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Student Employment

In order to work for Recreation & Wellness, visit the Student Employment website and fill out a job application.  Not sure which area you are interested in?  Check out the many jobs we have available at Recreation & Wellness below.

Aquatics

Aquatics Certification Instructor

Aquatic Certification Instructors are responsible for teaching all aquatic education certification classes. This can include Lifeguard Training, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Lifeguard Review, Lifeguard Instructor, and Water Safety Instructor courses. Level of instructor training will be consistent with classes taught.

Required Qualifications:

The following valid certifications are required for the Lifeguard Instructor:

  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor
  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED
  • American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer

The following valid certifications are required for the Lifeguard Instructor Trainer:

  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer
  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor
  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED
  • American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer

The following valid certifications are required for the Water Safety Instructor:

  • American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer
  • American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor

 *Certification courses are offered by RecWell

 

Learn to Swim Instructor

Swim Instructors are responsible for teaching adult and youth swimming lessons for the Learn-to-Swim Program. This can include group, private, and semi-private lessons. Typical hiring periods include fall, spring, & summer semesters.

Required Qualifications:

  • Valid American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification or obtain within 6 months of hire
  • Prior experience teaching swim lessons
  • Successful completion of swim skills evaluation conducted by Assistant Director and/or Program Coordinator(s).

*Certification courses are offered by RecWell

 

Lifeguard

Lifeguards are expected to demonstrate a high degree of competency in skills, critical thinking and knowledge to prevent, prepare for and respond to aquatic emergencies. In addition to maintaining necessary skills and fitness necessary to perform job, responsibilities include policy enforcement and response to all emergencies keeping users in the aquatic facilities safe. Typical hiring periods include fall, spring, & summer semesters.

Required Qualifications: 

  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED
  • American Red Cross Administering Emergency Oxygen
  • American Red Cross Asthma/Inhaler Training
  • American Red Cross Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto-Injector
  • Successful completion of the water skills assessment pre-screening
  • *Certification courses are offered by RecWell.

 

Meet Management

Responsible for operating the Omni-Sport Pro 2000 timing system per FINA, NCAA, Big Ten, or USA Swimming regulations or designated meet officials instruction and/or the Hy-Tek 5.0 Meet Management software. Position is also responsible for record keeping as the official scorekeeper of the meet in accordance with FINA, NCAA, Big Ten, and USA Swimming regulations and as instructed by the assigned meet official for the successful operations of our Swimming & Diving events.

Climbing and Challenge Education

Boiler Challenge Facilitator

The Boiler Challenge Facilitator is an experiential educator.  The goal of the Boiler Challenge Facilitator is to develop teamwork and leadership by taking groups through a series of activities that will challenge participants to work together.  These activities are located at an outdoor facility containing a number of low and high course elements.  Facilitators work collaboratively with other challenge course staff to plan, frontload, facilitate and debrief initiatives and elements for diverse and dynamic populations.  Typical hiring periods are as needed.

Climbing Wall Belay Staff

Work on the "front lines" for the climbing wall. Interact directly with Climbing Wall participants by performing check-in responsibilities, providing belays and creating an atmosphere that promotes the mental and physical safety of all participants and staff. Most participants' first interaction with climbing will be facilitated by the Belay Staff so it is essential to provide a warm welcome and thorough orientation of Climbing Wall policies as well as (when necessary) providing an introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing as a whole. Typical hiring periods include fall & spring semester.

Facility Operations

Operations Assistant

The Operations Assistant (OA) is responsible for assisting in the daily operations of the France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center. The Operations Assistant will develop professional relationships with all units in the department of Recreation & Wellness and provide exceptional customer service to all members.

Field Crew Assistant

Field Crew Assistants assist with all tasks related to the maintenance and upkeep of DRS outdoor facilities. Responsibilities include turf maintenance, landscape and snow removal. Field Crew staff is required to utilize motor vehicles, power equipment and implements. Must have a driver's license.  Typical hiring period occurs as needed.

Maintenance Assistant

Maintenance Assistant will assist with all tasks related to the maintenance and upkeep of RecWell indoor facilities. Responsibilities will include performing or assisting with acute and preventative maintenance of fitness equipment and facility care (painting, floor repair, tile repair, minor plumbing, etc.). Staff is required to utilize hand and power tools and equipment.  Typical hiring period occurs as needed.

Fitness

Personal Trainer

Personal Trainers provide one-on-one and small group fitness instruction to members of the Purdue community. Personal trainers utilize clients’ health history, fitness assessment results, and goals to develop a specialized and comprehensive fitness program for each individual. Along with traditional training, personal trainers have opportunity to run educational fitness programming such as Learn to Lift, Women on Weights (These sessions are not limited to women.  All are welcome to join.), and opportunity to aid in the instruction of our in house NASM Personal Trainer course. Typical hiring periods include Fall, Spring, & Summer semesters. To learn more about becoming a Personal Trainer, visit this page

Required Qualifications:

  • Valid American Red Cross (or equivalent) Adult & Child CPR/AED for the Layperson, Standard First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens certification or ability to obtain upon hire
  • Valid nationally accredited Personal Trainer certification.
Group Fitness Instructor

Group Fitness Instructors lead members through group exercise classes and/or instructional fitness classes encompassing a variety of formats. This position educates participants on safe and effective exercises, assists them in achieving exercise goals and creates a fun workout environment. Along with instructing independent group fitness classes, instructors have opportunity to teach large, themed events as well as opportunity to provide private fitness class experiences. Typical hiring periods include Fall, Spring, & Summer semesters. To learn more about becoming a Group Fitness Instructor, visit this page.

Required Qualifications:

  • Valid American Red Cross (or equivalent) Adult & Child CPR/AED for the Layperson, Standard First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens certification or ability to obtain upon hire
  • Valid nationally accredited Group Fitness certification.

 

F45 Coach

F45 coaches lead group functional training classes in our F45 Studio. Coaches provide exercise instruction and modifications for members, motivate participants to achieve their fitness goals, and help build a positive and inclusive community within the F45 program. If interested in becoming a F45 coach, please reach out to Paige Perkins (psperkin@purdue.edu) to receive more information about our in house F45 Master Training schedule. Typical hiring periods include Fall, Spring, & Summer semesters. To learn more about becoming a F45 Coach, visit this page.

Required Qualifications:

  • Valid American Red Cross (or equivalent) Adult & Child CPR/AED for the Layperson, Standard First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens certification or ability to obtain upon hire.
  • F45 Coach Master training completion.

Intramural Sports

Intramural Sports Official
Intramural Sports Officials are integral to upkeeping the integrity of our intramural sports competitions. They are trained in sport rules, mechanics, and procedures to administrate contests.
Officials are hired seasonally, require no experience, and are paid for all trainings.

Member Services

Member Services Assistant

Entry Control and Equipment Center are the primary contacts for members entering the facility. In this position, you will gain experience and sharpen skills in communication, customer service, conflict resolution, and problem solving. These skills are the most sought after in all career fields. Having these on your resume will set you apart when applying for your future career.  Promotional opportunities are available for Member Services Assistants to an Member Services Specialist, or Member Services Manager. Each promotion comes with a pay raise and continued growth of transferrable skills for your future career. Typical hiring periods include summer, fall & spring semesters.

Risk and Safety

CPR Instructor

The CPR/First Aid Instructor is responsible for teaching CPR, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens training for the Staff and Community CPR programs. The Instructor also facilitates CPR & First Aid skills checks for Recreational & Wellness staff. Typical hiring occurs as needed.

Required Qualifications:

  • Valid CPR/AED & First Aid certification (any level is acceptable) from one of the following organizations American Red Cross,  American Heart Association, or National Safety Council.
  • Valid American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor  Certification or the ability to obtain upon job offer.

Wellness

Wellness Coach

The Wellness Coach will conduct one-on-one meetings with student peers to discuss how students can use personal strengths, values, and goal planning to incorporate health and wellness behaviors into their personal lives.  The position will also work alongside the Wellness Coach team to improve current offerings and innovate for new coaching services.

Required Qualifications:

  • Completion of the ACE Health and Wellness Coaching Prep Course
  • FERPA, GLBA, and BoilerConnect certifications found at www.purdue.edu/webcert
  • Complete CPR/AED training

To learn more about becoming a Wellness Coach, visit this page. 

Wellness Ambassador

The Wellness Ambassador will work alongside the Wellness Ambassador team to present over various health and wellness topics to campus groups, teach meditation sessions, conduct tabling events, and help with programming events. The position will serve as a representative of wellness to the Purdue campus. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Study in a field of health/science preferred
  • Solid understanding of wellness, especially as it relates to the college population
  • Strong desire to gain knowledge and experience in all areas of wellness programming
  • Must be comfortable presenting to groups of various sizes
  • Ideal candidate will be outgoing, motivated, organized, and demonstrate excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
  • Must be able to remain committed to the position for the entire academic year
Financial Educator

The primary focus of Recreation and Wellness’ Boiler Financial Track is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their finances and achieve financial independence. Peer financial educators have the opportunity to provide one on one financial coaching and present information sessions in the areas of: budgeting, saving, credit, taxes, investing and loan repayment.

Required Qualifications:

  • FERPA, GLBA, and BoilerConnect certifications found at www.purdue.edu/webcert.
  • Must be an undergraduate student and be enrolled with good academic standing at the Purdue University West Lafayette Campus.
  • Must be able to answer financially related questions asked by students, parents, and staff in a professional manner.

Boiler Kids Camp

Boiler Kids Camp Counselor

The Boiler Kids Camp Counselor will be responsible for the safety and well-being of campers during the operational hours of camp and any special event outside the normal business hours. They will assist the Head Counselors, Camp Coordinator, and Assistant Director of Youth and Family Programming with implementing daily activities and games designed to develop social, physical, and intellectual skills. Typical hiring period occurs in the spring semester.

Boiler Kids Camp Head Counselor

The Boiler Kids Camp Head Counselor will be responsible for the safety and well-being of campers during the operational hours of camp and any special event outside the normal business hours. Head counselors will lead one of three program areas throughout the course of the summer complete with lesson plans and evaluations from children and counselors. Typical hiring period occurs in the spring semester.

Last modified: October 3, 2025