Become a ROPE Trip Leader!

Welcome to ROPE! Trip leading is a developmental experience through which staff members build leadership, decision making, and outdoor skills while facilitating outdoor trips for the university community. ROPE Trip Leaders are responsible for the overall facilitation of their outdoor trip. Leaders plan, develop, and lead recreation trips focusing on outdoor education and social engagement. This position requires interpersonal communication skills, the ability to think critically, and the flexibility to work both independently and cooperatively with other staff and participants.

What are the responsibilities of a Trip Leader?

  • Plan and develop outdoor trip itineraries in cooperation with the Program Director and co-leaders.
  • Coordinate logistics, including meals and travel for assigned trips.
  • Teach and abide by “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics on all outdoor trips.
  • Learn and teach specific outdoor recreation skills (backcountry travel, canoeing, cooking, etc.) to ROPE trip participants.
  • Lead at least two trips per semester for a minimum total of four trip days.
  • Safely drive and assist with trip transportation.

Do I need prior experience? What qualifications are needed?

Trip leading is open to all students interested in outdoor recreation and are committed to learning the skills and practices to create safe and positive trip experiences.

  • Must have a passion for the outdoors and outdoor recreational programming.
  • Must be able to think independently and make decisions for everyday and emergency situations.
  • Must have a positive attitude and interact well with ROPE trip participants.
  • Must have a willingness to learn and practice new outdoor skills and activities.
  • Must be able to earn CPR and Wilderness First Aid Certifications.
  • Must possess a valid US driver’s license and demonstrate safe driving ability.

What are the benefits?

  • Leaders are paid for all planning, training, and travel time with the program.
  • Leadership training, including group management skills, decision-making, risk management, environmental ethics, and expedition behavior.
  • Technical outdoor skills training, including kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, caving, backpacking, basic camping skills and wilderness medicine.
  • Access to equipment, outdoor trips (when space is available) & training materials.
  • Leave No Trace Trainer, Technical Skills, and Wilderness First Aid certification opportunities.
  • ROPE apparel and outdoor pro-deal access are available through College Outside.

How do I apply?

If interested, you are encouraged to experience a ROPE trip as a participant before applying.

Applications are considered each fall semester to begin training and lead in the coming spring semester. Applications are due each October 31. Applications outside the fall semester will no longer be considered. Applications are posted on 12Twenty.

All new leaders must attend annual training trips including their cohort's Outdoor Leadership Training Expedition in May following their January hiring. Training schedules examples are available on the application form.

Feel free to stop by the Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) to connect with one of our trip leaders directly about their experience.
If you have questions, email our Trip Manager, ropetripsmanager(at)gmail.com or the Program Director Kris Cortez, kjc5(at)rice.edu.