KP Paddle Excursionist

Venture Outdoors; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 17,047 - 24,280; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Kayaking

Paid Training

End of Summer pay increase

Mental Health shut down

Job summary

A nonprofit outdoor organization is seeking a Paddle Excursionist to lead safe and enjoyable paddle sports trips in Southwest Pennsylvania. This seasonal part-time position requires effective group management, safety oversight, and environmental monitoring. Candidates must have paddling experience, willing to be flexible with schedules, and fulfill necessary background checks and certifications. This role offers competitive hourly pay and additional benefits like free kayaking and paid training.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application.
• Ability to attain PA State Act 34/151 Background Clearances.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications (can acquire upon hiring).

Responsibilities

• Lead paddle programming at various locations.
• Prepare participants for paddling events and ensure safety.
• Monitor environmental conditions before and during outings.

Skills

Paddling experience in non-motorized watercraft

Group leadership and motivational skills

Flexibility with work assignments

Ability to speak in front of a group

Job description

About Venture Outdoors

Inspire. Educate. Equip.

We Remove Barriers And Create Access Tooutdoor Experiences. Venture Outdoors is a 501c3 nonprofit.

Title

Paddle Excursionist

Reports To

Kayak Pittsburgh Management

Location

Field work in various waterways in Southwest Pennsylvania

Hours

Seasonal part-time (approximately 20-30 hours/week April through October)

Wage

$15.00/hour

Position Summary

The Kayak Pittsburgh Excursionist is responsible for leading paddle sports trips offered by Venture Outdoors or Kayak Pittsburgh. These can include community, corporate, and custom group outings. Kayak Pittsburgh Excursionists will provide all participants of the program with the proper equipment, instruction, and on‑water guidance while ensuring the safety and satisfaction of all paddlers.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead a variety of paddle programming at various locations
• Prepare participants for paddling events by distributing materials, giving safety talks, launching and recovering paddlers
• Leading youth kayaking programs responsible for leading safe, fun, and educational kayaking experiences for youth participants.
• Responsible for assist customers in fishing equipment such as rods, reels, tackle, bait, nets, and safety gear.
• Ensure participants' safety on the water while creating enjoyable and memorable outdoor experiences
• Monitor environmental conditions (water flow, storm activity, temperature, wind speed, etc.) before and during an outing
• Care for participants’ needs, handle emergencies and contingencies
• Ensure all relevant reporting is completed and returned to the office in a timely manner including participant evaluations, risk waivers, final trip reports, etc.
• Be familiar with and follow all Venture Outdoors trip leader guidelines
• Clean and store equipment properly
• Attend biweekly staff meetings facilitated by Kayak Pittsburgh management

Qualifications

We recognize that all experience is unique and not always in a professional setting. Outdoor experience obtained recreationally or through volunteer opportunities is valid.

• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application
• Previous paddling experience in non-motorized watercraft (kayak, SUP, canoe, etc)
• Evening, weekend, and holiday availability
• Ability to lead, motivate, and manage groups of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds
• Willingness to be flexible with work assignments and roles
• Knowledge of associated skills and equipment for leading outdoor recreation activities
• Ability to speak in front of a group

Requirements

• Attain PA State Act 34/151 Background Clearances and FBI Background check (must acquire prior to employment)
• A finding on the criminal background clearances is not automatic disqualification, but rather a conversation starter
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications (can acquire upon hiring)
• Once hired, an Excursionist will attend Venture Outdoors’ Outdoor Leadership Training and A.C.A. Kayak Touring Level 1 Training
• Ability to repetitively lift and maneuver watercraft weighing up to 90 pounds with a partner

BENEFITS And Bonuses

• Free Kayaking
• Paid Training
• End of Summer pay increase
• Mental Health shut down- guaranteed break between Summer and Fall season
• Take part in the Venture Outdoors sponsored Simple IRA if you make more than $5000 yearly

How To Apply

Use the following link or scan QR code at the bottom of the Job Description to submit an application: www.ventureoutdoors.org/about/employment-opportunities/

Venture Outdoors is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

VENTURE OUTDOORS STAFF EQUITY STATEMENT
We commit to the equitable treatment of our colleagues, participants, and community members by valuing their rights, dignity, voice, and expression.
We welcome and respect the diversity of individuality such as race, sex, gender identity, ability, culture, and religion.
We recognize the human right for all individuals to be respected and accepted without bias.
We commit to an organizational responsibility to build individual and community respect, dignity, fairness, care, and equality.
We strive to understand the role our system plays in perpetuating exclusion, and to address the dynamics that support it.
We understand that accountability is mutual and reciprocal in order to continually learn and improve.
We believe that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion extends beyond the workplace and encourage all to continue personal development alongside the organization.
We require organizational staff and participants to encourage a culture of belonging and consider the entire experience and the ecosystem that supports.
We will not tolerate explicit and implicit forms of racism, sexism, classism, xenophobia, ageism, and/or ableism.
We will not accept the use of racial or gender biases and require staff to implement inclusionary practices within their duties and program design.

The Pay Range For This Role Is 15 - 15 USD per hour(Pittsburgh)