Responsibilities:

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has an opening for 1 graduate student responsible for assisting with the administration and coordination of fully comprehensive and diverse aquatic and risk management programs. A minimum of 20 hours per week with occasional night and weekend hours is required. Responsibilities include: 

• Recruit, develop, train, supervise and mentor a diverse aquatic staff
• Development and administration of aquatic education courses to include Lifeguarding, Water Safety Instructor, and Lifeguard Instructor
• Development and administration of aquatic instructional programming to include group and private swimming lessons
• Serve as an active member of the Campus Recreation Risk Management Committee and assist with the development and implementation of a comprehensive risk management master plan

Benefits:

• Full tuition waiver (student pays fees);
• Monthly Stipend (minimum $1705/month);
• Health Insurance Options;
• Professional Development Support Available

Start Date:

• No later than August 3, 2026
• As early as June 1, 2026

Duration:

• 12-month term
• 2-year assistantship

Send a cover letter, resume and 2 letters of reference to jessica.wagner@unl.edu. Priority deadline is Friday, February 13, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is committed to EEO/AA and ADA/504.  If you require accommodation, please call (402) 472-3467.  

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, chartered in 1869, is an educational institution of international stature.  A member of the Association of American Universities, Nebraska is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a Doctorate/Research Extensive university. A member of the University of Nebraska system, UNL serves as both the land-grant and the comprehensive public University for the State of Nebraska.  The current student enrollment is more than 23,500, with approximately 8,500 students living on campus in residence halls and Greek chapters.  UNL offers 39 doctoral and 73 master’s degrees, and 235 undergraduate majors.  Through University Studies, students can also create their own major.

UNL Campus Recreation manages approximately 370,000 sq. ft. of indoor recreation facilities and 140 acres of outdoor recreation fields, basketball, sand volleyball and tennis courts on both City and East Campuses, as well as a Leadership Training Center and Challenge Ropes Course near the edge of the city.  Units within the Campus Recreation organizational structure include: aquatics, business operations, external relations, facilities operation, fitness and wellness services, information technology, injury prevention and care, instructional programs, intramural and extramural sports, massage therapy, member services, outdoor recreation, sport clubs, and youth activities.    

Lincoln offers all the amenities of a midsize regional city of 250,000.  Ranked in the Top 10 in many quality of life, safety, environmental and other studies, Lincoln is a remarkably comfortable and friendly community.  With more parkland per capita than any other city in the U.S. and an intricate trails network, Lincoln offers a wealth of outdoor diversions.  Lincoln is also one of the fastest growing metro areas in the Midwest.  Downtown Lincoln lies at the southern edge of UNL’s City Campus and is seasoned by coffee houses, theaters, specialty shops, and restaurants offering cuisines from around the world.

Qualifications:

Must have training/experience and certification in one or more of the following areas, with preference to American Red Cross certifications:

• Lifeguarding with CPR/AED and First Aid certification
• Water Safety Instructor certification (Swim Lessons)
• Lifeguard Instructor certification
• Additional Specialty Certifications are encouraged e.g. Certified Pool Operator

Applicants must be officially accepted into a graduate program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln prior to May 1, 2026. Campus Recreation does not require a specific degree program for graduate students but does require the specific experience and certifications listed above.

Must hold a GPA of 2.75 (3.0 preferred) or above. Each degree department has its own requirements. Please check the specific department for the individual degree requirements. It is recommended applicants take their GRE as early as possible when a GRE is required for entrance into a degree program.

Educational knowledge in Exercise Science, Physical Education, Recreation and/or show experience relative to the above qualifications.

About University of Nebraska-Lincoln / Campus Recreation

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln was chartered as a land-grant university on February 15, 1869, to create opportunity for the state of Nebraska. A proud member of the Big Ten Conference, the Big Ten Academic Alliance, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), Nebraska is classified within the Carnegie “R1: Doctoral Universities – Highest Research Activity” category. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

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