Recreation employs students in the following program areas/categories, but we may not be hiring in all areas at all times.
Please contact Emily Payne at epayne1@niu.edu to apply.
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.
Contact Josh Soderstrom at jsoderstrom1@niu.edu to apply.
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.
Contact Josh Soderstrom at jsoderstrom1@niu.edu to apply.
Contact Josh Soderstrom at jsoderstrom1@niu.edu to apply.
Email intramurals@niu.edu to apply.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Graduate assistantships are typically 20 hours per week. It includes a stipend and tuition waiver.
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.
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.
This full-time (20-hour) graduate assistant will report to the creative branding and marketing associate. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the execution of a departmental marketing plan and work closely with the associate director of external affairs. The successful candidate(s) will be responsible for developing designs for posters, fliers, t-shirts, brochures, signage, digital signage and social media.
Professionals seeking civil service or supportive professional staff full-time employment with the department may visit the NIU Human Resource Services website for a complete list of openings.
Upon successful completion of the internship, you'll have:
NIU Recreation works with students pursuing any academic major to design an internship that meets their needs. Majors in kinesiology, physical education, health promotion, business, marketing, accounting, graphic design and environmental studies are just some of the majors that can fulfill an internship.
Once you have determined your major's internship requirements, complete an application (PDF), cover letter, indicating which internship position you are interested in, academic requirements and your career goals, along with a current resume with three references. Please submit application materials to:
Northern Illinois University
NIU Recreation Internship Program
DeKalb, IL 60115
You may also fax materials to 815-753-0245 or submit electronically to recreation@niu.edu.
A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship.
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.
In alignment with NIU policies regarding internship criteria:
Duties may include, but are not limited to:
Intern applicants should also apply through Hired.
All interested applicants must send the following items to be considered for this position:
Documents may be submitted by one of these methods:
A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship or practicum.
A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship.
A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship.
A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship.
A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship.
A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship.