Adventure Guide

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

Adventure Guides are responsible for delivery of safe, instructional outdoor recreation 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. We uphold a culture of inclusivity, mutual support, growth, and learning. Guides will be expected to teach necessary skills and facilitate meaningful outdoor adventures while managing risk and social group dynamics for every trip.

As part of this application process, we will fill several positions for summer guides. Depending on experience and availability, applicants may serve as a Seasonal Guide or Part-time Guide. As such, duties, responsibilities and pay will vary depending on your role. Seasonal guides tend to work “full time” hours for the season they are hired for. Part-time Guides tend to work “part-time” hours. Hours for both Seasonal and Part-time guides depend on the individual guide’s interest, experience, and availability, as well as the needs of the organization. Guides should expect to work 8-12 hour days which includes packing, unpacking and driving to the trip location which is typically 1-2 hours from the warehouse.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

• Work as a team to provide fun, safe, educational outdoor recreational trips in length from 1-3 days

• Lead and instruct some or all of the following activities: flatwater kayaking, whitewater rafting, canoeing, paddle boarding, climbing, hiking, camping

• 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

• Lead youth programs, including summer camps and/or after school programs

• 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

• Load, unload, manage, and care for equipment and gear 

• 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:

• Professional experience with one or several of the following activities: flatwater kayaking, rafting, canoeing, paddle boarding and/or rock climbing. OR a mixture of professional and personal experience with at least two of the activities listed. 

• Experience working in outdoor education, camps, recreation guiding service, or similar settings

• 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 prioritizing safety and upholding a quality experience

• Must be able to work long hours with a positive attitude

• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills are essential

• Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification or higher (or ability to obtain upon employment, prior to staff  training)

• Must be able to pass a background check and complete required trainings

• You must comply with our COVID-19 staff policy which requires a COVID-19 vaccination unless an exemption is authorized. 

• Must be available to work between the months of June-September 2022 including weekdays and weekends

• Clean driving record for applicants over the age of 23 to qualify as a driver 

WE ALSO REALLY LOVE TO SEE: 

• Bachelor’s degree, or working towards a Bachelor’s degree, or 2+ years of field experience in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Recreational Therapy, Wilderness Therapy, Outdoor Leadership, or relevant field

• Certifications in outdoor recreation (ACA, LNT, SRT-1, SPI, or similar)

• Experience working adaptive recreation programs and with people with disabilities

• Understanding of local natural history or the desire to learn

• Bi- or Multi-lingual, particularly with Spanish or American Sign Language.

• Physically capable of lifting large, heavy equipment, kneeling, swimming, and reaching overhead.

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

• Onboarding training will be scheduled to learn processes and to become familiar with company protocols in early to mid June.

• Must be available to work between the months of June-August 2023 (with the potential to extend into September) including weekdays and weekends

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 providing accessible recreation makes you giddy, we want to hear from you! 

IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR BRILLIANCE, YOU WILL RECEIVE:

• Pay range $15.00 - $18 hourly depending on experience, certifications and performance

• Pay range $180-$225 daily rate for overnight programs

• Access to kayaks, rafts, 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, cover letter, relevant trip logs, and references to: info@awloutdoors.org, with “Adventure Guide Application” in the subject line. Please include if you are interested in seasonal or part-time guiding. 

Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Priority deadline: February 20, 2023 by 11:59 pm PST

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.