Recreation Center

Recreation and Athletics Center
569 Pioneer Drive
Rochester , MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-4REC (4732)
fax: (248) 370-4889
recinfo@oakland.edu

An employee at the front desk of the recreation center, speaking with a member.

Employment Opportunities

The Department operates out of the Recreation and Athletic Center and provides programs and services in the areas of fitness and wellness, intramural sports and sport clubs, aquatics, open recreation, and facility rentals to an average of 1,200 users per day, including students, faculty/staff, alumni, and other Oakland University affiliates.

University Recreation and Well-Being employs approximately 150 students annually.

Handshake

Student Employment

You should work for Rec Well!

University Recreation and Well-Being employs OU students in virtually every capacity, allowing our student staff to grow in their roles, developing and refining leadership skills. Additionally, we provide all student employees competitive salaries, a fun environment, and the opportunity to expand the transferable skills all employers seek no matter what their major may be. We offer work hours from 6 a.m. in the morning to 11 p.m. at night. Work hours are planned around employee schedules each semester, so they get an experience that will compliment their academic degree without sacrificing class or study time.

Rec Well is hiring for over 40 positions, training this Summer and Fall 2023!

Complete the following steps to be considered for an interview:

  1. Watch the Student Employee Recruitment Video below to learn more about the available positions:

    Transcript

    Hi everyone, my name is Joseph Williamson, and I am currently the HR intern here at the Recreation Center. In this video, we are going to highlight each position and we are also going to talk about the many opportunities and skills that you can gain while working here. But, don’t take my word for it, let’s see what our staff has to say.

    Hi, my name is Liset and I have been working at the Rec now for seven months and at the Rec my position is Member Services. At Member Services a typical shift is checking in patrons, answering any questions they may have, answering the phone, renting out any equipment you may want, selling beverages, and here to assist you. My favorite part of working at the Rec is that this is a family. No matter what, when you come in you’re going to have a good shift because you have your amazing co-workers around you, and everyone is so welcoming and they have good vibes - we love it.

    Hey peeps! My name is Sonya and I am a student and a lifeguard here at the Rec and Well-Being Center at Oakland University. And, welcome to our pool! Usually our day starts by checking how everything is set up here, making sure the lane lines and pool deck looks good. We are going to check the chemicals after that and let the people in. Our day is usually pretty chill, hopefully no one drowns and we just take care of people and answer their questions when they have any, and help them feel comfortable in the water, feel situated. And one of my favorite parts of being a lifeguard here at the Rec Center is I can build big connections with patrons and just anyone who comes here because being a swimmer myself, I can give them advice and they are always willing to accept it, and learn, and teach. Another big part is the staff around here is very friendly which makes our job even easier.

    Another great part of working with Rec Well is I’m able to spend time with furry friends at pet therapy. Hi, my name is Ally Manor and I’m a Peer Wellness Ambassador. I’ve been working for Rec Well since January of 2020. In my role, I work to research and develop original health and wellness programming. My favorite part about working at Rec Well is the leadership opportunities it has given me. In my position, I’ve been able to take on the leadership role of coordinating all of the iPause stress management presentations.

    What’s up you guys, my name is Irivin Watson. I’ve been working at the Rec for a year and a half now., and I’m going to tell you about Building Manager and what all comes with the job. As the building manager you oversee the facility day to day, you make sure everyone is following the rules and being safe, and also, you set up the volleyball, badminton, and racquetball nets as needed. As building manager you have to be very adaptive because you never really know what will come up.

    Hi, my name is Jackson Block, I’m a Fitness Assistant at the Rec Center. As a fitness assistant you’re going to be providing knowledge when needed, and you're going to be cleaning stuff and supervising areas. My favorite part about the rec is all of the connections you make. And also it's a family here and everyone’s just super friendly.

    Hi, my name is Marcus Dyson and I’m an IM Official / IM Supervisor. I’ve been working for IM’s for about three years now, and what we do normally is officiate basketball games, baseball games, softball games, anything you can think of. We set up nets, set up any type of scoreboard that we need to, to get the job done. And here, we like to build family, build character, and build leadership.

    Alright guys, thank you so much for watching our video. If you’re interested in applying to work here with us at the Recreation Center, go to the link provided below at myrecwell.oakland.edu or if you have any questions or concerns then you can just email us at recinfo@oakland.edu.

  2. Seriously consider the jobs you are most interested in and your availability to work this summer and fall.
  3. Fill out the Rec Well Student Applicant Interest Form to be considered for an interview.
  4. Attend a Rec Well employee recruitment event. Students can choose to meet Rec Well staff at our table in the lobby of the Oakland Center on Wednesday, February 1 between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Stop by the Rec Well table for a chance to learn more about our open positions, and an opportunity to be interviewed. Students who cannot attend our in-person recruitment event can sign-up for a virtual interview on Thursday, February 2 by selecting an interview slot here.
  5. Email recinfo@oakland.edu with any questions about Rec Well student employment positions or the application process.

Watch the videos below to learn more about all the student employment opportunities at University Recreation & Well-Being

Member Services Assistant:

Member Services Assistant promo video
Responsible for providing a welcoming atmosphere and excellent customer service to all patrons. Duties include controlling access to the Recreation Center, enforcing all departmental policies and procedures, handing out and collecting rental equipment, performing monetary transactions for locker rentals and pro-shop items. Delivering information about departmental services, programs, memberships, and carrying out transactions for all departmental programs and services. Conduct membership intake and occasional facility tours. Previous cash handling and customer service experience preferred. Must be willing to obtain CPR/First Aid Certification upon hire.

Fitness Center Assistant:

Fitness Center Assistant promo video
Supervise activity within the Fitness Center and Fitness Annex. Enforce rules and policies throughout all fitness areas and programs. Provide customer service by assisting members with exercises and form as requested, answer questions related to fitness, perform preventative maintenance on fitness related equipment, and instruct various fitness programs and services like Fitness Center Orientations, Fitness Assessments, and Drop-In Body Compositions. Must be willing to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED Certification upon hire.

Facility Ops Crew:

Facility Ops Crew promo video
Assist with: maintaining building and equipment cleanliness and functionality; building setups and tear downs for events; event monitoring; Outdoor Complex play surface maintenance. Those with interest in additional training will also assist with basic bike maintenance. Must be willing to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED Certification upon hire.

Intramural Sports Official:

Intramural Sports Official promo video
Implement Intramural policies and sports rules in order to maintain a level of control, fairness, and safety during competition. Familiarity with sports, and previous participation in intramural sports leagues is preferred.

Lifeguard:

Lifeguard promo video
Responsible for ensuring the safety of all patrons using the Aquatic Center facilities and to enforce all facility rules and regulations. Provides excellent customer service to all patrons, and perform light cleaning duties around the pool deck. Must have current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification prior to being hired.

Wellness Peer Ambassador:

Wellness Peer Ambassador promo video
This position promotes well-being throughout campus by earning the basics of prevention, college wellness, the strategies for change in high-risk behaviors, and listening, responding, and referral skills. Ambassadors are expected to research, develop, and execute interactive non-judgmental programming for the OU campus. Ambassadors will be asked to create awareness of health topics affecting OU students through such means as poster and social media campaigns, newsletters, Public Service Announcements, one-on-one interactions, tabling at health education initiatives and general availability for program participation. Commitment to uphold standards of healthy living by committing (but not limited) to avoiding underage alcohol consumption and illegal drug use. All students in this position must perpetuate a healthy body image, use appropriate gender expressions and identities and language choices as learned in training. Ambassadors must work to recognize the signs and symptoms of both healthy and unhealthy relationships, and engage in some type of stress-relief on a weekly basis. A national certification as a Bacchus Network Peer Health Educator is preferred.

Building Manager:

Building Manager promo video
This is a leadership position, responsible for the general oversight of the Recreation Center and it’s usage by patrons and user groups. Building Managers enforce all departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable recreational environment. Managers provide leadership and assistance to part time staff, quality customer service, and appropriate care in emergency situations. Must be willing to obtain CPR/First Aid Certification upon hire.

(only open at specific times - apply under the "other" position)

GroupX Instructor:

GroupX Instructor promo video
Provide members with fun, safe and effective GroupX classes that cater to all levels of fitness and abilities. Instruction of specialized classes such as Cardio/Strength, Dance, Yoga/Pilates, Kickboxing, and Cycle are offered. Must be able to think quickly, creatively, and without judgment. Certification in Group Exercise instruction by a reputable agency is preferred.  Must be willing to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED Certification upon hire.

Social Media/Blog Intern:

Social Media/Blog Intern promo video
This position requires an avid blogger/social media fiend with an interest in physical fitness to manage the department's blog, assign articles and assist the marketing graduate assistant with the creation of any written media for the department. This internship would appeal to an undergraduate student looking to gain hands-on experience writing promotional and social media materials and working as part of a marketing team.

Graphic Design Intern:

Graphic Design Intern promo video
This is an exciting opportunity for an undergraduate student looking to gain hands on experience designing promotional pieces for the Rec Center and to work as part of a marketing team. The Graphic Design Intern will assist the Marketing Graduate Assistant with the creation of any print and digital media for University Recreation and Well-Being.

Personal Trainer:

Personal Trainer promo video
Provide participants with personally designed, safe, and effective personal training sessions.  Catering to all fitness levels and capabilities, design and oversee training sessions around the clients goals and needs.  Must be able to think quickly, creatively, and without judgment.  Certification in Personal Training by a reputable agency is required to apply.  Must be willing to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED Certification upon hire.

Red Cross CPR/AED Instructor / Lifeguard Instructor:

Responsible for teaching American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer and Health Care Providers, or Lifeguard Training classes. Classes are primarily scheduled one to two Saturday's per month. Must be an American Red Cross certified instructor in one of the following areas:

  • First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor (r.16)
  • CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (r.17)
  • Lifeguard Instructor (r.17)

Applications

All applicants are required to submit a Rec Well Student Applicant Interest Form. Applications can be e-mailed to Marie VanBuskirk or dropped off at the Welcome Desk of the Recreation Center. Application are kept on file for one year.

Hired applicants will need to complete I-9, Michigan Tax Form, and Federal Tax Form and turn into the Financial Aid Office, 120 North Foundation Hall. Forms can be printed from the Financial Aid Employment web page.

Fitness/Wellness Internships

To request an application, please email Marie VanBuskirk at taylor4@oakland.edu.

Guidelines/Requirements for Internship Applicants

  • Preference given to students with experience and/or coursework in Exercise Science or Wellness Health Promotion field.
  • Interns are expected to make a one semester commitment. Two semesters are preferred (fall/winter, winter/summer, summer/fall). Scheduling and office hours are flexible depending on class schedules and required number of internship hours.
  • Business casual attire is expected during office hours.
  • Positive health habits are expected during internship commitment.
  • This is an unpaid internship.

The Experience

Each experience is tailored to best fit each student’s personal interest in fitness, wellness, and health promotion. Students will participate in a variety of projects which will provide experience in many of the following areas:

  • OU Wellness Fair development
  • Health and wellness coaching
  • Marketing
  • Health and fitness screenings
  • Website content development and review
  • Campus and community outreach
  • Programming for students, OU employees, and special groups
  • Employee wellness
  • Educational presentations
  • Fitness Center equipment, staffing, and programming
  • Health awareness initiatives
  • Collaborations with campus partners
  • Group exercise class implementation
How to Apply

Complete and submit:

  • Cover letter (including specific goals and objectives for the internship experience)
  • Resume
  • Three references (academic and professional)

Consideration Deadlines:

  • Fall/Winter consideration- application materials must be received by May 15 
  • Winter/Summer consideration- application materials must be received by November 15
  • Summer/Fall consideration- application materials must be received by March 15

Submit WELLNESS Applications electronically to Becky Lewis, Associate Director of Programs.

Submit FITNESS Applications electronically to Hailey Forbes, Fitness Coordinator.

Or mail to:

Oakland University
University Recreation and Well-Being
Attn: Becky Lewis (Wellness) OR Hailey Forbes (Fitness)
155 RAC
Rochester, MI 48309

Recwell Graduate Assistantship

Position: Fitness and Wellness
Status: Filled
Salary: $7,200.00 (September – April); $3,600.00 (optional) (May – August),
Full In-State and Out-of-State Tuition and Fees Paid
Location: Rochester, MI (Oakland University)

Position: IM and Club Sports
Status: Filled
Salary: $7,200.00 (September – April); $3,600.00 (optional) (May – August),
Full In-State and Out-of-State Tuition and Fees Paid
Location: Rochester, MI (Oakland University)

Applicant Minimum Requirements:

  • Undergrad Degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Admittance to an Oakland University Degree Program

How to Apply for a RecWell Graduate Assistantship:

Please e-mail a completed resume, with the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references to the appropriate contact below.

Contacts:

Resources for Potential Applicants: