River Specialist

Overview

The RIVER SPECIALIST leads campers on whitewater rivers, Class I-III, on day and overnight trips. The right candidate will be passionate about working with youth outdoors, and especially have a desire to instruct on whitewater rivers. This is a non-cabin staff position and provides support for off-campus river trips. River staff should have a strong kayaking skills background, competence in SWR, and experience instructing on rivers.

Camp Merrie-Woode, located in Western North Carolina, makes use of many of the beautiful rivers in the area including the Nantahala, Chattooga, Tuckasegee, French Broad, Pidgeon, and Green Rivers.

River Specialists may live on campus or have the option to commute if they live locally.

JOB DUTIES:
River staff are involved in the entire process of any river trip, from planning to clean up.
River trips are done mostly in kayaks, with the occasional canoe trip. Participants are in the age range of middle-high school.

Assist with and supervise the trip planning and pack-out process, including but not limited to:
– Input on which rivers and sections to run
– Outfitting the participants
– Loading the boat trailer
– Helping with food pack-out
– Managing trip forms

Assist with and supervise river trips, including:
– Managing the group both on and off the river
– Instruction and delivery of all relevant river curriculum
– Risk Management for all aspects of the river trip
– Minimizing risk exposure when on the river for both participants and staff — This includes providing river rescue in up to Class III
– Administering any necessary First Aid or camper medications

Assisting with and supervising the trip clean up process, including:
– Gear cleaning and de-issue
– Facilitating transportation to and from the river

The river staff member is the designated Trip Leader for each trip and therefore ultimately responsible for the outcome of the trip and its participants. Other duties may arise as assigned.

BENEFITS:
– Commuter Rate: $150-200/day
– Live-in Rate: $500-750/week
– Pay rates are negotiable and dependent on experience
– Reimbursement for skill and medical certifications
– Room, board, laundry provided to all staff

PERKS:
– Access to industry pro deals
– Access to gear on days off
– Technical skill growth opportunities available

DATES for SUMMER 2025*:
Boating/Mountaineering Orientation: May 20 – 25
All Staff Orientation: May 26 – 31
June Session: June 1 – 21
Main Session: June 23 – July 27
August Session: July 29 – August 8

*Part-time availability/presence of black out dates will be considered dependent on experience

Tagged as: Instruction and Guiding

Qualifications:

Applicants must currently hold - or being willing to obtain - these certifications:
- ACA L4 Whitewater Kayak Instructor Certification
- WAFA or WFR & CPR Certification
- Swiftwater Rescue Training (L4 preferred)

Required Skills:

- Ability to paddle Class III+ whitewater in a kayak competently and confidently
- Experience instructing/guiding whitewater rivers, or notable transferrable experience in outdoor instruction/guiding/teaching
- Physically capable of working long days and performing job duties as outlined above
- Enjoys working with kids in the great outdoors!

Preferred Skills:

- Availability to attend Staff Orientation highly preferred
- Experience and ability to paddle Class I-III whitewater in a canoe
- Knowledge of/experience on the rivers of western NC