Steps to Apply:

2025 Fall hiring application deadline March 21st!

  1. Complete Application using buttons below
    1. Download PDF.
    2. Use Fill and Sign tool.
    3. Complete application & save
  2. Submit application using “dropbox” button below. Or bring to the Front Desk in the Rec!

Applications

Application Submission Dropbox

**Truman State is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. 

Desk Clerk

  • Desk Clerks are responsible for controlling ingress to the Student Recreation Center while providing a high level of quality customer service at the Member Services Desk. Must be knowledgeable in all functions and operations of the area. Also responsible for enforcing the rules of the Student Recreation Center, checking in/out recreation equipment, enacting the safety plan, setting up and taking down net systems, and reporting and recording injuries. Desk Clerks are expected to represent the Student Recreation Center and Truman State University with a positive attitude and demeanor.

Weight Room Instructor

  • Weight Room Instructors must be knowledgeable and skilled in all free weight and machine exercises and be able to operate and explain all functions and characteristics of cardiovascular training machines. They are responsible for supervising the weight room and instructing patrons in the proper use of exercise equipment. Weight Room Instructors are also responsible for enforcing the rules of the Student Recreation Center, cleaning and maintaining fitness equipment, and reporting and recording injuries.

Program Instructor

  • Program Instructors are responsible for teaching patrons in their area of specialization, utilizing proper technique and appropriate safe exercises. Also responsible for enforcing the rules of the Student Recreation Center, cleaning and stowing fitness equipment, submitting participant information, and reporting and recording injuries.

Personal Trainers

  • Personal Trainers work under the direct supervision of the Fitness/Wellness Director to provide personal training services to the University community. Personal Trainers must be knowledgeable and skilled in fitness assessment and program design to develop custom fitness programs for individuals. Knowledgeable and skilled in all free weight and machine exercises and be able to operate and explain all functions and characteristics of cardiovascular training machines.

Intramural Sports Official

  • Sports Officials are responsible for officiating and/or scorekeeping intramural recreational sports and activities.  Sports Officials report to a designated Activities Coordinator but work under the supervision of a Sports Supervisor when officiating/scorekeeping.

Enjoy recreation? Interested in getting paid to work full-time for a recreation department? Maybe a career in recreation is perfect for you! Recreation departments hire to fill a variety of full-time positions seeking diverse skill-sets, required certifications, and unique experiences to build and improve their programs. Each recreation department will be unique in their organizational structure but a list of standard departments are provided below:

  • Aquatics
  • Facilities
  • Fitness
  • Intramurals
  • Marketing
  • Member Services
  • Outdoor Recreation

  • Risk Management
  • Sport Clubs
  • Student Development
  • Technology
  • Youth Programs
  • Website Management
  • Wellness


Education

Relevant field experience and industry standard certifications will help get you into our professional field along with an unrelated undergraduate degree but you (as a Bulldog) can choose to study Exercise Science or Health Science while at Truman, which may give you a slight edge on competition for graduate school assistantships and future jobs.

Specifically, the Sport & Recreation Management Concentration at Truman fits well as it comes with the option of obtaining a minor in Business Administration through the school of business. Learn more about the specific requirements of the exercise science curriculum or take a moment to view a Sample 4-Year Plan.


Career Readiness & Graduate School Preparation

Get your career going by learning more about the hiring process and available positions at the Student Recreation Center using the student employment webpage. A few semesters of work at the REC in a variety of positions will make you a great candidate for any recreation career position or a competitive applicant for a graduate assistantship position. For assistance on your professional documents (ex: resume, cover letter, or personal statement) visit the Career Center and learn how to prepare yourself for the future!


Graduate School Assistantships

Graduate school assistantships exist in recreation departments all over the country which can assist you by providing great professional experience(s) and financial benefits. Some assistantships will waive full-tuition (or a percentage) and include a monthly stipend with optional employment over the summer if available. These positions are highly competitive with applicants from all over the country!

To learn more about what is available now and what types of qualifications and experience departments are looking for use bluefishjobs.com (button below) and search “graduate assistantship”. Start searching up to six months before graduation so you don’t miss out!


Job Opportunities

Fitness Equipment

Search for jobs in collegiate recreation and beyond!

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Fitness Equipment

Search for jobs in collegiate athletics!

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Local Professionals

Use the buttons below to learn more about your local recreation departments and professionals here in the Kirksville community.

Fitness Equipment

Kirksville Parks & Recreation department.

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Fitness Equipment

Learn about the Adair County YMCA.

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Fitness Equipment

ATSU Thompson Campus Center.

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Fitness Equipment

Meet the Truman Campus Recreation team.

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Professional Organization

Get involved with the NIRSA network. Our network of passionate professional and student members comprises and supports leaders in collegiate recreation.

Fitness Equipment

NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation.

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Laura Bates, Executive Director Campus Recreation

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Janes Dreamweaver, Director of Fitness-Wellness Program

Janes Instructor

Amanda Porter, Assistant Director of Operations

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Brady Lisec, Competitive Sports Graduate Assistant

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Danny McDowell, Building Manager

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Diane Treece, Building Custodian

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