Venture Out Staff

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.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

Friendly and personable customer service attitude.
Flexible, adaptable and open to change as a leader, follower, and team member.
Organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong personal motivation, initiative, commitment, and reliability.
Able to work effectively with people of different identities and backgrounds.
Spirit of adventure, curiosity, and self-discovery.
Commitment to professional growth.
Proficiency with basic computer skills (Google Docs, social media, etc.).
Strong interest in working in the outdoors or personal outdoor recreation is preferred.

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.

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.

Route Setter

The Route Setter is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the Venture Out Center bouldering wall. Route Setters periodically remove climbing holds and set new problems. We are looking to bring on an additional person to our staff team starting in the fall semester to join our route setting team. The qualified candidate will have a passion for climbing, be able to climb higher grades (V6 and above) and/or have experience route setting. The successful applicant will have the option to work just as a route setter or also within other areas of Venture Out.

Trip Staff

Trip staff organize and facilitate outdoor experiences in backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, hiking, caving, and mountain biking.  Tip staff begin in a training role and have the opportunity to advance to the paid position of 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.

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.