Whitewater River Trip Lead

The Summit Bechtel Reserve; Glen Jean (WV); On-site; USD 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing in Staff Camp

Summit Staff Uniform

Job summary

The Summit Bechtel Reserve is seeking a knowledgeable river guide to lead multi-day whitewater adventures. You will verify participant details, provide safety briefings, and manage trip dynamics in challenging environments, including emergency coordination with park authorities.

The role requires a strong swimmer, proven commercial guiding background, and comfort with five days of paddling and camping in remote settings. Training for Wilderness First Aid and Swiftwater Rescue is provided.

Qualifications

• Age 20 or older.
• Documentation and references proving prior commercial river guiding.
• Confident swimmer.
• Experience with 5 days paddling/camping in remote setting.
• Wilderness First Aid & Swiftwater Rescue (training provided).
• Swiftwater rescue training required; may be reassigned if failing.
• Willing to become registered Scouting America member (background screening).
• Familiar with Microsoft Teams.

Responsibilities

• Review and verify participant tent assignments, waivers, medical conditions, and dietary restrictions before trip.
• Provide pre-trip safety briefing and kayak orientation.
• Responsible for trip dynamics, safety, and communications.
• Coordinate with SBR leadership and National Park Service in case of emergency evacuation.
• Interpret the natural and cultural history of the New River Gorge.
• Complete post trip reporting with West Virginia DNR.
• 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

Commercial river guiding

Confident swimmer

Microsoft Teams

Swiftwater rescue training

Job description

Position Overview

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

Key Responsibilities

• Review and verify participant tent assignments, waivers, medical conditions, and dietary restrictions before trip.
• Provide pre-trip safety briefing and kayak orientation
• Responsible for trip dynamics, safety, and communications
• Coordinate with SBR leadership and National Park Service in case of emergency evacuation
• Interpret the natural and cultural history of the New River Gorge
• Complete post trip reporting with West Virginia DNR
• 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: 20+
• Required: Documentation & references proving you have worked as a commercial river guide
• Required: Confident swimmer
• Comfortable with 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. 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 70 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

Salary: $2150 - $2250 per month