Student Jobs

The Wisconsin Union, often referred to as "the heart and soul" of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has enhanced the lives of members and visitors since it was founded in 1907. Since 1928, when the doors to Memorial Union opened, the Wisconsin Union has served as the living room of the UW-Madison campus. The Union connects students, faculty, staff, members and visitors through shared cultural, social and recreational events and experiences.

Outdoor UW Operations Staff positions are hiring now on a rolling basis until positions are filled  

*Ideally, able to work all year, but MUST be in Madison and available to work THIS SUMMER* 

• Spring Schedule: 5-12 hours per week (Our office will be closed for spring break)
• Summer Schedule: 20-40 hours per week
  • Summer is the busiest season for Outdoor UW. We strive to provide flexibility with our staff scheduling but usually on average, an operations staff member can expect to work anywhere from 20-40 hours a week based on demand and their availability
• Fall Schedule: 5-12 hours per week (Our office will be closed for Thanksgiving break)
• Winter Schedule: 8-15 hours per week (Our office will be closed during winter break)

Training shifts begin immediately following acceptance of the job offer 

Outdoor UW follows UW LifeSaving hours in the summer and fall. Their hours can be found here. Operational hours for rentals occur in the mornings, nights, and weekends.

Be available to lead occasional after-hours for private and special events. Weekend availability is preferred and at times, required

Minimum Hour Expectation

• 10 hour minimum for the 2025 summer season

Customer Service 

• Work with a team of dedicated student staff to provide high quality customer service to OUW patrons and renters 
• Operate Outdoor UW RecHub Point of Sale system with a high level of accuracy 
• Respond to customer inquiries related to Hoofer clubs, Outdoor UW programs, and the Wisconsin Union with accurate information over the phone, by email or in person 
• Assist with managing RecHub customer and club membership database 
• Provide service to Hoofer club members, with heavy emphasis on sailboat check-in/check-out 
• Communicate and enforce Union, Outdoor UW, and UW policies related to programs
• Assist with timely projects as assigned 

Rental Operations

• Facilitate a seamless outdoor equipment rental experience for OUW customers

• Ensure the cleanliness and proper working condition of rental equipment and associated rental/office spaces

• Winter

  • Facilitate seamless snowshoe rental experience for OUW customers

  • Assist club leaders with RecHub events

• Summer

  • Facilitate a seamless lake rental experience for OUW customers

  • Assist with lakefront rental operations, including but not limited to:

    • Offering lakefront safety information

    • Checking in and out rental onsite and offsite rental equipment using RecHub

    • Upkeep and monitoring lakefront and offsite rental equipment

    • Manage rental customer intake, waitlist, and offloading in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications 

• Dependable worker with an ability to utilize teamwork and open communication 

• Enthusiasm for the outdoors, Outdoor UW, and the Hoofer organization 

• Willingness to take initiative and offer leadership when necessary 

• Strong organization & time management skills and an ability to problem solve quickly 

• Strong understanding of Outdoor UW and Union policies and procedures or willingness to learn 

• Willingness to learn or apply outdoor skills in our setting (eg. paddling, motorboat, gear repair) 

• Must be able to lift/carry 50lbs overhead 

• Must be 18+ years old. 

Prior Experience (Preferred) 

• Experience with outdoor recreation activities, preferably renting or camping operations 

• Ability to provide quality service to diverse audiences and skill levels 

• Paddling experience and/or willingness to learn paddling techniques and risk management 

• Motorboat experience or willingness to learn motorboat operation 

• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check

Student Status

To be eligible for the Wisconsin Union positions, you must be currently enrolled in a college, university, or highschool (at least 16). It is not permissible to hire a person as a student hourly employee if they are taking credits merely to be eligible for student hourly employment. Review UW Policy 5003- Student Hourly Employment for more information. If school is in break period (summer, spring, winter), applicants must intend to enroll in courses the following semester. If you have any questions, please email hr@union.wisc.edu.

Please go to the Union Job Site https://union.studentjobs.wisc.edu/ to apply for this job. NOTE: This job is subject to being removed early