made, the university will conduct a pre-employment background investigation which includes a criminal background check.

Position Area Descriptions

Rentals

Renting outdoor gear to the university community; instructing individuals on the appropriate use and care of equipment; providing information on various local, regional, and national recreation locations; inspecting and repairing equipment; and completing inventory reports, performing data entry tasks, and handling cash operations.

Teambuilding Facilitation

Assist in the final stages of planning sequences for scheduled events; prepare and organize activity equipment before scheduled events and maintain equipment after use; Facilitate team workshops (indoor and/or outdoors) that include ice breakers, initiative and processing for diverse groups including youth and adult ranging from 4 to 30 participants. Demonstrating good judgment regarding participant safety and wellbeing; willing and able to work in the cold, rain, and heat, as well as pleasant weather.

Event/Trip Leading

Plan and lead outdoor recreational activities including canoeing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, rock climbing, caving, hiking, camping, backpacking, ice skating, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Prior experience in outdoor activities is preferred but not required. To lead trips off campus, a clean driving record is mandatory.

Desired major(s): All majors

Base Pay: $13/hour

Approximate Hours Per Week: 5-15

Contact Outdoor Adventures at outdooradventure@niu.eduwith any questions.

View Outdoor Adventures GA description

This full-time (20-hour) graduate assistant will report to the assistant director for Outdoor Adventures. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the overall administration and management of the Outdoor Adventure program (Adventure Center rentals, and Outdoor Adventure trips, and teambuilding programs) including staff training, program development, risk management, supervision, assessment and marketing.

View Facility Operations GA description

This full-time (20-hour) graduate assistant will report to the assistant director for facilities operations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: assist in the overall administration of two indoor recreation facilities, outdoor recreation fields and outdoor basketball courts. Duties include management of: facility reservations, facility contracts and rentals, maintenance and special event production. Additional duties include: equipment inventory control, risk management, assessment, research, student supervision and personnel development.

View Financial Operations GA description

This full-time (20-hour) graduate assistant will report to the associate director of business. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the overall financial administration and management of the entire NIU Recreation department including expenditures, payroll, inventory management, membership management, Fusion management and reconciling deposits from the day to day revenues. Bachelors in Accounting or pursuing a Masters in Accounting is required. This position is for two years.

View Fitness GA description

This full-time (20-hour) graduate assistant will report to the assistant director for fitness and wellness. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the overall administration and management of the Fitness program (group fitness classes, personal training, nutrition services, and four cardio/free-weight rooms) including staff training, program development, risk management, supervision, assessment and marketing.

View Competitive Sports and Special Events GA description

This full-time (20-hour) graduate assistant will report to the associate director of programs. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the overall administration and management of the intramural program and/or sport clubs including staff training, program development, risk management, supervision, assessment and marketing.

A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship.

Additional Qualifications

• First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to complete certification during the internship.

Areas of Responsibility

• Administration
  • Contract scheduling
  • Reservation software system
  • Oversight of group reservation surveys
  • Participation (counts) data analysis for groups
  • Work order tracking
• Programming
  • Special Event Production
  • Liaison with departments (OASIS, Public Safety)
• Marketing
  • Tabling
  • Surveys
  • Outreach
• Supervision
  • Special Events
  • Assist CR staff on-site
• Equipment
  • Inventory
  • Management
  • Research and purchase
  • Demos

This position is responsible for the financial and business operations of Campus Recreation. A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship or practicum.

Position Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled at NIU and be progressing towards a degree
• Must be CPR/AED, Blood Borne Pathogen, and First Aid certified which can be acquired at Campus Recreation
• Current student (undergraduate or graduate) who is pursuing a degree in accounting, business administration or finance (or individual who has previous finance or business administration experience).
• This position is designated as security sensitive.
  • In compliance with the Illinois Campus Security Act, before an offer of employment is made, the university will conduct a pre-employment background investigation which includes a criminal background check.

Additional Requirements

In alignment with NIU policies regarding internship criteria:

• Interns will be required to work at least 120 hours during each semester. However, most interns will work around 10-15 hours per week. Occasional evening work will be required.
• The minimum NIU GPA required for applying to this position is 2.0. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.
• All applicants must be current NIU students and must have earned a minimum of 30 undergraduate-level credit hours (from NIU or other sources) by the end of spring session 2015.
• Successful candidates will be required to report their internship position using Career Services website.
• Accuracy is required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with payroll entry
• Contact patrons about purchase orders/payments/issues
• Complete errands such as deliver and pick up envelopes/packages from various offices on/off campus on foot/bicycle/Huskie Bus
• Assist with processing Human Resources paperwork for student staff
• Update files
• Update data

Position Expectations

• Decision making and problem solving related to staff, customers/clients and facilities
• Versatility in fulfilling responsibilities (This internship will require the ability to work in team settings, as well as independently)
• Work with students of diverse educational, racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• Strong organizational skills and able to work independently
• Capacity to work well in a customer/client and team environment.
• Some skills in utilizing Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Putty System, Ungerboeck or other related software.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Accuracy with inputting data
• Ability to perform duties in a dynamic, changing and diverse environment
• Genuine interest in gaining experience and knowledge to enhance career-related skills
• Supervision of building staff members
• Genuine interest in gaining experience and knowledge to enhance skills in chosen career

Supervision for this Internship

• The supervisor for this position will be the office support specialist, a full-time professional staff member in the department.
• Meetings between the intern and the supervisor are scheduled once per week
• Supervisor(s) will provide feedback and opportunities for personal reflection to ensure experiences are useful for the intern in developing career-related competencies
• Personal and career-related goal setting: Interns will identify two competencies (from the following list) to improve upon during the semester: cognitive complexity, knowledge acquisition, humanitarianism, civic engagement, interpersonal and interpersonal competence, practical competence and persistence and academic achievement
• A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship or practicum

Expected Learning and Benefits of this Internship

• Apply classroom learning to a real workplace setting
• Analyze your interpersonal abilities (working with staff members and those served by the department) to develop effective professional and customer service skills
• Participate in programs/opportunities that support your professional development
• Make decisions based on situations related to your responsibility(ies)/role(s)
• Articulate how your work relates to the department's goals and outcomes
• Evaluate your career-related strengths and areas for further development
• Evaluate how you think you fit with career-related responsibilities, work environments and expectations (Test drive a position or field you are considering as a career)
• Develop a professional network of supervisors and colleagues familiar with your work-related skills

Employment Process

Intern applicants should also apply through Hired.

All interested applicants must send the following items to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter (indicating their academic requirements and their career goals)
• Resume
• Intern application
• Three references (work-related or academically-related) with names, position title, e-mail addresses, phone numbers

Documents may be submitted by one of these methods:

• E-mail at CampusRecreation@niu.edu
• Submit in person at Recreation Center
• Send by mail to Attn: NIU Recreation, Recreation Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115

A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship or practicum.

Qualifications

• Interns must possess skills in the area of fitness testing, group exercise instruction, consultation, and employee wellness.
• Aerobics Instructor or Personal Trainer experience, AFAA or ACE certified are preferred but not required.
• Interns are strongly encouraged to complete ACE or ACSM certification at their expense by the end of their internship.

Areas of Responsibility

• Administration
  • Assist in the development, implementation, marketing and evaluation of fitness programming, including group exercise and personal training.
  • Develop educational fitness/wellness materials and workshops for Campus Recreation staff and patrons.
  • Assist in providing continuing education opportunities for Fitness and Wellness employees such as workshops and certifications.
  • Maintain open and constant communication with group fitness instructors and personal trainers through various outreach methods.
• Assessment
  • Distribute student satisfaction surveys
  • Do a small and/or assessment project
  • (Assist) Create survey/questionnaire
  • Input satisfaction survey data
• Inventory Control
  • Assist with equipment quotes (research company, research product, solicit bids, etc.)
  • Management of daily maintenance and cleaning of equipment
  • Report condition of equipment
• Programming/Event Management
  • Event planning and coordinator
  • Outreach activities
  • Risk management/safety practicesSet-up/break-down
  • Special Event Production
• Marketing
  • Create and market an event to market to perspective members
  • Develop written content for promotions and program highlights
  • Distribution of marketing materials
  • Eating Disorder Awareness Week
  • Health and Wellness Fair
  • Facilitate social media (TV, newspaper, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
  • Open houses
  • Tabling
• Projects (each intern will direct one or two projects):
  • Teach Group Fitness Classes
  • Provide health related articles for bi-monthly member E-Newsletter
  • Create and Implement in house training component for operations staff on basics of stretching, equipment use and proper lifting technique.
  • Creation and implement of wellness clinics on relevant topics for NIU full time employees.
  • Conduct blood pressure screening seminars on a regular basis.
  • Conduct fitness evaluation open houses for members to pre-schedule free evaluations.

A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship.

Areas of Responsibility

• Administration
  • Daily binder set up
  • Score sheet set up
  • Input roster / scores
  • Rec Reward input – prep for Greer
• Assessment
  • Distribute student satisfaction surveys
  • Input satisfaction surveys
• Marketing
  • Tabling
  • Distribution of marketing materials
  • Hanging flyers/posters
  • SA group mailboxes
• Supervision Field/court supervision
  • Set up/break down
  • Risk management
• Inventory Control
  • Check (quantity) equipment twice per semester
  • Report / chart condition of equipment
  • Assist with equipment quotes (research company, research product, solicit bids, etc.)

A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop

Areas of Responsibility

• General program(s) promotion
  • Distribution of materials on campus and community
  • Chalking for upcoming events
  • Identify program marketing opportunities
  • Special Events general help
  • Updating and maintaining bulletin board content
  • Inventory of Campus Marketing materials
• Social Media
  • Developing an updated schedule – upcoming or out-of-date program offerings
  • Developing written content for social media

• Photography
  • Taking candid digital photos
  • Editing digital photos
  • Naming and filing digital photos
  • Shooting video for posting on social media

A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship.

Qualifications

• CPR/First aid certified

Areas of Responsibility

• Administration
  • Scheduling
  • Time sheets
  • Paper work oversight
  • Participation (counts) data analysis
  • Benchmarking best practice institutions
• Programming
  • Targeted populations
• Marketing
  • Tabling
  • Surveys
  • Outreach
• Supervision
  • Satellite oversight
• Equipment
  • Check-out equipment management
• Job Areas
  • Membership Services support

A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience serving in a leadership role.
• Well organized, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and mature individual.
• To lead any programs, must be CPR/AED, Blood Born Pathogen, and Wilderness First Aid certified.
• Basic Excel and Word skills

Areas of Responsibility

• Administration
  • EBMS
  • Procedure Manuals
  • Staff Manuals (Trips, Rental, Team)
  • Data entry
  • Benchmark climbing wall
  • Staff training (new hire, professional development, workshops)
  • Reports
• Programming Trips
  • Trip location resources
  • Types of trips resources
  • Trip handouts
  • Custom trip offerings
  • Outdoor orientation program
• Programming Team building
  • Activity Manual and Initiatives development
  • Benchmark high/low ropes
  • Workshop development
• Marketing
  • Listserv emails
  • Social Media outlet via blog or Twitter
  • Promo video
  • Event planning and coordination (Camp on Campus, Winter Wonderland, Adventure Race)
• Rental Program
  • Contract management
  • Services (bikes, snowboards)
  • Reports
  • Outdoor Resources (ex. local run/bike routes)
  • Equipment inventory and maintenance
• Job Areas
  • Trips
  • Rental
  • Team building
  • Custom Trip

A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship.

Areas of Responsibility

• Administration
  • Daily email check and binder set up
  • Input and file club paperwork
  • Update Sport Club Point System
  • Rec Reward input – prep for greer
  • Call/email clubs as needed
• Assessment
  • Call/email leading universities
  • Do three small assessment pieces and one large assessment piece throughout semester
  • (Assist) Create survey/questionnaire
  • Input satisfaction surveys
• Marketing
  • Tabling
  • Distribution of marketing materials
  • Hanging flyers/posters
  • Stusent Association group mailboxes
  • Sport Club member marketing events
  • Create and market an event for Sport Clubs to market to perspective members
• Supervision
  • Supervise club weekend events
  • Risk management
  • Prepare ice and water for field use for weekend tournaments
  • Provide crowd control and event oversight
  • Assist athletic trainer
• Inventory control
  • Check (quantity) equipment twice per semester
  • Report/chart condition of equipment
  • Assist with equipment quotes (research company, research product, solicit bids, etc.)
  • Purchase events
• Club travel
  • Call and research hotels
  • Book hotels
  • Create travel binders
  • Communicate with clubs traveling about needs when traveling