Graduate Assistant – Youth Programs, Campus Recreation

The University of Maine is seeking Youth Programs Graduate Assistant applicants for the Spring of 2025. The graduate assistant works with the Coordinator of Intramurals and Youth Programs and the Assistant Director of Competitive Sports and Youth Programs to assist in the administration of all aspects of youth programs. 

This includes, but is not limited to, day to day planning and organization; recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising student employees; developing and scheduling of programs; developing publicity and promotional materials; planning activities within the campus community; and assisting with equipment and supply purchases. 

Primarily responsible for the coordination, administration, and supervision of the after school activity program and academic year youth sports and camps programs.  Graduate Assistant will be responsible for the training, evaluation, and supervision of youth program staff.

Admission Requirements

Requirements include a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university; acceptance by the UMaine Graduate School, (a GPA of 3.0 or above, official transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation are required by the Graduate School).  Visit https://umaine.edu/graduate/ for more information.  Applications to the Graduate School are due depending on the program. Some colleges require earlier application – please view application deadlines for program of interest.  

• Please note, this is a work study position and the candidate must be eligible for work study to be awarded the assistantship. Interested applicants should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.

Minimum Qualifications

All successful Graduate Assistant candidates will demonstrate the following:

• Acceptance to UMaine Graduate program. Please visit the graduate program of choice for more information.
• Computer knowledge, including proficiency with Windows based computer systems and Microsoft applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with diverse internal and external constituencies
• Excellent customer service skills
• 1-2 years of experience working with youth in a camp, academic or related setting
• Standard CPR and First Aid Certification
• Compulsory Childcare background checks for the State of Maine will be required upon hire.

Applications:

• Apply by submitting the following to Erin Wool by email (erin.wool@maine.edu): Cover letter, Resume, 3 Professional references. Do not apply through Bluefish.
• The Graduate Assistant must be admitted to a University of Maine graduate degree program before a job offer can be made.
• Review of applications will begin January 1st and continue until the position is filled.

Salary Information: 

This Graduate Assistantship starts January 2025 and runs through May of 2025. The stipend includes total pay of $8,000.00 and a tuition waiver. The stipend is for 4 months and will be paid in 4 equal installments on the last working day of each month. Summer employment overseeing our summer RAD Camp is available. Additionally, this assistantship can be renewed for the following semester in Fall of 2025.

You also will be receiving information from the Graduate School regarding student health insurance. You are required to purchase this insurance if you are unable to provide documentation showing current insurance coverage. As part of your compensation, we will pay half of your student health insurance cost and you will be financially responsible for the other half.

Assistance for professional development opportunities is available.

Contact:

• Erin Wool – Coordinator of Intramurals and Youth Programs
• E-mail: erin.wool@maine.edu
• Phone: (207) 581-1234
• Fax (207) 581-4898

About the University of Maine Campus Recreation

The New Balance Student Recreation Center is a fabulous 87,000-plus square-foot facility that has become a community hub for campus and the surrounding towns. The leisure pool has large windows around three sides, and a beautiful wooden ceiling and walls. There are two 25-yard lap lanes, a vortex current pool, and a shallow splash area with fountain, a 20-person hot tub and a large leisure area with hot water jet bench seating. There is a co-ed sauna in the pool area as well. There are 150 pieces of cardio and weight equipment in several separate areas — one area for cardio equipment, one area for selectorized weights, and one area for plate-loaded weight equipment and free weights. There are two multi-purpose rooms with wooden athletic floors. Three wood floor courts are available for volleyball and basketball, and two of these courts are also tick-marked for badminton and pickleball. Finally, there are two glass-fronted racquetball courts that are convertible to squash.

The rec center is located right next to DeMeritt Forest’s 15-plus miles of trails for running, biking and skiing, and is home to outdoor challenge course as well. Facility users can strap on their skis or snowshoes, and access the trails just a few feet from the back door. Cross-country skis and snowshoes are available for rent at the Maine Bound Adventure Center. The Maine Bound Adventure Center, located close by, sports a 32-foot climbing wall and large bouldering area. It is home to the Maine Bound program, our long time and highly successful adventure program.

New Balance Student Recreation Center is home to a wide range of programs for students, employees and the surrounding community. Intramural Sports offer 42 activities and leagues throughout the school year, with over 15,000 participants. Fitness offers a wide range of group exercise programs, small group training, instructional courses and personal training offerings. Aquatics programming offers child swim lessons, water based exercise classes, masters swim programs and lifeguard training. Maine Bound offers a wide variety of adventure trips and events. We offer rock climbing, whitewater and sea kayaking, paddle boarding, xc-skiing and hiking throughout Maine and beyond. Youth programs work closely with Orono Parks and Rec to offer 10 weeks of summer camps and school break camps. Sport Clubs offer 24 club level sports, with over 800 participants. Our wrestling club was the 2017 NCWA Division II Champs and Samantha Frank is a four-time national champion.