Whitewater River Guide

Summitbsa; Glen Jean (WV); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing in Staff Camp

Summit Staff Uniform

5-6 day Trek schedule

Job summary

Summitbsa in West Virginia seeks a world-class whitewater guide to lead guests on multi-day river trips, provide paddling instruction, ensure rafter safety, and deliver engaging programs.

You will perform gear checks, load gear for boats, and assist with camping logistics while modeling the Scout Oath and Law. Housing is provided in Staff Camp, with 5–6 day treks and Swiftwater Rescue training available.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18+
• Higher salary for document whitewater experience / certifications
• Confident swimmer
• 5 days paddling/camping in remote setting without running water/electricity
• Wilderness First Aid & Swiftwater Rescue (training provided)
• Position contingent on passing Swiftwater rescue training
• Willing to become a registered Scout America member (background screening)
• Comfortable using Microsoft Teams for daily work-related communication

Responsibilities

• Conduct a gear shakedown / inventory with guests
• Provide whitewater kayaking instruction and ensure rafter safety, providing medical care as needed
• Pack and load food / equipment in trucks and boats
• Potential act as Sweep boater and be competent with river rescue skills and rigging
• Interpret the natural and cultural history of the New River Gorge
• Provide and participate in evening programming
• Model the Scout Oath and Law in daily interactions
• Maintain a clean, organized, inspected, neat, and safe work area
• Perform additional duties assigned by SBR leadership
• Abide by policies and procedures outlined in the SBR staff handbook

Skills

Kayaking instruction

Swiftwater rescue

Wilderness First Aid

Teamwork

Customer service

Confident swimmer

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Position Overview

Provide our guests with a world class multi-day whitewater experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct a gear shakedown / inventory with guests
• Provide whitewater kayaking instruction and ensure rafter safety, providing medical care as needed
• Pack and load food / equipment in trucks and boats
• Potential act as "Sweep" boater and be competent with river rescue skills and rigging
• Interpret the natural and cultural history of the New River Gorge
• Provide and participate in evening programming
• Model the Scout Oath and Law in daily interactions
• Maintain a clean, organized, inspected, neat, and safe work area
• Perform additional duties assigned by SBR leadership
• Abide by policies and procedures outlined in the SBR staff handbook

Qualifications

• Minimum age: 18+
• Higher salary for document whitewater experience / certifications
• Required: Confident swimmer
• Comfortable with 5 days paddling/camping in remote setting without running water/electricity
• Wilderness First Aid & Swiftwater Rescue (training provided)
• Position is contingent on passing Swiftwater rescue training. You may be reassigned to other jobs if you fail the course
• Willing to become a registered Scouting America member (includes background screening)
• Comfortable using Microsoft Teams for daily work-related communication

Physical & Practical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, swim, and paddle up to 8 hours daily and ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds
• Complete the Annual Health and Medical Record, including height/weight guidelines
• Housing: 10'x12' platform tent in Staff Camp | Uniform: Summit Staff Uniform | Work Hours: 5-6 day Trek

Desired Traits

• High emotional intelligence (such as self/social awareness and team dynamics)
• Positive and cheerful attitude with a strong customer-service focus
• Adaptability in a fast-paced environment with ability to learn/develop hard and soft skills
• Ability to connect with individuals from diverse age groups, maturity, and backgrounds