Miller Wellness Center Student Employment

The Miller Wellness Center (MWC) at South Dakota State University employs a team of four Graduate Assistants in the areas outlined below. Graduate Assistants work collaboratively with professional staff within an integrated wellness facility consisting of eight areas: Fitness, Aquatics, Competitive Sports, Outdoor Programs, Health Promotion, Nutrition Services, & the Student Health Clinic & Counseling Services. The MWC is dedicated to supporting academic success and personal development by promoting and encouraging healthy lifestyles for the students and members of the SDSU community. The MWC strives to provide inclusive spaces and programs for all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, class, creed, disability, gender expression, age, or sexual orientation, and foster an inclusive environment that enables all to succeed. 

Graduate Assistants will be responsible for staff supervision, administrative duties, project management, and event management. 

Position Duration:

• Positions are designed as two, one-year contracts covering the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years.
• 9-month academic year position: approximately 20 hours/week.
• Hourly summer position: approximately 40 hours/week.

Stipend/Salary:

• $15.00/hour (before federal taxes)

Tuition Waiver:

• GAs receive a tuition waiver and are only responsible for paying fees, which are approximately $1,825 over 2 years.   
  • In-state tuition wavier for two years is approximately $12,250.
  • Out-of-state tuition waiver for two years is approximately $23,550. 

Travel Allowance:

• Professional development encouraged; annual stipend available.

Graduate Programs Available:

• Open to all graduate program options. Nutrition and Exercise Sciences or Sport and Recreation Administration preferred.
• Approximately 36 credit hours, depending on program

Admissions Requirements:

• 300-combined GRE required for Exercise Science; No GRE required for Sport & Recreation Studies. 
• 3.0 GPA over last two years required.

Applications will be reviewed until position is filled. For best consideration, application materials should be received by March 1, 2025.

SDState Graduate Assistant

Direct Responsibilities

Assist in the development and management of a competitive sports program comprising of intramural sports, sport clubs and esports. Lead student staff development including recruitment, hiring, training, supervising, scheduling and evaluating. Develop and lead sport-specific official’s trainings. Develop and administer trainings for Sport Club members and officers. Develop and conduct regularly scheduled meetings for Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs. Coordinate members, travel, budget allocation and policy development for all Sport Clubs through DSE. Assist with the development and execution of marketing and promotion of the Competitive Sports program. Oversee facility and equipment readiness including painting fields and equipment set up for all Intramural Sports and Sport Club facilities. Manage the Intramural Sports Greek League including tracking participation and awarding points.

Preferred Qualifications:

• NIRSA Student Member and/or AORE Student Member.
• Competitive Sports administration software experience.
  • Fusion/FusionIM and DSE.
• Officiating experience at the recreational, high school and/or collegiate level.
• NIRSA Championship Series involvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sport or Recreation Management or related field.
• CPR/First Aid/AED Certified (or willing to obtain within 60 days of hire).

Other Responsibilities

• Plan and implement Wellness Center All Staff Common Training with the assistance of other graduate assistants.
• Rotating on-call schedule for weekends and holidays.
• Update first aid kits and complete inventory checks.
• Assist in the assessment of Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs and use that feedback to make improvements.
• Oversee the Intramural Golden Whistle Program through tracking points and awarding whistles.
• Assist in the coordination of off-campus facilities.
• Assist with daily operations at the esport facility.
• Schedule the esport facility between intramural sports, sport clubs and recreation.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references to Courtney Forrette, Competitive Sports Coordinator, at courtney.forrette@sdstate.edu.

SDState Graduate Assistant

Direct Responsibilities

• Support the overall operation of a 110,000 sq. ft. facility that includes five multipurpose courts, climbing wall, fitness, and weight equipment, three group fitness studios, indoor pool, and two racquetball courts.
• Assist in the review and development of all risk management policies, procedures, and training of student staff to ensure quality customer service and safety for all patrons during open facility hours.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, scheduling, and evaluating of student staff.
• Assist in the supervision of the member services desk operations including equipment inventory for rental and retail sale, Fusion software, and troubleshooting.
• Provide leadership within the Wellness Center by providing support to student staff, the Operations and Events Coordinator, and the other graduate and full-time staff.
• Develop and manage the Outdoor Program, specifically focusing on gear rentals, and climbing wall.
• Oversee regular wall programming and the annual Octboulderfest bouldering competition.
• Ensure accurate record keeping and reporting of day-to-day operations including patron counts, maintenance schedules, and repairs.
• Assist in the development of an annual budget reflecting all aspects of the facility and outdoor program, including student payroll, equipment purchasing, and operational expenses.
• Assist in the marketing and promotion of the Outdoor Program.
• Assist in the coordination of all facility reservations and events for internal programming, University affiliated organizations, and other non-affiliated entities.

Other Responsibilities

• Plan and implement the Miller Wellness Center’s all-staff training in collaboration with other Graduate Assistants
• Rotating weekend on-call schedule
• Collaborate and communicate with other University departments and auxiliary staff

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sport or Recreation Management or related field
• CPR/First Aid/AED Certified (or willing to obtain within 60 days of hire)

Preferred Qualifications

• NIRSA and/or AORE Student Member
• CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor certification
• Experience with Innosoft Fusion software & DoSportsEasy (DSE)
• Belay certified (or willing to obtain within 60 days of hire)
• CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references to Chad Vossekuil, Assistant Director of Operations, at chad.vossekuil@sdstate.edu.

SDState Graduate Assistant

Direct Responsibilities

• Assist with managing, creating and evaluating a comprehensive schedule of both in-person and virtual group fitness classes.
• Assist with the recruitment, hiring, training, supervising, scheduling and evaluation of approximately 20 student and community group fitness employees.
• Develop, organize and promote new and on-going group exercise special event programs and services.
• Serve as an active part of the group fitness schedule including subbing classes as needed.
• Assist with maintaining and organizing all group fitness spaces, including equipment organization and studio cleanliness.
• Handle staff payroll and assist in program area budget development.
• Develop and lead in-service trainings for group fitness instructors averaging one hours of in-service training per month.
• Implement professional development opportunities for staff; certification classes, workshops and continuing education credits.
• Maintain a fluid line of communication to staff, communicating weekly to group fitness instructors via email. Meet with group fitness instructors individually once a semester, checking in with each student employee.
• Assist with managing program evaluation, budget and marketing.
• Create resource guides, procedural manual and other tools for employee reference.

Other Responsibilities

• Plan and implement the Miller Wellness Center’s all-staff training in collaboration with other graduate assistants.
• Rotating on-call schedule for weekends and holidays.
• Collaborate and communicate with other university departments and auxiliary staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution in sport/recreation management, exercise science, nutrition or related field.
• Admittance into an SDState Graduate program.
  • Nutrition and exercise sciences or sport and recreation administration.
• Have an understanding and ability to teach a variety of group exercise formats.
• Successful completion of criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of fitness experience
• Prior campus recreation experience.
• NIRSA student member.
• Experience with Fusion software.
• NCCA recognized certification (or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire) for group fitness.
  • Certifying bodies include: NASM, ACE, NETA, AFAA or ACSM.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work with and lead diverse groups.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience.
• Prior customer service experience.
• Competent knowledge of general computer programs including Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook, etc.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references to Jake Heidenreich, Fitness and Aquatics Coordinator, at jacob.heidenreich@sdstate.edu.

Direct Responsibilities

• Assist in the overall administration and management of aquatics programming.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, supervising and evaluation of approximately 20 student employees including lifeguards, swim lesson instructors, water group fitness instructors and head lifeguard.
• Coordinate and oversee aquatic special events and instructional programs to include group and private swim lessons, lifeguard training and other courses as appropriate.
• Manage the aquatics scheduling, teach or sub shifts as needed.
• Handle staff payroll and assist in program area budget development.
• Develop and lead in-service trainings for lifeguards, averaging four hours of in-service training per month. Conduct live recognition drills to lifeguard staff.
• Implement professional development opportunities for staff; certification classes, workshops and continuing education credits.
• Maintain a fluid line of communication to staff, communicating weekly to aquatics staff via email. Meet with aquatics student staff individually once a semester, checking in with each student.
• Assist with managing program evaluation, budget and marketing.
• Create resource guides, procedural manuals and other tools for employee reference.

Other Responsibilities

• Plan and implement the Miller Wellness Center’s all-staff training in collaboration with other graduate assistants.
• Rotating on-call schedule for weekends and holidays.
• Collaborate and communicate with other university departments and auxiliary staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution in sport/recreation management, exercise science, nutrition or related field.
• Admittance into an SDState Graduate program.
  • Nutrition and exercise sciences or sport and recreation administration.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard certified upon hire.
• Knowledge of American Red Cross lifeguard procedures, pool maintenance and swimming lesson management.
• Successful completion of criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of aquatics experience.
• Prior campus recreation experience.
• NIRSA student member.
• Experience with Fusion software.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instruction certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Certified Pool Operator (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work with and lead diverse groups.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience.
• Prior customer service experience.
• Competent knowledge of general computer programs including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references to Jake Heidenreich, Fitness and Aquatics Coordinator, at jacob.heidenreich@sdstate.edu.

Direct Responsibilities

• Assist in the overall administration and management of personal training and fitness services programming.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, supervising and evaluation of approximately 20 student employees including personal trainers, small group training instructors and a fitness services intern.
• Develop, organize and promote new and on-going group exercise special event programs and services.
• Manage the staff scheduling, teach or sub shifts as needed.
• Serve as a personal trainer and/or teach group exercise classes as needed.
• Handle staff payroll and assist in program area budget development.
• Develop and lead in-service trainings for personal trainers, small group training instructors and fitness services intern, averaging 2 hours of in-service training per month.
• Implement professional development opportunities for staff; certification classes, workshops and continuing education credits.
• Maintain a fluid line of communication to staff, communicating weekly to personal trainers via email. Meet with fitness services staff individually once a semester, checking in with each student employee.
• Assist with managing program evaluation, budget and marketing.
• Assess personal training and fitness services sales and registrations; make adjustments as needed. Meet annual sales goals.
• Create resource guides, procedural manuals and other tools for employee reference.

Other Responsibilities

• Plan and implement the Miller Wellness Center’s all-staff training in collaboration with other graduate assistants.
• Rotating on-call schedule for weekends and holidays.
• Collaborate and communicate with other university departments and auxiliary staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from and accredited four-year institution in sport/recreation management, exercise science, nutrition or related field.
• Admittance into an SDState graduate program.
  • Nutrition and exercise sciences or sport and recreation administration.
• Knowledge of proper personal training programming and equipment.
• Knowledge of testing procedures to conduct fitness services including body compositions and personal fitness.
• Knowledge of safe conditioning procedures related to various types of free weight equipment, pin-selected weight equipment, plate-loaded and cardiovascular equipment.
• Successful completion of criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of aquatics experience.
• Prior campus recreation experience.
• NIRSA student member.
• Experience with Fusion software.
• NCCA recognized certification (or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire) for group fitness or Personal Training.
  • Certifying bodies include: NASM, ACE, NETA, AFAA or ACSM. Other qualifying certifications include Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Specialist or Exercise Physiologist.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work with and lead diverse groups.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience.
• Prior customer service experience.
• Competent knowledge of general computer programs including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references to Jake Heidenreich, Fitness and Aquatics Coordinator, at jacob.heidenreich@sdstate.edu.

Grade III
Must have a valid Lifeguarding Certification (American Red Cross or American Heart Association). Maintains constant surveillance of patrons in the pool and pool area; acts immediately and appropriately to secure safety of patrons in the event of emergency. Provides emergency care and treatment as required until the arrival of emergency medical services. Must be responsible, patient and demonstrate great customer service skills. Other responsibilities include: maintaining and organizing pool equipment, track participation and other documentation and various cleaning duties.

*This position will require a background check because of the following: Direct responsibility for care, safety or security of human beings, including also vulnerable individuals, minors or disabled.

Grade III
Must have valid American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification and Lifeguarding Certification (American Red Cross or American Heart Association). Teach private, partner or small group swim lessons of all ages. Water Safety Instructors are responsible for the education of individuals with regards to water safety and stroke development. Students must be patient, responsible for own schedules and willing to take extra time to ensure the correct instruction of participants.

*This position will require a background check because of the following: Direct responsibility for care, safety or security of human beings, including also vulnerable individuals, minors or disabled.

Grade II
Individual should have prior knowledge of the sport rules and possess the ability to enforce them. Provide a safe and fair playing environment while and performing player, game and conflict management. Dress and act professionally and appropriately at all times. Ability to handle constructive criticism from other officials or supervisors is essential. Help Intramural Supervisors set up and break down equipment. Training sessions will be provided and are required for consideration for this position.

Grade III
Ability to consistently enforce Intramural Sports policies and procedures is essential. Field/court preparation and equipment set up and break down on a nightly basis. Assist with record keeping (daily schedules, supervisor’s reports, accident reports, protest forms). Knowledge of sport rules and assist officials enforce them. Provide a safe and fair playing environment while handling any conflicts that might arise. Assist intramural officials in the performance of their nightly duties.

Students are eligible to become IM Supervisors after one semester of working at the Wellness Center.

*This position will require a background check because of the following: Direct responsibility for care, safety or security of human beings, including also vulnerable individuals, minors or disabled.

Grade II
Provide a safe, high quality land aerobics, water aerobics and group cycling class(es). Have thorough knowledge of exercise and the physiological responses to exercise. Prepare music before class. Begin and end each class with appropriate warm-up and cool-down techniques. Responsible for the equipment used in class and cleanliness of the room after class. Track class participation. Communicate to participants regarding weekly updates and programming. Attend the specific class you will be instructing for more than one semester. Group fitness instructors will be called upon to teach classes over holidays, summers and as substitute.

Grade IV
The certified Group Fitness Instructor will abide by the general guidelines of rules, regulations and expectations of the non-certified instructor. Certified group fitness instructors must maintain current nationally recognized group fitness certification, along with CPR, First Aid and AED. Certified fitness instructors will be called upon to teach classes over holidays, summers and as substitutes.

Grade IV
Have the ability to work with clients, make judgments and decisions clearly in assessing overall health- related issues and are personally responsible for the safety and well-being of clients under their care during a training session. Personal trainers must maintain current nationally accredited personal training certification, along with CPR, First Aid and AED. Must be able to provide safe training sessions and develop and implement a creative routine for all ages and abilities. Perform personal fitness evaluations and equipment orientation. Attend all meetings and provide any other duty as assigned from the Fitness Coordinator. Hiring is contingent on a personal background check as trainer is directly responsible for the personal safety and well-being of their clients. Also responsible for the implementation of the Jr. Fitness Program and small group training.

*This position will require a background check because of the following: Direct responsibility for care, safety or security of human beings, including also vulnerable individuals, minors or disabled.

Grade III
Responsible for the promotion of the Miller Wellness Center and Student Health Clinic and Counseling Programs by designing flyers; reader board display ads and software management; Neptune (Jack Jams) ad creation and software management, newspaper ads; social platforms; videography; and other campus publications. Represent the Miller Wellness Center at on- and off-campus wellness events, included but no limited to wellness fairs, intramural events, New Student Orientation, membership corporate events, etc.

This position will assist the Communications and Outreach Coordinator in all aspects of the job.

Entry level knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite required.

Interest in marketing or publicity, design and photography experience and strong communication skills preferred.

Must be able to work independently, as well as with a team to see the strategic goals of the department.

Grade I
Desk attendants are responsible for greeting students and members as they enter the Wellness Center. Employees will control and grant access into the facility by monitoring for proper membership and identification. Duties also include: checking out equipment; performing point- of-sale operations, following proper cash handling procedures; logging lost and found items; and providing information about programs, services and facilities while delivering exceptional customer service. Expected to answer phone calls; acquire general knowledge of all programs and offerings; process program registrations and learn and use the registration database (Fusion).

Grade I
Facility Attendants are responsible for assisting in the general care, maintenance and cleanliness of the Miller Wellness Center. As part of the Residential Life Shared Services team, Facility Attendants will primarily work within the Miller Wellness Center, but may occasionally be asked to work elsewhere on campus. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, vacuuming and mopping floors/stairs, wiping down cardio and weight equipment, cleaning windows and mirrors and sweeping courts. Furthermore, Facility Attendants are responsible for removing trash and recycling, refilling gym wipes, doing laundry, cleaning locker rooms and assisting full-time custodial staff.

Grade II
The Maintenance Assistant is responsible for helping our full time Maintenance Worker in fixing broken fitness equipment, performing preventative maintenance and other general building maintenance projects. This position will also work closely with our Facility Attendants on larger projects focusing on building and machine cleanliness. A basic knowledge with a background in electrical or mechanical maintenance experience is preferred. This position does not require any certifications. Must be able to receive instructions and work on their own to complete tasks.

Grade V
Operations Managers are the facility supervisors and act as the liaison between professional staff and student staff and patrons. They must be knowledgeable of all programming, policies and procedures in the Wellness Center. Operations Managers provide leadership during emergency situations, manage with conflict with patrons, enforce policies and procedures, assist with maintenance and custodial duties, manage daily operations, set up for special events and reservations and supervise and evaluate all other student staff on shift. Students must have experience working within the Wellness Center prior to becoming an Operations Manager.

Students are eligible to become Operations Managers after 1 semester of working at the Wellness Center.

*This position will require a background check because of the following: Control of confidential data files, essential electronic information resources, confidential information or combinations thereof. Master key access to multiple buildings or large amount of space or control of university facilities. Extensive authority for committing the financial resources of the university or direct access to large amounts of cash. Direct responsibility for care, safety or security of human beings, including also vulnerable individuals, minors or disabled.

Grade I
Provide safe, high quality, climbing wall supervision and instruction. Have thorough knowledge of safety checks, commands and belaying. Maintain Climbing Wall area and equipment. Duties include: maintenance of climbing wall area and equipment; assist with climbing classes, programming and special events; assist with inventory and inspection of equipment; and track participation.

*This position will require a background check because of the following: Direct responsibility for care, safety or security of human beings, including also vulnerable individuals, minors or disabled.

Grade I
Supervisor of riders, not a driver. The Safe Ride monitor is responsible for: cleaning and preparing the Safe Ride bus prior to and at the end of scheduled shift, greeting riders, answering the Safe Ride phone, maintaining ridership log with rider counts and ‘stop’ locations, announcing the name of each ‘stop’ to the riders while following the bus routes, observing the behavior of riders to watch for those violating Safe Ride rules and filling out incident/accident reports as necessary. Attend two paid training sessions (fall and spring). Student must have a vehicle on campus. CPR certification is required.

*This position will require a background check because of the following: Direct responsibility for care, safety or security of human beings, including also vulnerable individuals, minors or disabled.

Grade IV
Must have valid American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor certification. Teach appropriate classes or clinics as scheduled.