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Athletic Aide I

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 4, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role sets up and maintains athletic facilities and equipment for events. What hands-on facilities or grounds work have you done?

What they are checking: Whether they have done real physical facilities or grounds work, because this job is hands-on and demanding every single day.

You'd assemble equipment and troubleshoot basic problems. Tell me about fixing something with what you had on hand.

What they are checking: Whether they can solve practical problems resourcefully and safely, because equipment breaks at awkward moments with no specialist nearby.

What would you do

You'd set up and take down fences, bleachers, benches, scoreboards and public address systems for indoor and outdoor events. What does a safe setup look like to you?

What they are checking: Safety awareness where the public sits on what you built

An event is starting in an hour and the setup is not going to be finished. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm, prioritize what the event truly needs and call for help early, rather than hoping it all gets done.

You'd work around students, staff and the public using the facilities. How do you work safely with people around you?

What they are checking: Whether they stay aware of people around them while working with equipment, because students and visitors can get hurt by careless setup.

The days vary with the event schedule. What would you want to know about hours, weekends and the busy seasons before you took it?

What they are checking: Whether they ask about the schedule the posting leaves open

About the work

You'd measure and paint field lines and tape court lines. How do you get lines straight and to the right dimensions?

What they are checking: Whether they know practical methods like string lines and measured reference points, since crooked or wrong lines can disrupt a game.

You'd maintain softball and baseball infields, including dragging and raking. What does an infield need before a game?

What they are checking: Whether they already know infield care like dragging, watering and leveling, or would need training before they can work independently.

You'd operate department vans, field markers and utility vehicles and do basic vehicle maintenance. What is your driving record and what vehicle work have you done?

What they are checking: Whether they have a clean driving record and basic vehicle know-how, since operating department vehicles safely is a core requirement.

You'd maintain and organize three workshops and several storage areas. How would you organize a space so the next person finds things?

What they are checking: Whether they organize shared spaces so coworkers can find things fast, which saves time before events and keeps equipment from getting lost.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department CSL ATH: Facility Services About the Department With a rich and storied history, the University of Chicago’s Department of Athletics & Recreation endeavors to serve the broad range of fitness, physical recreation, and athletic needs of the University of Chicago community. The Department sponsors 20 intercollegiate teams and 570 student-athletes in various varsity sports. The Department sponsors more than 40 club sports and a diverse intramural sports program in which approximately 8,500 students participate each year. Numerous open recreation opportunities are provided in the two indoor facilities as well as the outdoor fields, courts, and running track. On an average day, approximately 2,100 students, faculty and staff use the athletic and recreational facilities on campus. Job Information Job Summary: The Athletic Aide I will maintain and set up athletic facilities and department equipment for activities & events associated with the Athletics and Recreation Department. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Responsibilities: • Sets-up/takes-down for both indoor and outdoor activities and events. This includes setting up/taking down things such as fences, bleachers, benches, scoreboards, PA systems, windscreens, nets, goals, baskets, tables, chairs, lane lines, starting blocks, pole vault runways, high jump pads, wrestling mats, etc. • Measures and paints field lines for activities using outdoor fields; measures and tapes court lines on indoor courts. • Performs the daily maintenance of the softball and baseball infields as well as the long jump/steeplechase pits. This includes dragging/scarifying infields, raking pitcher's mounds/bullpens/home plates/baselines/pits, watering, bailing water, installing plates, etc. • Assembles, performs basic maintenance and troubleshoots problems with equipment. This includes assembling cabinets, ball carriers, carts, etc., and maintaining basketball backboards, rims, batting cages, nets, goal nets, windscreens, etc. Informs supervisor of need for equipment repair. • Operates department vehicles which include vans, field markers, and utility vehicles. As part of basic maintenance of these vehicles, performs general cleaning, checks oil, fills window-washer fluid, adjusts tire pressure, fills gas tank, greases exposed joints, etc. Informs supervisor of problems associated with the vehicles. • Cleans fitness equipment. Distributes, collects and changes hand towels used by patrons to clean fitness equipment. Distributes and fills the cleaning solution spray bottles and dispensers used by patrons to clean fitness equipment. Informs supervisor of any problems found with the fitness equipment. • Assists with departmental deliveries, moving departmental items, and running departmental errands. • Maintains and organizes three workshops and multiple storage areas. • 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 capable of communicating effectively with supervisor, students, staff, faculty, and the public. Additional Responsibilities Education, Experience, or Certifications: Education: • High school diploma or equivalent required. Certifications: • Valid Illinois driver’s license required. Technical Knowledge and Skills: • Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team. • Knowledge of athletic equipment care and maintenance techniques. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: • Must be capable of strenuous physical activity involving lifting overhead up to 40 lbs., bending, reaching, climbing, standing for long periods, walking distances, working in inclement weather, etc. • Significant overtime is required (especially on weekends). Required Documents: • Resume • Cover Letter • List of 3 Professional References The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Benefit Eligibility ​ Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Pay Rate Type Hourly Pay Range $19.32 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Union 042 - Local 73, S.E.I.U. Skilled Trades - Real Estate Operations Job is Exempt No Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required Yes Posting Date 2026-09-04 Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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