IGNITE - Freshmen Employment
IGNITE Program Leadership:
IGNITE Program Leadership



The IGNITE program provides first-semester Freshmen with an experiential learning opportunity through a paid employment position with UTC Campus Recreation. IGNITE is a great opportunity for first-year students to create friendships, build hard and soft skills, and become future leaders in our community. The program starts during the Fall semester and provides an on-campus employment opportunity to assist first-year students in developing and strengthening their career readiness and occupational wellbeing.

IGNITE Employment Opportunities:
- Lifeguard
-
Want to be a lifeguard? We will help you become certified in lifeguarding, CPR, first aid, and AED training. Lifeguards are responsible for guest safety and customer service in all of our aquatics programs. Come swim with us!
- UTC Outdoors Assistant
-
UTC Outdoors Assistants are responsible for the daily operations of the climbing wall, rental center, and waterfront. This position provides excellent customer service to patrons that are rock climbing, renting equipment, or joining an outdoor adventure trip. Join our team!
- Recreation Assistant
-
Recreation Assistants are responsible for guest safety, facility management, event planning, and customer service in our facilities. This position actively works with all programs, events, and staff in our facilities. Help us keep Campus Recreation safe and running smoothly!
- Intramural Assistant
-
Intramural Assistants help with the daily oversight of the UTC Sports Complex, organizing intramural games, and special events. If you are an active person, who loves competition and sportsmanship, this is the place for you!
- Membership Services Assistant
-
Membership Service Assistants are the face of Campus Recreation. This position assists with facility tours, sales, customer service, and guest relations. Great with people? This is the position for you!
IGNITE Program Requirements:
- Current UTC degree-seeking student with freshman class standing (defined as having fewer than 30 completed college credits)
- Minimum enrollment of 6 undergraduate credits per semester
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Positive attitude
- Successfully complete a background check
- Must be available to attend all mandatory training sessions. See below for dates and times.
If you are hired into the IGNITE program, you will be required to attend training and career development sessions on Fridays from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. during the Fall and Spring semesters. Participants are paid their hourly rate to attend each of these training sessions. Attendance and participation are mandatory for each date. Please see the agenda below for details.
- Orientation Day
-
Orientation Day - Saturday, October 1st from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Lunch included!
- CPR - First Aid - Blood Borne Pathogens
-
CPR/FA/BBP Day - Saturday, October 8th from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Session # 1 - Professionalism & Time Management
-
Professionalism and Time Management session - October 21st from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Session # 2 - Motivation and Initiative
-
Motivation and Initiative session - November 2nd from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Session # 3 - Communication and Conflict Resolution
-
Communication and Conflict Resolution session - November 18th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Holiday Social and Guest Speaker
-
Join us for our annual holiday social and inspiring guest speaker on December 2nd from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Snacks and drinks are provided!
- Session # 4 - Diversity & Inclusion
-
Diversity and Inclusion session - January 13th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Session # 5 - Diversity & Inclusion
-
Diversity and Inclusion session - January 27th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Session # 6 - Professional Development
-
Applying for Jobs session - February 10th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Session # 7 - Resume and Cover Letter Clinic
-
Resume and Cover Letter Clinic session - February 24th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Session # 8 - Elevator Speeches & Personal Branding
-
Elevator Speeches & Personal Branding session - March 10th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Session # 9 - Interviewing
-
Interviewing session - March 24th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Session # 10 - Sustainability
-
Sustainability session - April 14th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- IGNITE Adventure
-
Join us for our end-of-year adventure. Lunch and drinks are provided! Saturday, April 22nd
If you have any questions about our IGNITE program, please contact the Assistant Director or Programs and Engagement:
Craig Gosnell
Phone: (423) 425-5682
Email: [email protected]

How To Apply:
Applications for the 2022-2023 cohort are closed.
Applications for the 2023-2024 cohort will open in June 2023.
Application Deadline:
TBD
Interview Dates:
Wednesday, August 31st -
Friday, September 9th
Commitment to
Diversity & Inclusion:
UTC Campus Recreation believes that all people deserved and are owed the right to play and pursue holistic wellness. Diversity and inclusion practices are carefully integrated into all of our programs, facilities, and employment opportunities. We ask IGNITE student employees to read and embody the following EDI responsibilities.
- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Institution and welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity
- Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences
- Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds
- Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continuous improvement
- Promote and maintain a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff
- Create and maintain an atmosphere free from harassment, violence, and retaliation