Raft Guide Trip Leader
Posted by Adventures Without Limits on 11/16/2021
Job Basics
Industry Sector: Outdoor
Job Categories: Guide (raft,fish,bike hunt,horse etc.)
Company Type: Recreation
State: OR
City: Forest Grove
Country: United States
Required Experience: 0 - 1 year
Job Type: Seasonal Full Time
Salary: $15-$18 hourly
Required to Relocate: No
Required to Travel: No
Employee May Telecommute: No
Job Seeker Must Live Within: 50+ miles
Job Description & Requirements
Employment period: Summer Seasonal: June-Sept, 2022 Hours: Full Time, 40 hrs/week or 3-5 days/week Location: Forest Grove, Oregon Pay: $15-$18/hr
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 Guide Trip Leaders (Raft TL) 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 TLs will be expected to oversee the safety of each participant and the overall success of the trips. Raft TLs will work with accompanying guides to teach necessary skills and facilitate meaningful outdoor adventures while managing risk and social group dynamics for every trip.
This is a full-time, 40 hr per week position between the months of June - September. 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 large portion of this day includes packing, unpacking and driving to the trip location which is typically 1-2 hours from the warehouse. Raft TLs may be asked to fill in on other programs such as flatwater kayaking or rock climbing depending on skill level and scheduling. Those who will be most successful in this position are fueled by our mission and are passionate about sharing outdoor experiences with underserved communities.
IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:
Provide fun, safe, educational white water rafting programs from 1-3 days
Oversee the safety of the participants and ensure the overall success of the program
Load, unload, manage, repair and care for 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
Provide educational lessons on topics such as natural history, ecology, geography and other related topics
Maintain knowledge of, demonstrate, and practice Leave No Trace principles
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 (SRT-1 certification opportunities available 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 in other outdoor recreation activities such as flat-water kayaking, paddle boarding, climbing, camping and/or hiking
Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills are essential
Must be able to work long hours with a good attitude and practice necessary self-care to avoid burn-out
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:
Early Season Training: An in-person or virtual training session will take place in mid-May. This training is not required but encouraged for applicants who are unfamiliar with the populations we work with or the Pacific Northwest region
Swiftwater Rescue Training (SRT-1) certification course will be available for a reduced fee to AWL Raft Guides. The training will take place in NW Oregon June 4-5, 2022
Raft Guide Training School will be required for Raft Guide Trip Leaders. The training will take place in NW Oregon June 6-8, 2022
Onboarding training will be scheduled to learn processes and to become familiar with company protocols
Must be available to work weekly, including weekends, between the months of June-September 2022
WHY AWL?
Adventures Without Limits is a big extended family. 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 providing accessible recreation makes you giddy, we want to hear from you!
IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR BRILLIANCE, YOU WILL RECEIVE:
Pay range $15 - $18 hourly rate depending on experience, certifications and performance
Pay range $180-$225 daily rate for overnight programs
Shared housing available (not guaranteed, first-come, first-served)
Access to kayaks, rafts, climbing, camping and other outdoor equipment for personal use
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
Experience with a non-profit that partners with several leaders in the outdoor industry
HOW TO APPLY
Please email a resume, brief cover letter, relevant trip logs, and references to: info@awloutdoors.org, with “Raft Guide Trip Leader Application” in the subject line.
Priority deadline: December 17, 2021 by 11:59 pm PST
Applications accepted on a rolling basis through March 31st, 2022.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Adventures Without Limits is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are core values at AWL, and applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, ability, and perspectives are highly encouraged to apply. We are prepared to provide an interpreter for the interview process. Additional arrangements may be arranged as needed.
About Adventures Without Limits
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.