Jacob T. Rex

Experience

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  Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

  Aug 2015 - May 2019

  - Collaborated with full-time coordinators to oversee approximately 15 program trips and manage the outdoor equipment rental center.- Assisted in the recruitment, training, and supervision of 13 student staff members, ensuring proficiency in rental center procedures, outdoor education, and skill development.- Spearheaded the development and enhancement of an inventory system encompassing over 1,000 items valued at $250,000 throughout the spring semester, implementing a new serial system for equipment management.- Conducted repairs, maintenance, and replacements for damaged equipment, restoring items that had long been in disrepair to optimal condition.- Revised training manuals and devised user-friendly flow charts to streamline rental center procedures and enhance operational efficiency.- Collaborated with campus organizations to enhance program visibility and engagement through strategic social media initiatives.- Cultivated an inclusive environment where all participants felt valued and integral to each program's success.- Demonstrated exceptional verbal and written communication skills when interfacing with diverse user groups, including students, faculty/staff, the general public, and university partners.- Formulated and presented proposals for improvement and expansion projects to facility directors, leveraging Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for comprehensive documentation and presentation. Show less - Executed repairs on community and student bicycles, ensuring optimal functionality and safety.- Successfully completed a comprehensive two-day mechanics course, enhancing technical expertise and proficiency.- Played a key role in training new student staff members, sharing knowledge and fostering a skilled and cohesive team.- Served as the designated bike mechanic for athletes participating in the Henry Horton 100 Mile event (Bike Across Tennessee), ensuring the reliability and performance of their bicycles. Show less - Led diverse outdoor adventures, including backpacking, climbing, caving, kayaking, and mountain biking trips, showcasing strong organizational skills and ensuring a safe and enriching experience for participants.- Applied expertise in facilitating high and low ropes courses, as well as team-building programs, contributing to the development of experiential education co-curricular trips and special events.- Instructed a weekly kayak roll class, demonstrating a commitment to skill development and hands-on learning.- Completed comprehensive whitewater rafting training, expanding proficiency in water-based activities.- Cultivated an inclusive culture within MTOP, fostering an environment where participants felt valued and integral to each program.- Played a key role in rental center operations, encompassing customer service, gear maintenance, rental procedures, point-of-sale transactions, and training new staff.- Implemented individual program risk management and emergency protocols in accordance with industry best practices.- Utilized Innosoft Fusion software for seamless coordination of all programs and rental center operations.- Contributed to university climbing wall activities, conducting monthly wall inspections and providing instruction on belaying techniques to students. Show less

  • Program Assistant

    Jan 2019 - May 2019

  • Bike Mechanic

    Oct 2018 - May 2019

  • Outdoor Pursuits Instructor

    Aug 2015 - May 2019
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  Smoky Mountain Ziplines

  May 2016 - Aug 2016

  Zipline Tour Guide

  - Engaged in seasonal employment, guiding tourists on 2-hour canopy tours through mountainous terrain.- Acquired proficiency in protocols and techniques related to aerial rescue operations, prioritizing safety and preparedness in the outdoor adventure setting.

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  The Ascent

  Oct 2016 - Jan 2019

  - Directed daily operations, ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the facility.- Enforced stringent safety standards in alignment with industry norms, prioritizing the well-being of staff and patrons.- Conducted comprehensive training for new staff, covering register operations, pro shop duties, and the safe instruction of customers in belaying and climbing techniques.- Instructed climbing classes for diverse audiences, including new customers, private students, and youth teams, fostering skill development and a positive learning environment.- Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing Rock Gym Pro software for streamlined facility management.- Served as a mentor for both staff and students, imparting insights on professionalism, good sportsmanship, and maturity, contributing to a positive and collaborative team culture. Show less

  • Manager

    May 2016 - Jan 2019

  • Climbing Coach

    Oct 2016 - May 2017
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  Radio Nova, Oslo

  Nov 2017 - Aug 2018

  Radio Host and Technician

  - Hosted a weekly radio show catering to non-Norwegian speakers on the University of Oslo campus.- Operated recording equipment for live broadcasts, meticulously creating program content before each show.- Conducted research, interviews, and preparation for discussions on diverse topics including politics, ethics, technology, and media.

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  The Nighthawk Diner

  May 2018 - Aug 2018

  Assistant Manager

  - Conducted training sessions for new hires, ensuring proficiency in order-taking, food service, and daily tasks.- Thrived in a bilingual work environment, effectively communicating in multiple languages.- Demonstrated exceptional customer service skills, efficiently addressing and resolving customer complaints to maintain a positive dining experience.

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  Bar 717 Ranch

  Jun 2019 - Sept 2019

  Backpacking Guide

  - Orchestrated, coordinated, and guided eight week-long backpacking expeditions for students aged 8-16 in the Trinity Alps of Northern California, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.- Instructed comprehensive backcountry travel skills, covering compass orientation, navigation, stove operation, Leave No Trace principles, shelter construction, knot techniques, and water treatment, fostering a foundation for responsible and sustainable outdoor practices.- Managed diverse groups of beginners through skillful program direction and engaging activities, implementing Challenge by Choice practices to encourage individual growth and participation.- Assumed responsibility for a designated group of campers during two-week increments, prioritizing their safety, well-being, and involvement in camp activities.- Coordinated age-appropriate programming related to ranch living, enhancing the overall camp experience for varied age groups.- Contributed to ranch crew work, actively participating in construction, trail maintenance, and instruction across diverse program areas.- Operated heavy equipment and machinery, including flux-cored arc welders, all-terrain vehicles, and chainsaws, showcasing proficiency in technical skills. Show less

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  Sunshine Apiary

  Sept 2019 - Dec 2019

  Beekeeper

  - Conducted comprehensive monitoring of bee behavior and health, ensuring the well-being of the hive.- Executed the extraction of honey, wax, and propolis from beehives, demonstrating proficiency in apicultural practices.- Traveled to California for the purpose of crop pollination, contributing to agricultural sustainability through beekeeping efforts.

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  Wealthcare Network

  Jan 2020 - May 2021

  User Experience Manager

  - Led redesign of company website for enhanced user experience, concurrently managing server hosting on diverse platforms.- Published and formatted website articles focusing on accessibility, and collaborating with clients for client-friendly information.- Developed impactful email campaigns for network outreach and created internal memos and work documents.- Managed company microsites, third-party affiliations, and contributed to branding and marketing for in-house education programming. Show less

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  Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC

  Feb 2020 - Apr 2020

  Deck Supervisor and Swim Instructor

  - Instructed children's swim classes for ages 2 to 12, ensuring a structured and effective learning environment.- Maintained vigilant lifeguarding in the instruction area to ensure the safety and well-being of participants.- Conducted assessments of teacher effectiveness, contributing to ongoing improvement and quality assurance.- Facilitated pre-shift and post-shift meetings to coordinate and communicate essential information among the instructional team.- Collaborated with parents to assess students' strengths and address individual needs, fostering a supportive and communicative relationship with the community. Show less

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  Trek Bicycle

  Apr 2020 - Jul 2020

  Service Technician

  - Technical bike service tech specializing in tuning and maintenance of performance and recreation bicycles.- Trained new service techs in protocols and bicycle repair.

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  Howard's Cycling and Fitness

  Jul 2020 - Sept 2020

  Service Technician

  - Technical bike service tech specializing in tuning and maintenance of performance and recreation bicycles.- Trained new service techs in protocols and bicycle repair.

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  Western Kentucky University

  Aug 2020 - May 2022

  Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Center Graduate Assistant

  During my two years at WKU, in addition to fulfilling standard Graduate Assistant (GA) duties, I assumed the responsibilities of overseeing the Outdoor Recreation Adventure Center (ORAC) program in the absence of a designated coordinator. Accomplishments in that role:- Conducted comprehensive research through an all-student survey, yielding over 5,000 data points on ORAC services to enhance community service.- Cultivated social capital by fostering public partnerships with organizations such as NICA, KYMBA, the City of Bowling Green, Vertical eXcape, WKU Mountain Bike Club, Nashville Abundant Life Adventure Club, Nat's Outdoor Sports, and BG Young Black Scholars.- Co-created a monthly virtual round table with four Kentucky schools and participated in Tennessee virtual roundtables with five schools to foster collaborative initiatives.- Successfully ran a Landmark Learning Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course for 15 students and secured a $2,000 scholarship from NOLS for the program.- Proposed and executed multiple program improvements, including the installation of a new canoe rack, provision of daypacks, and establishment of a student learning space and office.- Expanded ORAC outreach and online presence through the creation of free online resources, real-time website assistance for trip planning, initiation of a program newsletter, and weekly tabling events.Moreover, I fulfilled the standard GA duties, which included:- Overall management and supervision of the Outdoor Recreation Adventure Center.- Coordination and instruction of various ORAC trips and clinics, covering activities such as rafting, kayaking, backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, caving, canoeing, sailing, orienteering, life guarding, trip planning, backcountry cooking, and Leave No Trace classes.- Oversight of daily operations for the bike shop.- Program development and production of internal documentation and manuals.- Recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of ORAC student staff. Show less

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  Voyageur Outward Bound School

  May 2021 - Aug 2021

  Assistant Instructor

  - Conducted routine evacuations, course checks, and supply drops during 20 field days, including a 10-day training course within 9 weeks of intern training.- Instructed a 22-day classic canoe course for 7 students, covering nearly 100 miles in the BWCA.- Completed all required staff training, including wilderness travel, technical training, All Staff Orientation, wilderness water safety, and pre-course training.- Assisted the Lead Instructor in maintaining the physical and emotional safety of students and co-instructor, managing field emergencies, and addressing student behaviors and group dynamics.- Ensured adherence to local operating procedures, safety policies, and emergency protocols outlined in the field staff manual.- Collaborated with the Lead Instructor in planning expedition logistics, including developing educational and technical curricula, route planning, and food and equipment management.- Demonstrated expertise in expedition skills such as canoeing, portaging, backpacking, camp craft, navigation, and decision-making, with a focus on teaching these skills effectively.- Exhibited sound judgment in adverse situations and field emergencies, prioritizing student safety.- Assessed students' abilities and backcountry hazards to ensure safe and appropriate activities and travel options.- Emphasized equity, inclusion, and diversity in VOBS education, actively participating in native land acknowledgment and EID training. Show less

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  West Virginia University

  May 2022 - now

  - Manage and operate climbing programs in alignment with Adventure WV and industry standards.- Design and implement comprehensive training programs (indoor & outdoor) for student climbing staff, addressing the needs of open enrollment programs, the climbing wall, First Year Trips, Outdoor Education Center, and other key operations.- Lead the management of the climbing wall, including staff scheduling, group coordination, staff supervision, payroll management, budgeting, equipment procurement, and route setting.- Conduct annual program analysis and reporting, focusing on program quality, outcomes improvement, and enrollment growth or maintenance. Show less The Adventure WV Program Coordinator bears primary responsibility for the coordination of Adventure WV outdoor and experiential recreational and educational opportunities across various technical and recreational disciplines (whitewater, backcountry, climbing, cycling, expedition, and day programs) and associated year-round leader training, development, and enrichment opportunities for student leaders of these programs. - Oversaw all aspects of Guided Trips, including open enrollment programs, Extended and Break Trips, and staffing at Adventure West Virginia.- Achieved a 167% increase in student registration by creating more financially and technically accessible trips, expanding outreach to a diverse student population.- Designed and conducted instructor training for various outdoor disciplines such as backcountry travel, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, climbing site management, ice climbing, and mountain biking.- Led an accredited 2-week international program in New Zealand, encompassing backpacking and sea kayaking.- Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs for staff, emphasizing interpersonal, technical, and leadership skills based on theories like Challenge by Choice, VOMP Conflict Management, and the Conditional Outdoor Leadership Theory.- Instructed academic classes including WVUe 188 Adventure West Virginia, ADRC 131 Introduction to Mountain Biking, RPTR 251 Leadership in Experiential Education, and RPTR 255 New Zealand Adventure.- Coordinated indoor and outdoor climbing activities for Climbing Wall programs, managing top and bottom climbing sites.- Provided support for the First Year Trips program, contributing to recruitment, training, and program design. Show less

  • Climbing Specialist

    Aug 2024 - now

  • Program Coordinator

    May 2022 - now
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  BIKEPACKING ROOTS

  Apr 2024 - now

  Community Program Coordinator

  In my role as the Community Program Coordinator, I organize meetings and facilitate training sessions for Bikepacking Roots stewards across the country. I'm responsible for crafting compelling content that showcases our program across various communication channels and curating spotlights on stewards for social media and newsletters. Additionally, I provide essential administrative support for community campouts, mentor newer stewards, and spearhead the development of a comprehensive Gear Library Resource Directory, fostering connections with libraries nationwide. I'm also involved in brainstorming and curating content to support those interested in establishing gear libraries, along with assisting in community events calendar outreach and content development for our website and social media platforms. Show less