MIT Physical Education and Wellness Program Backpacking Specialist

DAPER’s Shared Purpose and Behaviors Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation’s (DAPER) shared purpose is to bring the MIT community together in educational activities that promote wellness, a diverse and inclusive environment, leadership, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence through competition, physical activity and recreation. We are committed to the pursuit of excellence by creating an environment that develops community, provides education, inspires leadership, and promotes wellness through the following shared behaviors: DAPER develops community by embracing the uniqueness of each person, working cooperatively, and providing courtesy, respect, and gratitude in all direction.

Background and Mission of the Physical Education & Wellness Program Physical Education and Wellness (PE&W) is the instructional arm of DAPER; introducing students to a variety of activities to further develop healthy lifestyles. The program offers 6 quarters of activity, including over 20 different courses that reach an average of 1000 students each six weeks. Undergraduates are required to complete 4 courses as part of the MIT general institute requirements. Physical Education & Wellness provides students with the knowledge and skills to lead healthy, active lifestyles, as well as, experience the benefits of social interaction through student-centered instructional physical activity.

Position Description:

Specialist will work closely with the Backpacking team and PE&W office to plan and lead or co-lead backpacking trips for the students throughout the academic year. Position will aid in contributing to the development of MIT's backpacking courses and curriculum.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Teach/lead outdoor skills such as: trip planning, leave no trace principles, hiking protocols, backpack packing and gear, fitness preparation, map and compass skills, navigation, building a fire, safety procedures and pitching a tent

• Manage, respond to and follow all risk management/emergency procedures

o Submit incident/accident report forms with proper documentation promptly

o Food and water preparation; making sure all students intake matches activity

o Allergy and injury awareness of all participants

o Available as trip specialist back up

• Actively participate in all pre and post trip meetings

o Assist with trip planning and logistics; gear inventory and food plan/shopping

o Review student registration forms prior to pre-trip meeting for allergies & injuries for further discussion during the meeting

o Lead or co-lead pre trip meeting and fitness sessions

• Prepare and submit post-trip reports in a timely manner

o Attendance, receipts, leader reviews, gear inventory, etc.

• Engage and motivate students (beginner to advanced ability) with varied level of interest

o Create community environment; keeping students actively engaged and interested

o Maintaining student privacy

• Backpacking curriculum

o Keep up to date on outdoor trends and practices and share findings

o Scout, inspect, and prepare course locations/sites and necessary equipment, as needed

MIT Physical Education and Wellness Program

Backpacking Specialist (7/2026)

Excellence | Education | Leadership | Community | Wellness

• Serve as MIT representative with students, vendors and partners

o Commit to trip schedule for a minimum of 1 year

o Adhere to MIT policies, procedures, and industry best practices on and off campus

o Follow all MIT Physical Education and Wellness policies and procedures

o Assist with adding to the PE&W outdoor education resource library

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in Outdoor Education or similar

• Valid US Driver’s license and vehicle

• Current CPR and AED certification

• Wilderness First Aid certification or willing to obtain prior to leading

• Previous experience in outdoor education and leadership

• Previous experience with group management

• Experience teaching outdoor skills on your own; such as: trip planning, leave no trace principles, hiking protocols, backpack packing and gear, fitness preparation, map and compass skills, navigation, building a fire and safety and pitching a tent

• Direct experience and awareness of safety and risk management in outdoor education

• Ability to work independently and as a team player

• Access to vehicle that can be driven through wooded trail

Candidates will be required to successfully complete the following upon hiring:

• MIT van safety training

• MIT background check

• Paid training trip(s)

o Minimum of 1 NH and 1 Urban trip required

o Candidate will actively engage as a Backpacking Specialist and teach at least 1 lesson during the weekend training trips

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with backpacking in White Mountains, NH, and Blue Hills, MA, throughout all seasons

• Experience teaching in higher education, including developing learning objectives, using course management systems, and conducting grading and assessments

• Background in leading backpacking trips, clinics, and courses

• Familiarity with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and MIT Outing Club (MITOC) organizations.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Experience working in a customer service-oriented environment

• Awareness of and appreciation for individual uniqueness, particularly with diverse and multicultural audiences

• Commitment to student development, leadership, and team building

• Ability to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for participants and effectively manage group dynamics

• Experience facilitating low ROPES initiatives

MIT Physical Education and Wellness Program

Backpacking Specialist (7/2026)

Excellence | Education | Leadership | Community | Wellness

Administrative Requirements per trip (admin pay):

• 1- hour leader meeting for trip planning

• 2- hour pre-trip meeting with students (co-leading presentation)

• 1–2-hour gear prep (week of trip)

• 1- hour food shopping (Urban trip only- 1 leader)

• 1- hour fitness session lead (training session required prior to leading)

Trip Requirements- 6 trips per academic year:

• Urban Backpacking

o Time required: Friday at 1p (pack car/gear prep) to Sunday at 6p (processing gear included- inventory/clean)

o Group leaves campus Friday by 4p and returns Sunday by 4p

o 2 Specialists (1- driving personal car with gear/2- taking group on train/bus/trail walk)

o Up to 12 students

o Serves as Backpacking Specialist and trip guide

o Teach lessons related to Backpacking basics- see list under Duties & Responsibilities

• NH Backpacking

o Pick up van prior to departure date

o Time required: Saturday by 7:30a to Monday by 7p (rental return and processing gear included)

 Student pick up Saturday by 8a on campus and return Monday by 6p

o Single Specialist driving up to 11 participants in a 12- passenger van

o Serve as liaison for Physical Education & Wellness with AMC trip guides

Proposed trips for 2026/2027- Dates TBD

• 3 New Hampshire Trips (White Mountains)

• 3 Urban Backpacking Trips (Blue Hills)

Compensation:

• Trip payment is on a per weekend basis; based on experience, certifications and education

• An hourly administrative rate will be provided for pre-trip preparation, meetings & trainings

Key Contact:

Supervisor: Michele McCauley, Program Manager, Physical Education and Wellness (mdm25@mit.edu )

How to Apply: If you are interested in this position or have any questions, please email key contact directly or peandwellnessemployment@mit.edu. Resumes and letters of interest are being accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed as they are received. First round of resumes will be reviewed by July 20, 2026.

Job Types: Part-time, Seasonal

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Benefits:

Salary : $15