Join our team!
Recreation & Wellness is proud to employ more than 200 students in various positions throughout the year. With a focus on student empowerment and innovative practices, we strive to create an energetic environment where students can learn and develop transferrable skills that they can use to serve the ODU community, and carry forward after graduation.
The transferrable skills we emphasize are based on traits and characteristics that employers say are necessary for new graduates, based on an annual survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
We also provide opportunities for development beyond normal job duties, with funding for certifications, conferences and workshops, resume building, interview practice assistance and much more!
Visit ODU Handshake to view open positions and apply. You must also fill out this application and add it as an additional document to your submission on ODU Handshake.
What is Federal Work Study?
Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. You must check your Financial Aid Award package to find out if you received a Federal Work-Study Award. It will be listed as part of your aid package. You must Accept, Decline, or Modify any Federal Work-Study award prior to applying for employment. Learn more!
Position Descriptions
Office Assistant
This work study position will assist the Office Assistant and Office Manager with administrative tasks to support the Recreation and Wellness Department.
Recreation and Wellness will pay for certifications for successful candidates who need their certifications renewed. Employees must commit to one full year of employment with the department.
Lifeguard
Lifeguards are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of those using the J.C. Scrap Chandler swimming pool. The primary responsibility of Lifeguards is to oversee the safety of patrons using the facility through effective scanning and emergency response procedures. Lifeguards should be able to provide participants of the facility with information on programs, swimming and water safety skills. Lifeguards must be currently certified as an American Red Cross Lifeguard and current American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.
Lifeguard / CPR Instructor
Lifeguard/CPR Instructors are responsible for teaching American Red Cross certification courses, including challenges, re-certifications and certification of Recreation and Wellness staff as well as other participants registered for classes. Lifeguard/CPR Instructors must be currently certified with the American Red Cross as a Lifeguard Instructor and/or as an American Red Cross CPR/FA/AED Instructor.
Program Assistant
Assist the Aquatics Coordinator with operating/scheduling a variety of different programming, including swim lessons and special events. Deliver excellent customer service in a professional and dignified manner through; effective communication skills, ability to multitask, providing accurate information on programs and services offered, and address problems and complaints in a timely manner to enhance our image and program operation.
Swim Lesson Instructor
Swim Lesson Instructors are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of those using the J.C. Scrap Chandler swimming pool. The main responsibility of Swim Lesson Instructors is to educate and instruct non-swimmers with the goal to teach these participants how to swim effectively on their own. Swim Lesson Instructors must be currently certified as an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor or a YMCA Water Safety Instructor and current American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (preferably American Red Cross Lifeguarding certified).
Arena Manager
Provide on-site technical support for students using ODU's Monarch Esports Arena for recreational gaming.
Broadcaster & Production Staff
Serve as varsity Esports livestream broadcasters, analysts, and production staff.
Esports Specialist
Represent the university in livestream broadcasts for varsity Esports competitions.
Facility Technician
Facility technicians serve two roles at the SRC, as this position oversees the Fitness Floor as well as Equipment Check Out located in the Pro Shop. Responsibilities of Facility Techs include enforcing Fit Floor policies, cleaning strength and cardio equipment, assisting patrons with any needs, conducting informal recreation equipment inventory, managing towel service and responding to emergency situations.
Facility Manager
The Facility Manager is a leadership position within Recreation & Wellness. Facility Managers serve as the point person of the SRC during operational hours. Responsibilities of Facility Managers include overseeing the daily operations of the SRC, opening and closing the facility, supervising other student staff on shift, serving as the first responder in emergency situations, enforcing facility policies as well as employee policies, assisting patrons with any needs and resolving any conflicts with patrons and/or employees. In addition to overseeing the daily operations of the SRC, Facility Managers also oversee the University Fitness Center located on Monarch Way.
Fitness Specialist
Fitness Specialists are responsible for scheduling and leading members through fitness assessments utilizing Rec & Well Trek, engaging members and providing opportunities of recreational programs and services and providing good customer service. Fitness Specialists are required to develop skills in one of four areas of career advancement: personal training, group exercise instruction, small group training and/or wellness coaching.
Group Exercise Instructor
Instructs group exercise classes to the members of the Student Recreation Center (SRC) in a safe and effective manner. Instructors are responsible for checking in participants to their classes, delivering excellent customer service and providing information on programs and services offered. Formats include Barre, dance, strength and conditioning, indoor cycling, CrossFit and Yoga. Recreation and Wellness will provide team teaching opportunities for instructors and pay for certifications for successful candidates who need their certifications renewed. Must commit to one full year of employment with the department for renewal.
Personal Trainer
Personal Trainers provide personal fitness training in a safe and effective manner for members of the SRC. Personal Trainers perform fitness assessments and exercise consultations based on ACSM guidelines and protocols. Must be certified in personal training by an accredited agency. Recreation and Wellness will pay for certifications for successful candidates who need their certifications renewed. Must commit to one full year of employment with department for renewal.
Front Desk Attendant
Health Promotion Front Desk Attendant responsibilities include providing excellent customer service to students, staff, and partners, answering phones and taking messages for Health Promotion staff, condom sales, and maintaining the cleanliness of the front desk area. Duties also include taking inventory of condoms and office supplies.
Monarch Wellness Ambassador
Monarch Wellness Ambassador responsibilities include presenting wellness topics to student peers, hosting wellness tables across campus including residence halls, assisting with marketing for major wellness events, and contributing to the development of passive and active wellness programming. The Monarch Wellness Ambassador position requires 10 - 15 hour per week. Monarch Wellness Ambassadors report to the Monarch Wellness Coordinator.
Programming Assistant
Health Promotion Programming Assistant responsibilities included helping with preparation and planning of major events, assisting with marketing of programming, and helping with day-of activities for major events. Health Promotion Programming Assistants also play a major role in the planning of events by serving as a student representative on program planning committees, as needed.
Intramural Sports Manager
Intramural Sports Managers are responsible for assisting the intramural staff with the overall organization and administration of the intramural program. Intramural Sports Managers are responsible for on-site supervision of all intramural sports programs. They assist in the recruitment, hiring and training of new officials and staff. They are responsible for providing actionable critique to intramural officials.
Referee/Official
Intramural Sports Officials are responsble for refereeing intramural sports programs. Officials will be trained in all sports and are expected to uphold and enforce rules and policies in all settings. Experience as an official/referee is not required.
Graphic Designer
Graphic Design and Marketing Specialists assist in implementing marketing initiatives to support all programs, services and activities within the Recreation and Wellness department. Graphic design experience, strong written and verbal communication abilities and experience with photography are required.
Marketing Assistant
Marketing Assistants are responsible for assisting with marketing efforts for the department of Recreation and Wellness including social media, content planning, print material distribution, events, and photography.
Member Services Specialist
Membership Services Specialists focus on providing quality customer service to patrons entering the Student Recreation Center and selling memberships and services available through the Recreation and Wellness department. Previous experience in customer service with cash-handling experience is preferred.
Member Engagement Specialist
Membership Engagement Specialists (MES) focus on providing administrative assistant to Recreation 7 Wellness membership operations. This includes auditing membership applications, filing paperwork, and serving as a manager to the Member Services Specialist (MSS) team. Previous experience in customer service with cash-handling experience is preferred. This is a promotional opportunity for those serving in the MSS position.
Adventure Trip Leader
Adventure Trip Leaders plan, implement, lead and evaluate outdoor adventure trips ranging from half day to week long trips. Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, surfing and caving. Adventure Trip Leaders will teach various outdoor skills and are responsible for maintaining the physical and emotional safety of participants.
Bike Shop Attendant
Bike shop attendants support the Outdoor Adventure Program in the implementation of a comprehensive bicycle learning lab program. This position will have direct oversight of the bicycle learning lab and the maintenance of the Bike ODU rental fleet.
Challenge Course Facilitator
Challenge Course Facilitators provide team building and low ropes programs for various university and non-university groups. Facilitators plan and implement each group's experience. Facilitators are also responsible for promoting the challenge course to on-campus and off-campus organizations.
Climbing Wall Attendant
Climbing Wall Attendants are responsible for the operation of the rock climbing wall. This includes opening and closing procedures, checking in climbers and monitoring climbers and belayers for safe practices. Climbing Wall Attendants also belay climbers and teach orientation clinics and belay clinics. Climbing Wall Attendants will have the opportunity to set climbing routes if desired.
Outdoor Adventure Center Rental Attendant
Rental attendants initiate and complete equipment rental check-out and check-in procedures. Attendants instruct patrons on how to use outdoor equipment and are responsible for keeping the equipment clean and fully operational.
Sport Club Manager
Reporting to, and with assistance from, the Sport Club Graduate Assistant and the Assistant Director of Recreation & Wellness, the Sport Club Manager supervises club practices and assists with the overall organization and administration of the Sport Club program. Responsibilities include supervising team events, serving as a first responder to emergency situations and assisting with office administration tasks.
Office Assistant
This work study position will assist the Office Assistant and Office Manager with administrative tasks to support the Recreation and Wellness Department.
Recreation and Wellness will pay for certifications for successful candidates who need their certifications renewed. Employees must commit to one full year of employment with the department.
Lifeguard
Lifeguards are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of those using the J.C. Scrap Chandler swimming pool. The primary responsibility of Lifeguards is to oversee the safety of patrons using the facility through effective scanning and emergency response procedures. Lifeguards should be able to provide participants of the facility with information on programs, swimming and water safety skills. Lifeguards must be currently certified as an American Red Cross Lifeguard and current American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.
Lifeguard / CPR Instructor
Lifeguard/CPR Instructors are responsible for teaching American Red Cross certification courses, including challenges, re-certifications and certification of Recreation and Wellness staff as well as other participants registered for classes. Lifeguard/CPR Instructors must be currently certified with the American Red Cross as a Lifeguard Instructor and/or as an American Red Cross CPR/FA/AED Instructor.
Program Assistant
Assist the Aquatics Coordinator with operating/scheduling a variety of different programming, including swim lessons and special events. Deliver excellent customer service in a professional and dignified manner through; effective communication skills, ability to multitask, providing accurate information on programs and services offered, and address problems and complaints in a timely manner to enhance our image and program operation.
Swim Lesson Instructor
Swim Lesson Instructors are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of those using the J.C. Scrap Chandler swimming pool. The main responsibility of Swim Lesson Instructors is to educate and instruct non-swimmers with the goal to teach these participants how to swim effectively on their own. Swim Lesson Instructors must be currently certified as an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor or a YMCA Water Safety Instructor and current American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (preferably American Red Cross Lifeguarding certified).
Arena Manager
Provide on-site technical support for students using ODU's Monarch Esports Arena for recreational gaming.
Broadcaster & Production Staff
Serve as varsity Esports livestream broadcasters, analysts, and production staff.
Esports Specialist
Represent the university in livestream broadcasts for varsity Esports competitions.
Facility Technician
Facility technicians serve two roles at the SRC, as this position oversees the Fitness Floor as well as Equipment Check Out located in the Pro Shop. Responsibilities of Facility Techs include enforcing Fit Floor policies, cleaning strength and cardio equipment, assisting patrons with any needs, conducting informal recreation equipment inventory, managing towel service and responding to emergency situations.
Facility Manager
The Facility Manager is a leadership position within Recreation & Wellness. Facility Managers serve as the point person of the SRC during operational hours. Responsibilities of Facility Managers include overseeing the daily operations of the SRC, opening and closing the facility, supervising other student staff on shift, serving as the first responder in emergency situations, enforcing facility policies as well as employee policies, assisting patrons with any needs and resolving any conflicts with patrons and/or employees. In addition to overseeing the daily operations of the SRC, Facility Managers also oversee the University Fitness Center located on Monarch Way.
Fitness Specialist
Fitness Specialists are responsible for scheduling and leading members through fitness assessments utilizing Rec & Well Trek, engaging members and providing opportunities of recreational programs and services and providing good customer service. Fitness Specialists are required to develop skills in one of four areas of career advancement: personal training, group exercise instruction, small group training and/or wellness coaching.
Group Exercise Instructor
Instructs group exercise classes to the members of the Student Recreation Center (SRC) in a safe and effective manner. Instructors are responsible for checking in participants to their classes, delivering excellent customer service and providing information on programs and services offered. Formats include Barre, dance, strength and conditioning, indoor cycling, CrossFit and Yoga. Recreation and Wellness will provide team teaching opportunities for instructors and pay for certifications for successful candidates who need their certifications renewed. Must commit to one full year of employment with the department for renewal.
Personal Trainer
Personal Trainers provide personal fitness training in a safe and effective manner for members of the SRC. Personal Trainers perform fitness assessments and exercise consultations based on ACSM guidelines and protocols. Must be certified in personal training by an accredited agency. Recreation and Wellness will pay for certifications for successful candidates who need their certifications renewed. Must commit to one full year of employment with department for renewal.
Front Desk Attendant
Health Promotion Front Desk Attendant responsibilities include providing excellent customer service to students, staff, and partners, answering phones and taking messages for Health Promotion staff, condom sales, and maintaining the cleanliness of the front desk area. Duties also include taking inventory of condoms and office supplies.
Monarch Wellness Ambassador
Monarch Wellness Ambassador responsibilities include presenting wellness topics to student peers, hosting wellness tables across campus including residence halls, assisting with marketing for major wellness events, and contributing to the development of passive and active wellness programming. The Monarch Wellness Ambassador position requires 10 - 15 hour per week. Monarch Wellness Ambassadors report to the Monarch Wellness Coordinator.
Programming Assistant
Health Promotion Programming Assistant responsibilities included helping with preparation and planning of major events, assisting with marketing of programming, and helping with day-of activities for major events. Health Promotion Programming Assistants also play a major role in the planning of events by serving as a student representative on program planning committees, as needed.
Intramural Sports Manager
Intramural Sports Managers are responsible for assisting the intramural staff with the overall organization and administration of the intramural program. Intramural Sports Managers are responsible for on-site supervision of all intramural sports programs. They assist in the recruitment, hiring and training of new officials and staff. They are responsible for providing actionable critique to intramural officials.
Referee/Official
Intramural Sports Officials are responsble for refereeing intramural sports programs. Officials will be trained in all sports and are expected to uphold and enforce rules and policies in all settings. Experience as an official/referee is not required.
Graphic Designer
Graphic Design and Marketing Specialists assist in implementing marketing initiatives to support all programs, services and activities within the Recreation and Wellness department. Graphic design experience, strong written and verbal communication abilities and experience with photography are required.
Marketing Assistant
Marketing Assistants are responsible for assisting with marketing efforts for the department of Recreation and Wellness including social media, content planning, print material distribution, events, and photography.
Member Services Specialist
Membership Services Specialists focus on providing quality customer service to patrons entering the Student Recreation Center and selling memberships and services available through the Recreation and Wellness department. Previous experience in customer service with cash-handling experience is preferred.
Member Engagement Specialist
Membership Engagement Specialists (MES) focus on providing administrative assistant to Recreation 7 Wellness membership operations. This includes auditing membership applications, filing paperwork, and serving as a manager to the Member Services Specialist (MSS) team. Previous experience in customer service with cash-handling experience is preferred. This is a promotional opportunity for those serving in the MSS position.
Adventure Trip Leader
Adventure Trip Leaders plan, implement, lead and evaluate outdoor adventure trips ranging from half day to week long trips. Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, surfing and caving. Adventure Trip Leaders will teach various outdoor skills and are responsible for maintaining the physical and emotional safety of participants.
Bike Shop Attendant
Bike shop attendants support the Outdoor Adventure Program in the implementation of a comprehensive bicycle learning lab program. This position will have direct oversight of the bicycle learning lab and the maintenance of the Bike ODU rental fleet.
Challenge Course Facilitator
Challenge Course Facilitators provide team building and low ropes programs for various university and non-university groups. Facilitators plan and implement each group's experience. Facilitators are also responsible for promoting the challenge course to on-campus and off-campus organizations.
Climbing Wall Attendant
Climbing Wall Attendants are responsible for the operation of the rock climbing wall. This includes opening and closing procedures, checking in climbers and monitoring climbers and belayers for safe practices. Climbing Wall Attendants also belay climbers and teach orientation clinics and belay clinics. Climbing Wall Attendants will have the opportunity to set climbing routes if desired.
Outdoor Adventure Center Rental Attendant
Rental attendants initiate and complete equipment rental check-out and check-in procedures. Attendants instruct patrons on how to use outdoor equipment and are responsible for keeping the equipment clean and fully operational.
Sport Club Manager
Reporting to, and with assistance from, the Sport Club Graduate Assistant and the Assistant Director of Recreation & Wellness, the Sport Club Manager supervises club practices and assists with the overall organization and administration of the Sport Club program. Responsibilities include supervising team events, serving as a first responder to emergency situations and assisting with office administration tasks.