Equipment Room Specialist
University of Chicago
Summary
The Equipment Room Specialist supports the daily operations of the Department of Athletics & Recreation through the care, maintenance, distribution, and inventory management of athletic apparel, towels, equipment, and related supplies. Primary responsibilities include laundry operations, equipment room services, locker assignments, recordkeeping, and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of assigned departmental spaces. The position also assists with the maintenance, preparation, setup, breakdown, and operation of athletic facilities and equipment in support of departmental programs, practices, competitions, special events, and other departmental activities as assigned.
Job description
Job Summary
The Equipment Room Specialist supports the daily operations of the Department of Athletics & Recreation through the care, maintenance, distribution, and inventory management of athletic apparel, towels, equipment, and related supplies. Primary responsibilities include laundry operations, equipment room services, locker assignments, recordkeeping, and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of assigned departmental spaces. The position also assists with the maintenance, preparation, setup, breakdown, and operation of athletic facilities and equipment in support of departmental programs, practices, competitions, special events, and other departmental activities as assigned.
Responsibilities
- Performs laundry operations including collection, washing, drying, folding, storage, transportation, and distribution of athletic apparel, towels, uniforms, shower curtains, and other laundry items.
- Distributes, collects, organizes, and maintains athletic apparel, towels, equipment, and related supplies for student-athletes, coaches, staff, patrons, visiting teams, and other departmental programs.
- Manages locker, cubby, and lock assignments, including issuing and recording locker numbers and combinations, maintaining accurate assignment records, and assisting with distribution and collection of related items.
- Cleans out and prepares lockers as assigned, including removing, bagging, labeling, and storing personal belongings and performing basic cleaning of lockers.
- Maintains accurate records related to apparel, equipment, inventory, laundry operations, locker assignments, and other equipment room activities.
- Performs basic daily care and maintenance of laundry equipment, including cleaning lint traps, cleaning machines, changing filters, cleaning drains, and replacing laundry detergent barrels and supplies.
- Reports equipment problems and maintenance concerns to the supervisor.
- Maintains the cleanliness, organization, and security of equipment rooms, locker rooms, laundry facilities, storage areas, and other assigned departmental spaces.
- Monitors and communicates departmental needs related to apparel, towels, laundry supplies, equipment, locker maintenance, inventory, and other operational concerns.
- Assists with the maintenance, cleanliness, organization, preparation, setup, breakdown, and operational readiness of equipment and facilities in support of athletic competitions, practices, special events, and recreational programs.
- Reports facility concerns, repair needs, and maintenance issues to the supervisor.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Competencies
- Must be able to read and write.
- Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
- Must be able to perform basic recordkeeping.
- Must be capable of communicating effectively with supervisors, students, staff, faculty, and the public.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments concurrently required.
- Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Must be able to adapt to changing departmental operational needs and priorities.
Education, Experience, or Certifications
Education: High school diploma from an accredited institution or a GED certificate required.
Experience: Two years of experience in athletic equipment room operations, recreation or fitness facilities, athletic facility operations, or a related field required.
Technical Knowledge and Skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Strong time management, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to perform basic recordkeeping.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Knowledge of athletic equipment care and maintenance techniques.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
There are three positions available: Monday-Friday 7am-3pm, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday-Thursday 1pm-9pm. These positions may have a modified schedule during summer and interim periods. Overtime opportunities and schedule adjustments will be required based on departmental operational needs.
Must be physically capable of performing duties involving prolonged standing, walking between facilities in various weather conditions, bending, reaching, lifting overhead up to 25 pounds, and climbing step stools, step ladders, and stairs. Must be capable of working within a laundry room environment involving elevated room temperatures, consistent laundry machine noise, exposure to laundry chemicals, and dust. Must be capable of performing assigned duties in indoor and outdoor athletic facilities and related departmental spaces. Significant overtime may be required, particularly during evenings, weekends, athletic competitions, and special events.
Requirements
- High school diploma from an accredited institution or GED certificate required
- Two years of experience in athletic equipment room operations, recreation or fitness facilities, athletic facility operations, or a related field required
- Must be able to read and write
- Must be able to follow oral and written instructions
- Must be able to perform basic recordkeeping
- Must be capable of communicating effectively with supervisors, students, staff, faculty, and the public
- Strong verbal and written communication skills required
- Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments concurrently required
- Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team
- Must be able to adapt to changing departmental operational needs and priorities
- Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Knowledge of athletic equipment care and maintenance techniques
- Physically capable of prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting overhead up to 25 pounds, and climbing step stools, step ladders, and stairs
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
Company overview
The University of Chicago is a world-renowned private research university founded in 1890 and located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. As a premier academic institution, it operates one of the most comprehensive biomedical research enterprises in the United States through its Biological Sciences Division, which includes over 1,100 faculty members across 10 basic science and 14 clinical departments. The university manages extensive research infrastructure including the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, multiple specialized research institutes, and maintains affiliations with Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. With research funding exceeding $450 million annually and more than 3,300 patents filed since 1987, the institution is a global leader in scientific discovery and innovation. The Biological Sciences Division alone supports over 500 research-active faculty who secure an average of $588,000 in NIH funding per principal investigator, focusing on areas including cancer biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular metabolism, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology. The university's commitment to interdisciplinary research and its unique position as manager of national laboratories creates unparalleled opportunities for translational research and scientific advancement.