Overview
With over 100 years of history, the Williams Outing Club (WOC) is the largest, and one of the oldest, student organizations on campus. Our mission is to “support outdoor activities at Williams and to make the outdoors accessible to everyone, regardless of level of experience.” We strive to create an inclusive outdoor community that values a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. WOC organizes trips and outings throughout the year on weekends and weekdays, and orchestrates three signature events during the year:
* WOOLF, an outdoor orientation program that sends ~60% of all incoming students on an outdoor trip at the start of their college career.
* Mountain Day, the cherished Williams tradition in which classes are canceled on a surprise Friday in October and students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to spend time outdoors in the spirit of friendship and community.
* Winter Carnival, the third Friday in February, is a day off for students to have a much needed break from their studies while cheering on the college’s ski teams, participating in outdoor games and activities, and coming together to enjoy fireworks in the evening.
Nested in the valley between the Taconic Crest, the Green Mountains, and the Mt. Greylock massif, Williamstown is a true New England “mountain town.” Tucked into the northwestern most corner of Massachusetts, and just five miles from the Appalachian Trail, Williams College was ranked #22 on Outside Magazine’s list of the Top 40 Schools to “Hit the Books and the Backcountry.” In addition to miles and miles of hiking trails, the town also offers superlative road and gravel biking, whitewater paddling on the nearby Deerfield River, downhill skiing at Jiminy Peak and nordic skiing at Prospect Mountain. Several climbing areas are just an hour away, including Farley, Chapel Ledge, and Hanging Mountain. Williamstown is also a short drive from bigger mountains and adventures, including 2.5 hours from the Adirondack High Peaks, 2 hours from the world famous ‘Gunks,’ and just minutes away from the southern Green Mountains of Vermont.
The Assistant Director of the Williams Outing Club has primary responsibility for instruction of student leaders and employees in the areas of: indoor climbing at the Bouldering Barn and climbing wall, staffing of the Equipment Room, rock climbing and/or whitewater kayaking outings, and a wide range of Physical Education classes. The Assistant Director is also primarily responsible for management of WOC’s indoor rock climbing wall/Bouldering Barn, and the outdoor equipment room. Finally, the Assistant Director works collaboratively with the Director to support both weekly outings and large-scale events, including: WOOLF, Mountain Day, Winter Study, and Winter Carnival.
Qualifications:
* Current, valid, Wilderness First Responder certification (and CPR), or higher - or be able to obtain before date of hire
* Previous experience in multi-day outdoor trip leading and leadership training
* Previous experience with rock climbing and/or white water kayaking, preferably in an institutional setting
* Some combination of the paddling or climbing experience/training/certifications described below is preferred:
* Climbing: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (or equivalent), including rock
About Williams College
Williams College has been around for more than 200 years, yet we’re constantly evolving and growing. As a liberal arts college, Williams has always taught fundamental problem-solving skills that students can use well beyond their four years here. We also recognize that facing complex issues within our history and culture is necessary for sustaining an equitable, just and environmentally responsible community. We strive to create an inclusive culture in which every voice is heard. The college is committed to ensuring that everyone is able to find their place and thrive, no matter who you are, where you come from or what role you fulfill when you get here.
