River Guide & Outdoor Educator

The river education program at Colorado Canyons Association is multi-faceted and educators must possess a diverse skill set. All River Guides & Outdoor Educators are responsible for planning and executing all aspects of our river education programs and will function as raft guides and outdoor instructors. The Trip Leader position has the additional responsibility of trip oversight and staff management.

Position Description:
The ideal candidate is professional, proactive, dependable, with “team first” drive. This candidate will always jump in to support their team without question. The coordination position is responsible for work which includes food shopping, trip preparation, clean-up, and equipment upkeep. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive in the tri-county area and must be able to pass a background check.

Position Responsibilities:  
1. After training, candidate must demonstrate safe boat handling skills in paddle, oar, and/or motorized crafts on Class I to Class III whitewater ensuring minimum risk to passengers and crew.
2. Float rips are led on the Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River, and various sections of the Gunnison River. Guides are in the field from one to three days at a time and must be comfortable leading meaningful learning experiences for youth, as well as high-end adult adventures. 
3. Must actively participate as an equal crew member in the work of rigging, de-rigging, packing, unpacking, setting up camp, and camp maintenance. Candidate must be capable of sustained physical activity including but not limited to rowing, paddling, hiking, loading and unloading gear, and swimming in swift current.  Must be capable of constant lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. Occasional lifting/carrying of up to 100 lbs. required. 
4. Must actively participate in the packing and unpacking of all equipment related to a trip. Unpacking after a trip includes the cleaning, drying, and the proper storage of equipment, cleaning of vans and trailers as well as facility upkeep and organization.   
5. Must complete assigned or delegated trip paperwork in a neat and timely manner. Must proactively work with management to keep employment documents, including copies of licenses and certifications, up to date.  Must complete and turn in incident and/or other safety reports immediately following an incident.

Ideal candidates possess:
• Colorado Raft guide qualifications
• Previous experience working with youth, outdoor/environmental education and teaching preferred
• Proficient, conservative, and safe boat handling skills in paddle rafts and/or oar rafts
• Familiarity with the Colorado & Gunnison Rivers
• Current WFA/WFR; Basic First Aid and CPR certifications are required
• Clean driving record and valid driver's license
• Capacity for sustained physical activity, including but not limited to rowing, paddling, hiking, loading and unloading gear, and swimming in swift current
Additional qualifications for Trip Leader position includes:
• Trip Leader credentials in good standing as per CPW regulations
• Leadership and group management experience is preferred

See the full position description here. 

How to apply:

To apply, please submit resume, cover letter, and a list of three references (name, email, phone) to lisa@canyonsassociation.org. Please include commercial river log (if applicable). When you apply, it would be best to be aware of your seasonal availability, your desire for part/full time employment and your preferences for Trip Leader responsibility.

Resumes will be received between Friday, December 2, 2022, through Sunday, January 1, 2023. Please enjoy your holiday season and expect contact regarding your resume no earlier than January 3, 2023.