Raft Guide Trip Leader

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.