Water Whitewater Raft Guide
Job Description
POSITION TITLE: Raft Guide
Employment period: Summer Seasonal: June-Sept, 2023
Hours: Full Time, Part time, on call
Location: Forest Grove, Oregon
Pay: $16-$19/hr DOE
Experience: Intermediate
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION
Adventures Without Limits (AWL) is a small non-profit with a big mission! Our team is passionate about providing opportunity and adventure to all people, regardless of ability level, socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, or age. AWL adventures are inclusive, adaptive, and community oriented! We believe that everyone should have access to the mental, physical, and social benefits of time spent outdoors. Our programs aim to inspire personal growth, instill confidence, develop peer relationships, and enhance awareness of the natural environment through whitewater rafting, flatwater kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, backpacking, climbing, and camping trips. Our community is wide and diverse; we work with individuals with disabilities, seniors, youth, school groups, people experiencing poverty, nonprofit partners, and corporate groups alike from Forest Grove and the greater Portland Metro area. At AWL, we value an inclusive atmosphere that encourages shared growth and learning among both staff and participants.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Raft Guides are responsible for the delivery of engaging, safe and instructional white water rafting trips to a range of diverse participants including but not limited to: individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, school groups, seniors, corporate groups, and more. As part of this position, you will uphold our culture of inclusivity, mutual support, growth, and learning. Applicants should be able to safely lead class I-III white water rafting trips using a paddle and/or oar raft system. Raft Guides will be expected to oversee the safety of each participant and the overall success of the trips. Raft Guides will work with accompanying guides to teach necessary skills and facilitate meaningful outdoor adventures while managing risk and social group dynamics for every trip.
As part of this position, you should expect to be on trips 3-4 days a week, including weekends, working roughly 10 hour days. A portion of this day includes packing, unpacking and driving to the trip location which is typically 1-2 hours from the warehouse. Raft Guides may be asked to fill in on other programs such as flatwater paddling or rock climbing depending on skill level and scheduling. Those who will be most successful in this position are fueled by our mission, are passionate about sharing outdoor experiences with underserved communities, and are excited by a dynamic workplace.
IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:
– Provide fun, safe, educational white water rafting programs from 1-3 days
– Load, unload, and manage relevant equipment and gear
– Work with participants experiencing a range of disabilities and think critically to meet their needs by leveraging adaptive equipment, behavioral support, or other creative solutions
– Be available and willing to fill in as needed for other programs which may include the following activities: flatwater kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, climbing, hiking, camping
– Transport equipment and passengers to and from activity locations in a 15-passenger van with trailer
– Manage risk and respond to emergencies when necessary
– Work 8-12 hour days in a variety of outdoor settings under a range of weather conditions
– Be an ambassador for Adventures Without Limits and uphold and model the community values of the organization
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU:
-Safely navigate oar and/or paddle rafts down Class I – III+ rivers
– Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification or higher (or ability to obtain upon hire)
– Swiftwater Rescue certified (or ability to obtain upon hire)
– Experience working with diverse populations including at-risk youth, people with disabilities, seniors, and people of diverse cultural backgrounds
– Ability to adapt to changing situations while also prioritizing safety and upholding a quality experience
– Experience (personal or professional) in other outdoor recreation activities we facilitate such as flat-water kayaking, paddle boarding, climbing, camping and/or hiking
– Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
– Must be able to pass background check and complete required trainings
– Physically capable of lifting large, heavy equipment, kneeling, swimming, and reaching overhead.
– You must comply with our COVID-19 staff policy which requires a COVID-19 vaccination unless an exemption is authorized.
WE ALSO REALLY LOVE TO SEE:
– Previous experience working as a professional white water rafting guide
– Experience working adaptive recreation programs and with people with disabilities
– Completion of a raft guide training school (available upon hire)
– Experience with multi-day rafting programs, camping and outdoor cooking
– Understanding of local natural history or the desire to learn
– Clean driving record for applicants over the age of 23 to qualify as a driver
– Bi- or Multi-lingual, particularly Spanish speaking ability or American Sign Language
TRAININGS & IMPORTANT DATES:
-Staff Training will be scheduled in early June
– Must be available to work weekly, including weekends, between the months of June – late August 2023. Option to continue through September, if available.
WHY AWL?
Diversity, inclusion, and authenticity are core values at AWL. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply. No matter who you are, if you are passionate about accessible recreation, we want to hear from you!
IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR BRILLIANCE, YOU WILL RECEIVE:
– Pay range $16 – $19 hourly rate depending on experience, certifications and performance
– Opportunity to apply for our internal Guide Development Grant
– Professional development and skill building training opportunities
– Access to Pro Deals including NRS, Black Diamond, Patagonia, Columbia and others
How to Apply
HOW TO APPLY Please email a resume, brief cover letter, relevant trip logs, and references to: info@awloutdoors.org, with “Raft Guide Application” in the subject line.14 total views, 2 today