Employment
Looking for a fun job that changes lives?
Work with us! At Michigan Recreation you’ll develop leadership skills, develop customer service experience, and earn practical certifications. Plus there are plenty of opportunities to advance within our organization. Students earn competitive wages and become part of a warm and supportive community. Your success is our success!
When we contact you, you’ll need to complete official student employment paperwork before you can begin working. Please check the Student Employment Guide for detailed instructions on required paperwork, including I-9 verification.
- Flexible work schedule
- Convenient on-campus locations
- Have fun and network with students, faculty and staff
- Career development and practical leadership opportunities
- Earn awards and recognitions
- Free membership to employees not registered in class per semester
- Free CPR/FA/AED/Lifeguard certification available
- Free daily lockers
- Discount on items purchased in the Welcome Centers
Adventure Leadership Climbing Center Assistant
Help us climb higher!
Climbing Center Assistants provide the first point of contact for members and guests at the Hadley Climbing Center. They are responsible for check-ins, waivers, equipment rentals, POS transactions, and creating a welcoming and inclusive customer experience. Staff ensure that facility rules and safety protocols are communicated and followed, while maintaining a professional front desk and supporting daily climbing operations.
Pay rate: $15.00/hour
Hours: Flexible; required to work at least 10 hours per week during the summer; up to 10 hours per week during the academic year.
Apply: Now accepting applications.
Adventure Leadership Climbing Center Supervisor
Help us climb higher!
Climbing Center Supervisors provide elevated oversight of Hadley Climbing Center operations. In addition to the duties of Climbing Center Assistants, Supervisors manage shift-level operations, support scheduling, oversee belay and lead tests, handle incident reporting, and assist with conflict resolution. Supervisors act as the on-duty leader to ensure that the facility runs safely and effectively.
Pay rate: $16.50/hour
Hours: Flexible; required to work at least 10 hours per week during the summer; up to 10 hours per week during the academic year.
Apply: Now accepting applications.
Adventure Leadership Climbing Center Coordinator
Help us climb higher!
Climbing Center Coordinators serve as student leaders who bridge the gap between entry-level staff and professional staff. Coordinators support scheduling, assist in teaching classes, oversee belay and lead testing, and help develop programming. This role provides a leadership and professional development pathway within the Adventure Leadership team, contributing to both daily operations and long-term program success.
Pay rate: $17.75/hour
Hours: Flexible; required to work at least 10 hours per week during the summer; up to 10 hours per week during the academic year.
Apply: Now accepting applications.
Adventure Leadership Rental Center Staff
Adventure Leadership Rental Center Assistants are responsible for executing the rental, financial, and administrative operations of the Adventure Leadership Resource Center. This role ensures a smooth experience by managing gear reservations, enforcing return policies, and handling financial transactions. The position has opportunities for training on rental gear maintenance, proper fitting, and usage guidelines for various equipment, including backpacks, bikes, skis, and stoves as well as other outdoor and program equipment.
Responsibilities include understanding how camping gear works (training is available), demonstrating good customer service skills, learning inventory software, and cash register systems.
Pay rate: $15 per hour. This is a work-study eligible position.
Hours: 2- to 6-hour shifts during the Resource Center hours (typically Monday through Friday, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Adventure Leadership Team Staff
Adventure Leadership Team Staff are responsible for designing and delivering custom experiential programs for students, educators, corporate groups, nonprofit organizations, and communities. Facilitators use outdoor recreation activities and experiential education tools — which can include ground initiatives, low elements, high ropes challenge course elements, and zip lining — to instill participants with a sense of self-efficacy while increasing confidence, testing endurance, and practicing resilience. This position is an opportunity to facilitate meaningful connections between people and the environment by engaging communities in purposeful, collaborative experiences.
Because we serve a variety of organizations, we are looking for staff with diverse backgrounds. No experience is required.
To be hired, you must attend an information session. Afterward, you will have an interview and, if hired, you will attend training sessions.
Adventure Leadership Trip Leader
Adventure Leadership Trip Leaders are responsible for leading local, front country, and backcountry programs. This role ensures an engaging experience for participants by planning and executing single-day, weekend, and week-long trip programs based out of the Adventure Leadership Resource Center. Trip Leaders are expected to hold current wilderness medicine certification and demonstrate proficiency in risk management, group facilitation, and outdoor skills. This position offers opportunities for continued training and coaching in trip planning, navigation, and leadership.
Job Requirements & Expectations
Adventure Leadership Trips trains students to be Trip Leaders. We welcome and look for people with camping and/or leading experience, but we also welcome beginners who are eager to learn.
Ultimately, all Trip Leaders are expected to have competence in the following areas:
- First Aid/CPR
- Risk Management
- Group Dynamics and Leadership
- Outdoor Skills
- Logistics
Competence can be gained or shown through prior experience, experience with our group (either as a participant or assistant Trip Leader), our trainings, online trainings and more.
This is a volunteer position, but Trip Leaders are rewarded with generous help toward outdoor training (including Wilderness First Aid/Responder) and outdoor gear. Trips can be day, weekend or, during Spring Break and Summer, one week long.
Club Sports Supervisor
The Club Sports Supervisor is responsible for the daily operation of select Athletic Facilities on campus—including opening/closing facilities and supervising club practices or competitions. At events, they will enforce Michigan Recreation policies and procedures with participants and spectators, set up and break down events, and provide assistance to spectators. They will complete daily supervisor reports, roster checks, and other documentation. Our Club Sports Supervisors will gain experience in leadership competencies that will be transferable to whatever you do after you graduate.
Club Sports Supervisors also serve as a first responder in the case of an emergency. No experience is required and we provide all the training necessary to create a safe and fun environment.
Pay rate: $16.50-$17.50 per hour. This is a work-study-eligible position.
Hours: 2- to 4-hour shifts, mostly in the evenings and occasionally on the weekends.
Apply: Not currently taking applications
Digital Content Intern
Are you looking to expand your professional content portfolio? Visual storytelling is critical to communicating the Michigan Recreation story. Our work is rooted in well-being, activity and engaging with the campus community. Every day, Michigan Recreation offers people a chance to learn, discover, compete, de-stress and bring balance to their lives. That’s why we’re focusing on bringing the stories of our community to life through digital media. That’s where you come in!
Job Requirements
- Have experience telling stories and creating content via photo and/or video for social media, web and/or digital boards
- Possess the desire to develop skills in design, photography and videography
- Understand composition, managing a shoot, and post-production processes
- Demonstrate creative initiative and a willingness to learn
- Have an eye for detail but an appreciation for the bigger picture
- Possess superior communication and interpersonal skills for working as part of a team
- Are excited to build your portfolio and share your work
- Possess excellent time-management and organizational skills
- Are self-motivated and can work collaboratively and independently
Job-Specific Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality, compelling digital content
- Own all stages of production from pre- to post- for all visual projects
- Contribute to script- and copywriting
- Follow guidelines to create digital media content consistent with the Michigan Recreation brand
- Organize and manage the Michigan Recreation Instagram & YouTube channels
- Assist in creative concept development for telling stories across various platforms
Desired Knowledge/Skills & Abilities:
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite—Premiere Pro and Lightroom
- Familiarity with operating cameras of various brands like Sony, Canon, or Nikon
Pay rate: Pay rate of $17.75 per hour. This is a work-study eligible position.
Hours: Flexible; required to work at least 10 hours per week during the summer; up to 10 hours per week during the academic year.
Apply: Send an email of interest and resume to [email protected].
Group‑X Instructor
Group‑X Instructors will lead members, in a group environment, through safe and effective fitness classes for the Michigan Recreation Department. Class designs include but are not limited to the following categories: Floor (Strength & Cardio), Cycling, Mind-Body (Yoga/Pilates), Dance (Zumba, Cardio Hip Hop, etc.), Barre, or Kickboxing.
Group‑X Instructors will serve as a resource to educate members on various aspects of fitness and wellness and are responsible for ensuring that the safety of the members is not compromised.
Job Requirements & Expectations
- Maintain current CPR, First Aid, AED, and at least one national group fitness instructor certification (ACE, AFAA, ACSM, Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, etc.)
- Ability to teach and instruct at least 1 group x class/week
- Knowledge of safe exercise technique and group exercise principles
- Team player – substitutes classes when able, communicates with team and direct supervisor, meets deadlines, and requests substitutes for classes as soon in advance as possible
- Attend all scheduled staff meetings, in-service training, and one-on-one meetings with supervisors
- Ability to work with diverse collegiate populations, and to tailor educational and coaching messages to the capabilities of each participant
- Arrive at your teaching space early to set-up, facilitate check-in, and build rapport with participants
- Instructors are responsible for making sure their teaching space is clean and secure after each class
Mentoring Program
Not certified, or a new instructor that would like to develop the skills needed to become a Group Exercise Instructor? We have various mentorship programs, that will develop your knowledge and skill set through workshops, class planning assignments, and practice teaching. During the mentoring program, you will be required to obtain the certification that best meets the needs of the class formats you will be teaching.
Pay rate: $22.00 – $30.00 per hour. This is a work-study eligible position
Hours: Morning, mid-day, evening and weekend classes are offered each semester.
The schedule will be determined by Assistant Director based on availability and experience. Class times may vary (most are 50 minutes in duration).
Intramural Sports Official
Intramural Officials are responsible for officiating all intramural sports and special events offered by or sponsored by Michigan Recreation. They oversee and manage a fun and safe atmosphere for all participants and assist the Intramural Supervisors when needed through enforcing Intramural policies and procedures.
As an Intramural Official, you will make new friends, work flexible hours, earn money, and almost never have to work a Friday or Saturday. The intramural department typically employs over 100 student officials annually.
No officiating experience needed! All new and returning officials are required to go through a paid training program, which covers the sports they sign up for and will be assigned to. Training occurs over a two-week period before play begins and includes classroom sessions along with on-site clinics. All training will be conducted in a safe environment in a blended learning format, featuring both in-person and remote learning.
Job Requirements & Expectations
- Officiate a variety of intramural sports including basketball, flag football, soccer, volleyball, and assist with other sports/events as needed
- Ensure participation safety by having a strong knowledge of rules, policies and procedures as well as proper field set up and game management
- Provide exceptional and professional customer service to participants by having strong communication while also interacting with players in a respectful, cooperative manner
- Attend Intramural Sports Official training meetings, practice scrimmages, and clinic(s)
In the event of an emergency, properly assist with emergency care and treatment as required until the arrival of emergency medical services
Job Responsibilities
- Assist in setting up equipment for activities
- Assist in the signing-in of participants and verifying eligibility
- Assist in examining playing surfaces for safety hazards
- Enforce intramural policies and procedures during contests
- Assist in completing all shift forms that are required
- Assist in storing equipment at the conclusion of activities
- Assist in securing the facility at the conclusion of activities
- Evening and weekend work as required
Pay rate: $15 – $16 per hour. This is a work-study eligible position.
Hours: Flexible. Intramural games are typically played Monday through Friday, 5:00 pm – 11:30 pm, and Sundays 12:00 noon – 11:30 pm. Shifts are generally three hours. Officials are expected to work at least one shift per week. Schedule is created each week based on employee availability.
Lifeguard
Lifeguards are responsible for the supervision of all aquatic facilities. Lifeguards enforce pool and safety rules, perform water rescues, and administer first aid when necessary to keep participants safe. We do offer lifeguard training at a reduced rate for new employees. A current certification is preferred, but not required.
Job Requirements & Expectations
- Maintain current Lifeguarding (Deep Water)/CPR/AED/First Aid certification (recertification cost covered if current employee)
- Maintain open and frequent communication with the Aquatics Professional Staff and your co-workers, and return all emails and calls promptly
- Read weekly emails and complete weekly quizzes
Pay rate: $17.50-$19.50 per hour. This position is work-study eligible.
Hours: 2- to 4-hour shifts. Preferred candidates are available to work a minimum of 6- to 9- hours per week. Shifts start as early as 5:45 am and go as late as 11 pm. The individual must be willing to work early mornings, late nights, and weekends. Hours are also available during school breaks. Flexible scheduling for the availability of the employee.
Membership Services Assistant
Applicants are encouraged to apply at the end of July if they are seeking employment for the fall semester, at the end of November for the winter semester, and at the end of March for the spring and summer.
Membership Services Assistants monitor patrons entering and exiting the facilities including, but not limited to verifying patron identification and membership upon entering the facilities, conducting Fusion transactions, cleaning fitness equipment, and program registration. The position serves as an information agent of Michigan Recreation, promoting Michigan Recreation programming, services, and facilities. Membership Services Assistants assist patrons with locker services, along with check-in/out of informal recreation equipment.
Membership Services Assistants oversee all Fitness, Cardio, and Multi-Purpose spaces throughout Michigan Recreation facilities. Assistants are expected to greet patrons and assist them in navigating policies and operating equipment in these areas, ensuring patron safety by supervising fitness areas and performing basic preventive maintenance and regular cleaning and disinfectant duties.
Preferred requirements include effective communication skills, prior experience with sales or customer service, ability to problem solve, strong oral and written communication, ability to work in a team, basic experience, and knowledge of fitness equipment.
Hours: 2- to 4- hour shifts. Preferred candidates are available to work a minimum of 6- to 9- hours per week. Shifts start as early as 5:30 and go as late as 12 Midnight. Potential weekend hour requirements. Break hours are also available. Flexible scheduling to the availability of the employee.
Member Services Student Coordinator
The Member Services Coordinator will oversee all member services activities, including but not limited to checking the eligibility requirements of potential members, collecting and analyzing membership and transactional reports, selling community and affiliate memberships, reconciling sales, assisting in membership training, aiding in the training of student staff regarding recurring errors and issues, facilitating necessary updates to members’ accounts, responding to member questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner, and elevating issues to the Program Manager of Membership and Student Staff Engagement as needed.
Preferred requirement include:
- Prior experience in sales
- Strong oral and written communication
- Basic computer proficiency.
- Must exercise sound judgment and use discretion
- Must be punctual and reliable
- Exceptional customer service skills; interacting positively and professionally with members and co-workers, exceeding members’ expectations
- Strong listening skills with the ability to empathize and solve problems.
- Demonstrate diplomacy in all interactions while using appropriate behavior and language
Physical Demands
- Continual talking in person or on the phone during shift
- Must be able to lift to 10 lbs occasionally
Pay rate: $17.75/hour
Hours: Minimum of nine hours per week. Preferred candidates are available to work 10-15 hours a week. Shifts start as early as 8:00 a.m. and end as late as 10:00 p.m. Candidates may be required to work some nights, weekends, and during semester breaks.
Personal Trainer
A Personal Trainer conducts fitness assessments, develops specific individualized fitness and wellness programs, and implements programming through training sessions. A Personal Trainer is responsible for providing every client with an exceptional experience. Personal Trainers will provide the best service possible and emphasize safety at all times. This position reports to the Coordinator of Fitness & Wellness.
Job Requirements & Expectations
- Maintain at least one national personal training certification (ACE, ACSM, NSCA, etc.).
- Adult & Child CPR/AED and First Aid through the American Red Cross, or equivalent (AHA).
- Have strong communication skills and an understanding of motivational interviewing
- Ability to work with diverse populations, and to tailor educational and coaching messages to the capabilities of each client.
- Develop individualized programs that are safe and progressive to enhance the client’s personal goals.
- Keep up-to-date with the latest health and fitness industry trends by attending workshops, presentations, conferences, and reading scholarly publications.
- Have a good understanding of human anatomy and physiology.
- Keep clear records of all training sessions and client progress.
- Conduct equipment orientations as scheduled or when requested.
- Follow Michigan Recreation policies and guidelines, including equipment use and dress code.
- Serve as a first responder in emergency situations and follow emergency protocols set by the
- Department of Michigan Recreation.
- Attend all scheduled staff meetings, in-service trainings, and one-on-one meetings with supervisors.
- Communicate all issues to the Coordinator (Assistant Director) or other appropriate individuals.
Mentoring Program
Want to develop the skills needed to become a Personal Trainer? Our mentoring program includes group workshops, mock assessments, shadow sessions, and mock training sessions. ACSM, ACE, or NSCA certification exam to be completed individually. For questions, please email [email protected].
Pay rate: $22.00 – $30.00 per hour. This is a work-study eligible position.
Hours: Must be flexible—early morning, mid-day, evenings, and weekends. Trainers will be assigned clients based on client’s availability, goals, and experience.
Social Media & Engagement Intern
Are you looking to expand your professional content portfolio? Michigan Recreation is seeking Social Media & Engagement Interns to create fun and engaging social content and events for our department.
Having an active presence on social media is critical to telling the Michigan Recreation story. Our work is rooted in well-being, activity and engaging with the campus community. Every day, Michigan Recreation offers people a chance to learn, discover, compete, de-stress and bring balance to their lives.
We’re looking for people that are friendly, creative, dynamic and have exceptional written and oral communication skills. You need to be an inclusive and self-motivated individual that brings positive energy and a sense of humor to their work. You’ll personify and uphold the Michigan Recreation brand bringing the Michigan Recreation story to life.
Job Requirements
- Have experience telling stories and creating and placing content for social media
- Possess the desire to develop skills in design
- Understand composition and content development
- Demonstrate creative initiative and a willingness to learn
- Have an eye for detail but an appreciation for the bigger picture
- Possess superior communication and interpersonal skills for working as part of a team
- Are excited to build your portfolio and share your work
- Enjoy interacting with your fellow students at events and tabling sessions
- Possess excellent time-management and organizational skills
Job-Specific Responsibilities
- Oversee the scheduling and management of Michigan Recreation’s social media accounts on Instagram and YouTube
- Write and design posts and create weekly social media content via Canva and Adobe Creative Suite
- Create content for monthly digital signage displays in Michigan Recreation facilities
- Track, analyze and report monthly social media analytics for Michigan Recreation social media accounts
- Collaborate with other Engagement staff to carry out overlapping duties
- Represents Michigan Recreation at events and tabling
- Develop concepts and coordinate events that build engagement
Desired Knowledge/Skills & Abilities:
- Must have working knowledge of Instagram and YouTube
- Background in marketing, sales, event planning, writing social media for business a plus
- Working knowledge of Canva and Adobe Creative Suite
- Prior experience in recreational facilities or programs a plus
Pay rate: Pay rate of $17.75 per hour. This is a work-study eligible position.
Hours: Flexible; required to work at least 10 hours per week during the summer; up to 10 hours per week during the academic year.
Apply: Send an email of interest and resume to [email protected].

