UMass Lowell is a national research university committed to preparing students for work in the real world— solving real problems and helping real people— by providing an affordable, high-quality education.  Located on a high-energy campus in the heart of a global community, the university offers more than 18,000 students bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. 

The Summer Kayak Center and Outdoor Adventure Internship/Practicum program is designed to enhance students’ academic education with hands-on experience as part of a university recreation program. The Kayak Center and Outdoor Adventure Internship may correlate best with recreation related academic programs (such as outdoor recreation, parks and recreation management, leisure studies, and outdoor leadership); however, all students passionate about teaching kayaking are welcome to apply.  

Intern’s primary responsibilities (85% or more) will be with our summer Kayak Center. Our Kayak Center operates out of the Bellegarde Boathouse, located on the shores of the Merrimack River.  Kayak Center offerings include hourly and daily kayak, canoe and SUP rentals, group tours, ACA kayak instruction for adults, teens and youth.  Kayak center is open 7 days a week from late May to Early September.   

• Daily Kayak Center programming and operations: staff scheduling and oversight, customer service, group communication, billing, marketing, facility and equipment upkeep. 

• Assist with program administration: planning, marketing, implementation, accounting, and evaluation 

• Leadership, instruction and group management with peers, adults, teens and children including groups and walk-up rental customers. 

• Serve a diverse customer base of students, faculty, staff and community members 

Secondary responsibilities (15% or less) include working for the Outdoor Adventure Program and Bike Shop.  The Outdoor Adventure Program offers a variety of trips for UMass Lowell students, faculty and staff.  Summer trips may include day hiking, river and ocean paddling, rock climbing, bicycling and backpacking.  The Bike Shop offers bicycle repairs, new and used bicycle sales, do it yourself shop time, and parts as well as serves the Freewheelers bike share program providing logistics and maintenance for a fleet of free daily rental bicycles to five locations across campus.  Duties may include activities that align with academic needs and interests of candidate’s professional development. 

Qualifications

• Be a current college student in good academic standing or recent graduate with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above.  Enrolled in a related major preferred. 

• General knowledge of recreation policies and procedures, and the ability to work effectively in a university setting 

• Ability to work independently, think critically and problem solve, manage risk and exercise sound judgement 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills 

• Leadership experience working with groups, children or adolescents preferred 

• Complete ACA River Kayak Instructor Course Levels I-II (offered with employment) 

• Current First Aid/CPR/AED required (will train), Wilderness First Aid Certification or higher preferred 

• Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate 12 passenger van with a kayak trailer required. 

• Pass a criminal background check. 

Compensation and Time Requirements 

• $480 weekly stipend.   

• University apartment style housing provided for the duration of employment. 

• Academic Credit when applicable. 

• Access to outdoor trips equipment as well as Campus Recreation facilities and resources. 

• Interns should be flexible and expect to work an average of 5 days/week, between 5-10 hours/day or an average of 40 hours each week.  Employment will run from May 18 to the end of August/beginning of September.  End dates may vary slightly based on the needs of the intern.   

• Interns must attend staff training in Lowell May 18-19 and 22, 2023.  ACA L2 Course Provided May 23-25, 2023.   Housing access and move in anticipated to be available May 16, 2023. 

About Lowell:

Lowell is a Mill City born in the industrial revolution era.  It is currently a medium sized city of approximately 113,000 people.  It is approximately 45 miles away from Boston.   

Lowell is central to many excellent outdoor recreation opportunities; miles of rail trails, single track mountain biking and river paddling are accessible right from campus.  Surfing and sea kayaking on the Atlantic coast as well as rock climbing, backpacking or mountaineering in mountains of MA, NH and VT are a short drive away. 

To Apply:  

Email resume and cover letter in PDF format to Kate Ford, Outdoor Programs Coordinator and Boathouse Manager [email protected] Target date to fill position: March 1, 2023.  Position will remain open until filled.