Campus Recreation

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Join the Campus Rec Team 

Campus Rec employees work collaboratively to provide a welcoming and inclusive place to play for the entire Portland State Community. Campus Rec creates a community for employees to connect, grow, and cultivate a sense of purpose, to nurture abilities in themselves and others, and to generate positive social impact across campus and in their communities.  We strive to inspire, empower, and educate our employees to be current and future leaders of social change by providing professional development opportunities that complement the student academic experience with practical job training and mentorship.

We Are Hiring!

Interested in working at Campus Rec? Explore current job and internship opportunities, and check out our FLASH program for first-year students and WiLD program for future outdoor leaders. 

Job & Internship Opportunities about this content

Staff Resources

Do you already work at Campus Rec? Current staff and new hires can visit the CREC Employee Microsite for new hire paperwork, on-boarding videos, policies, resources, and professional development opportunities. 

Staff Resources about this content

Employment Opportunities

Student in a wheelchair wearing a staff shirt.

Jobs & Internships

Campus Rec strives to inspire, empower, and educate our employees to be current and future leaders of social change. We do this by creating professional development opportunities that strengthen occupational wellbeing and complement their academic experience with practical job training and mentorship. Explore our opportunities today!

A group of students listening to someone outside of the photo.

FLASH Program for Freshmen

Campus Rec’s FLASH program provides resources and experiential learning opportunities to support freshman students with their first paid position on campus. FLASH is a great opportunity for first-year students to become future leaders in the community. The program starts during fall term and provides on-campus employment. 

Training & Cohort Programs

Campus Rec offers several training programs that are designed to reduce barriers to participation, provide mentorship and pathways to employment at Campus Rec, and lead to career paths post graduation. Training programs range from fitness and personal training to lifeguarding and wilderness leadership. 

Eddie Morales

Staff Spotlight: Eddie Morales

Grace Schumock-Cowan | February 14th 2023

Eddie Morales is the Student Coordinator in Personal Training at Campus Rec and he is on his way toward his dream career, but to get here, he has had to work hard and put himself out there. Maybe he is so successful because he follows his own advice to “breathe and take everything one step at a time”.  This year, Eddie is a senior at PSU, majoring in Applied Health and Fitness with a minor in Aging Services and he is on the pre-physical therapy track. His...
Read more about Staff Spotlight: Eddie Morales

Jobs & Internships

Please note that, while Campus Rec jobs are listed on Handshake, we do not accept applications through Handshake. For more information on how to apply for Campus Rec jobs and internships, please review our How to Apply section below.

Jobs - Student Employee Positions

Aquatics

Fitness

Outdoor Program

Intramural Sports & Special Events

Facility Operations

Wage Agreements - Non-Student Employee Positions

Aquatics

Fitness

Internships 

  

How to Apply

  1. Our list of current job and internship opportunities is included above.
     
  2. Follow the application instructions listed on the job or internship posting. 
    • Please note that, while Campus Rec jobs are listed on Handshake, we do not accept applications through Handshake.
  3. Electronically complete the appropriate application (provided below).
  4. Prepare your resume and cover letter describing your interest in the open position and any related experience.
  5. Email application, cover letter, and resume (and supplemental materials) as attachments to crecjobs@pdx.edu with the subject line stating "name of position, last name."
     
  6. You will receive a confirmation email within one week.

Please note that Campus Rec requires employees to complete a background check prior to starting work. Portland State University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity institution and welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.

Training & Development

Employees develop knowledge and skills through both workshops and hands-on training. All employees are encouraged to take initiative and embrace more complex responsibilities over time, and subsequently to apply for leadership positions.  Employees who are promoted to leadership roles are offered additional training and mentoring designed to develop supervisory, decision-making, and management skills. 

Develop knowledge about:

  • Personal success, and your strengths and opportunities for growth
  • Wellbeing, and how to enhance your own wellbeing and that of the community
  • Inclusion, and how to create a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive
  • Sustainability, and how to consider the environmental and economic impact when making decisions at work

Develop transferable career readiness skills:

  • Ability to work with diverse communities 
  • Teamwork/collaboration and interpersonal skills
  • Communication skills
  • Conflict management and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to consider sustainability when making decisions
  • Professionalism, time management, and work ethic

Training Programs

Lifeguard Training Program
Become a Lifeguard

Group X Cohort Program
Become a Group X Fitness Instructor

Personal Training Cohort Program
Become a Personal Trainer

WiLD Program (Wilderness Leadership Development)
Become an Outdoor Trip Leader
The Campus Rec Aquatics team poses all together in front of the Rec Center pool, smiling and wearing their red Lifeguard shirts.

Lifeguard Training Program

Free for Eligible PSU Students

Applications

Spend time in the pool this spring while gaining news skills and learning how to save lives with Campus Rec’s Lifeguard Training Program. Free for current and incoming PSU students who are interested in working as a lifeguard for Campus Rec.

  • If you are interested in becoming a lifeguard and working working at another location, the course fee is $150 for Campus Rec members and $300 for non-members. Contact aquatics@pdx.edu for more details.

No experience required! Trained instructors will assess your swimming abilities and create a training plan as needed to prepare you to complete the American Red Cross lifeguard certification course. 

To apply, complete the Lifeguard Training Program registration form by the registration deadlines listed below.

Lifeguard Training Program

Spring 2024 Training Dates

Session 2

Register by May 17th at 5 p.m. for members, May 6th at 8 am for non-members

  • Prerequisite Day: Friday, May 24 from 2 pm. - 8 p.m. 
  • Lifeguard Class
    • Day 1: Friday, May 31st, 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.
    • Day 2: Saturday, June 1st, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    • Day 3: Sunday, June 2nd, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

This course includes seven hours of remote learning and 19 hours and 45 minutes of in-person training. 

Program Eligibility

  • Fully vaccinated PSU students who meet the American Red Cross prerequisites.
    • No experience required. Trained instructions will assess your swimming abilities and create a training plan for you to work on if you are not able to meet the prerequisites established by the American Red Cross. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the course and ability to meet all PSU employment requirements and department needs. 
  • Individuals who submit a letter of intent through the Lifeguard Training Program registration form.
  • Enrolled in a minimum of 6.0 undergraduate or 5.0 graduate credits during the academic school year.
  • Must meet all PSU employment requirements.
  • Available to work a minimum of four hours per week.
  • Must be able to complete the online portion of the lifeguard course (seven hours) and attend all in-person class dates/times for the session of your choosing.

Program Goals

The Lifeguard Training Program is designed to reduce barriers of participation by eliminating the cost of a lifeguard certification ($300 value) for students who intend to work as a lifeguard at PSU Campus Rec after completing the training. Through this accessible training program, we hope to rebuild our lifeguard community with a new and diverse team, and help bring an end to the national lifeguard shortage. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be trained in an array of lifesaving skills and will be eligible for flexible on-campus employment at Campus Rec, where they can build friendships and community with other PSU students.

Application Process

Complete the Lifeguard Training Program registration form by the registration deadlines listed above.

A Group X instructor stands in front of a group fitness class holding hand weights.

Group X Cohort Program

Supporting Underrepresented Students Entering the Group Fitness Field

APPLICATION DUE November 12 2023 at 10 pm

Campus Rec's Group Exercise (Group X) Cohort Program assists underrepresented students with entering the group fitness field. Underrepresented students include, but are not limited to: Asian/Pacific Islander, Asian-American, African, African-American, Chicano/Chicana, Hispanic, Latino, Native American, Alaskan Native, Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, Disabled, Larger Bodies, First-Generation, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning students.

The cohort program equips participating students with the knowledge and skills to transform themselves and their communities. In addition, the program provides support to Campus Rec members by increasing representation of our Group X program. Moreover, the cohort program supports Campus Rec's strategic goal of expanding our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Group X Cohort Program

Cohort Benefits

Cohort Eligibility

  • Current PSU student with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6.0 undergraduate or 5.0 graduate credits three out of four terms per year.
  • Anticipated graduation date must be Fall Term 2024 or LATER.
    • Must commit to entire length of cohort program (Winter 2024-Fall 2024)
  • Available to teach a minimum of two Group X classes per week during three out of four terms in 2024.
  • Direct experience, strong knowledge of, and familiarity with diverse populations including, but not limited to: Asian/Pacific Islander, Asian-American, African, African-American, Chicana, Hispanic, Latino, Native American, Alaskan Native, Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, Disabled, Larger Bodies, First-Generation, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning students. Students who identify with these populations are encouraged to apply.

Cohort Requirements

Winter 2024

  • Attend in-person GFIT classes at Campus Rec (Tu/Th 2:00pm-3:45pm)
  • Attend weekly cohort community building and study group meetings. Date/Time TBD
  • Register for and take the ACE Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) Certification Exam by March 31, 2024
  • If a student does not pass on their first attempt the retake fee is $199. If the student is unable to retake and pass the exam, they may be ineligible for employment.

Spring, Summer, and Fall 2024

  • Work for Campus Rec as a Group X instructor (may take one term off teaching and still be eligible for the cohort)
  • Meet all Group X Instructor position requirements as outlined in the position description including availability to teach at least two Group X classes per week
  • Participate in monthly cohort meetings (paid)
  • After completion of cohort: ongoing employment offered for continuing students

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the Group X Cohort Application by November 12, 2023 at 10 p.m. When submitting your application make sure to have ready:

  1. Name and contact information for two references. 
    • These can be a professor, advisor, supervisor, work colleague, etc. Your reference should be able to address your reliability, work ethic, follow-through, and potential for success in the Group X Cohort. 
  2. Current Resume
  3. Typed responses to the following application questions (no more than 3 pages):
    • Explain your interest in teaching Group Fitness, including specific class types you’d like to teach
    • How will being accepted into the Group X Cohort and working as a Group X Instructor at Campus Rec help you reach your personal and/or professional goal(s).
    • Describe your experience working with and/or supporting diverse populations including, but not limited to: Asian/Pacific Islander, Asian-American, African, African-American, Chicana, Hispanic, Latino, Native American, Alaskan Native, Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, Disabled, Larger Bodies, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning students.
    • How will you support the Campus Rec mission/vision/values as a future Group X Instructor?

For more information or questions, please contact Erin Bransford at orndorf@pdx.edu. 

 

A Personal Trainer showing someone how to use a barbell

Personal Training Cohort Program

Supporting Underrepresented Students Entering the Personal Training Field

Applications for Spring 2024 are now closed

Campus Rec's Personal Training (PT) Cohort Program assists underrepresented students (including, but not limited to: Asian/Pacific Islander, Asian-American, African, African-American, Chicana, Hispanic, Latino, Native American, Alaskan Native, Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, Disabled, Larger Bodies, First-Generation, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning students) with entering the Personal Training field. 

Personal Training Cohort Program

Cohort Benefits

  • Free entry into the ACE Personal Training Prep Course ($599 value)
  • Additional support and mentoring from Campus Rec master trainers
  • A pathway to employment at Campus Rec
  • Access to career paths post graduation

Cohort Eligibility

  • Current PSU student with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6.0 undergraduate or 5.0 graduate credits three out of four terms per year.
  • Anticipated graduation date must be June 2025 or LATER
    • Must commit to entire length of cohort program (April 2024 - June 2025)
  • Available to work a minimum of 10-15 hours per week during AY25 (Fall/Winter/Spring)
  • Direct experience, strong knowledge of, and familiarity with diverse populations including, but not limited to: Asian/Pacific Islander, Asian-American, African, African-American, Chicana, Hispanic, Latino, Native American, Alaskan Native, Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, Disabled, Larger Bodies, First-Generation, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning students. Students who identify with these populations are encouraged to apply.

Cohort Requirements

Spring 2024

  • Attend in person PT class sessions (Tu/Th, April 9 - June 6, 4:00-5:50pm) 
  • Attend weekly study group meetings  
    • Date/Time:TBD
  • Register for and take the ACE Personal Training Certification Exam by June 30, 2024
    • If a student does not pass on their first attempt, the retake fee is $199. If the student is unable to retake and pass the exam, they will be ineligible for employment and removed from the cohort.

Summer 2024

  • Apply to work as a Campus Rec Personal Trainer
  • Complete New PT Training (paid)
  • Participate in monthly cohort meetings (paid)

AY25: Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

  • Work for Campus Rec as a Personal Trainer
    • Meet all Personal Trainer position requirements as outlined in the position description, including maintaining a minimum of 15 hours per week of availability

AY26: ONGOING EMPLOYMENT OFFERED FOR CONTINUING STUDENTS


Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the PT Cohort Application by Sunday February 25, 2024 at 10 p.m. When submitting your application, make sure to have the following materials/information ready:

  • Current resume
  • Name and contact information for two references
    • These can be a professor, advisor, supervisor, work colleague, etc. Your reference should be able to address your reliability, work ethic, follow-through, and potential for success in the Group X Cohort.
  • Typed responses to the following application questions (no more than three pages):
    • Explain your interest in Personal Training and the PT Cohort.
    • How will being accepted into the PT Cohort and working as a trainer at Campus Rec help you reach your long term career goal(s)?
    • Describe your experience working with and/or supporting diverse populations including, but not limited to: Asian/Pacific Islander, Asian-American, African, African-American, Chicana, Hispanic, Latino, Native American, Alaskan Native, Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, Disabled, Larger Bodies, First-Generation, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning students.
    • How will you support the Campus Rec mission/vision/values as a future Personal Trainer?

For more information or questions, please contact Erin Bransford at orndorf@pdx.edu. 

 

A person wearing a day pack hikes into a beautiful mountain landscape.

WiLD (Wilderness Leadership Development) Program

Become an Outdoor Trip Leader

Applications closed

Since 1966, the Outdoor Program (ODP) has been helping PSU students and the community access and enjoy the outdoors. The Outdoor Program (ODP) hires and trains students to lead guided outdoor trips, rent outdoor rental gear, and manage our indoor Climbing Center. A highlight of the ODP is the outdoor trips offered each term, such as rafting, kayaking, backpacking, climbing and more. In addition, the Outdoor Program offers technical skill seminars like Wilderness First Responder, Intro to Whitewater Kayaking, and Intro to Sport Climbing.

The Outdoor Program depends on PSU students to lead these outdoor adventure trips and places great value on the experience that students gain from these wilderness activities. The Wilderness Leadership Development (WiLD) program is designed to teach and empower PSU students experientially in an outdoor setting. Engaging in outdoor activities such as rock climbing, whitewater paddling, and hiking can build mental strength through problem solving, perseverance and teamwork. This is the type of community that is fostered at the ODP – a group of dedicated and passionate outdoor enthusiasts who are excited to learn and teach other students. 

Who Might Be Interested in WiLD?

Outdoor trip leaders are a diverse group of students that are passionate about getting others outside while creating the most inclusive and welcoming spaces we can. For students who are passionate about the outdoors and want to build on their leadership experience, the WiLD program is designed to teach and empower PSU students experientially in an outdoor setting. Through the WiLD program, students will gain experience in teaching, facilitation, public speaking, communication, conflict resolution and risk management in addition to technical outdoor skills.

Students with direct experience, strong knowledge of, and/or familiarity with diverse populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Diverse populations include, but are not limited to: Asian/Pacific Islander, Asian-American, African, African-American, Chicana, Hispanic, Latino, Native American, Alaskan Native, Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, Disabled, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning students, is preferred. Students who identify with these populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits of the WiLD Program

While participating in the WiLD program, students are eligible for a $600 leadership award ($400 in winter term and $200 in spring term). This three-term development series is also a path to paid trip leading positions within the ODP.

  • Fall Term - Apply and interview. Individuals selected for the WiLD program will participate in an overnight trip at the end of the term.
  • Winter Term - Intern on several trips and attend trainings throughout the term. This training period will culminate in a week-long trip over Spring Break to further refine and practice skills.
  • Spring Term - An opportunity to continue to lead trips and develop additional skills. Our hope is that by the end of these three terms, you will have gained the experience necessary to move into a paid trip leading position and you will continue to work for the Outdoor Program for the rest of your time at PSU.

If you are interested in learning more and applying to the WiLD program, please review the expectations and application process below.

WiLD Cohort 2023/24 - Apply by October 16

Expectations & Application Process

To be considered for the WiLD Program, candidates must:

  • Be a current PSU student with at least two years remaining. (We prioritize applicants who will be PSU students for two years because of the resources invested in this training program.)
  • Be able to attend all of the trainings and meetings for the WiLD program; see following sections for time commitments and dates. 
  • Turn in a complete, on-time application packet to odpvol@pdx.edu, including the application form, resume, and cover letter by Monday, October 16, 2023. 
     

Deadlines & Schedule

WiLD program schedule and mandatory commitments:

Fall Term 2023

  • Info Sessions: We recommend attending an information session to learn more about the program.
    • Friday, September 29, Viking Days (2:00p – 3:00p)
    • Thursday, October 5, 10:00a - 11:00am
    • Tuesday, October 10, 3:00p – 4:00pm
       
  • Application Packet Due: Monday, October 16, 2023
  • Interviews: Late October
  • WiLD Classroom Sessions: Attend 3 WiLD classroom sessions (times and dates TBD)
  • WiLD Program Orientation Trip: Attend the WiLD Program orientation trip at the end of fall term (December 9, 2023)

Winter Term 2024

  • Attend ODP Trip Leader meeting (date TBD)
  • Complete First Aid/CPR and driving training
  • As a WiLD Intern, participate in the leadership of 1-2 trips
  • Attend bi-weekly WiLD classroom sessions throughout the term (times TBD)
  • Attend the WiLD Training Trip over Spring Break (approx. March 23 – March 31, 2024)

Spring Term 2024

  • Attend ODP Trip Leader meeting (date TBD)
  • Attend 2 WiLD classroom sessions throughout the term (dates and times TBD)
  • Meet with Coordinator to review skill development and set goals
  • Participate in the leadership of 1-2 trips.