Venture Out Staff
Work for Venture Out
Venture Out is committed to developing passionate student leaders who connect the Hokie community to wild places through outdoor adventures. We provide positive outdoor recreation experiences that foster personal growth, respect for the environment, and a spirit of exploration. We specialize in offering exciting outdoor adventures, quality rental gear at unbeatable rates, and valuable resources to help you plan your own perfect adventure.
Venture Out is committed to investing in its staff and offering consistent professional development opportunities in leadership and skill acquisition. Venture Out is dedicated to the goal of building a positive, inclusive, and diverse community of staff who are committed to expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for the Virginia Tech community.
Venture Out staff have the opportunity to pursue various roles within the organization and promote within roles. Below are summaries of the positions available with Venture Out.
Office Assistant
The Office Assistant position is a customer service role, providing familiarity with Venture Out procedures, policies, trips, and local recreation opportunities. The Office Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Venture Out Center Supervisor and is responsible for operating the Venture Out Rental Center, Pro-Shop, and Bouldering Wall and contributing to the Venture Out mission. See full job description below.
Portable Initiatives Facilitator
The Portable Initiatives Facilitator positions lead team building activities for groups. They work individually or in a pair to meet a group's goals by facilitating activities that promote discussion of group dynamics and values. All Venture Out staff are trained in this role and expected to work at least one portable initiatives program a semester. See full job description below.
Challenge Course Facilitator
The Challenge Course Facilitator position is responsible for facilitating safe and positive experiences on the Venture Out Challenge Course. All Training is provided by Venture Out. The Facilitator works under the direct supervision of Challenge Course Lead Facilitators and is responsible for operating the Challenge Course and contributing to the Venture Out mission. See full job description below.
Trip Staff (Leader in Training)
Trip staff organize and facilitate outdoor experiences in backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, hiking, caving, and mountain biking. All staff have the opportunity to attend trips trainings and shadow trips as a Leader in Training. Trip staff begin in a training role and have the opportunity to advance to the paid positions of Assistant Trip Leader and Trip Leader. Venture Out provides all the necessary training to become a Trip Leader over the course of several semesters. Trip Staff works under the supervision of the Venture Out Trips Supervisor and is responsible for the risk management and facilitation of adventure trips and contributing to the Venture Out mission. See full job description below.
Applying
We hire staff twice per year (April and October commonly) and operate year-round: Staff are encouraged to work multiple years at Venture Out to best take advantage of the significant development opportunities available. Depending on interest, staff may pursue a position as an Office Assistant, Challenge Course Facilitator, and/or Trip Staff.
To complete your application please fill out the following form. If you have any questions, please email us at ventureout@vt.edu.