Whitewater River Trip Lead

Summitbsa; Glen Jean (WV); On-site; USD 9,000 - 15,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing in Staff Camp

Staff Uniform

Job summary

Summitbsa in West Virginia seeks a commercial river guide to lead multi-day whitewater trips along the New River Gorge. You will verify participant details, provide safety briefings, and manage trip dynamics in a remote setting.

The role requires wilderness first aid, swiftwater rescue training, and comfort with camping for five days. Housing is provided in Staff Camp and staff uniform is supplied. A strong customer-service orientation is essential.

Qualifications

• Documentation and references proving experience as a commercial river guide.

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

Emotional intelligence

Customer service

Team communication

Education

Wilderness First Aid certification

Swiftwater Rescue training

Tools

Microsoft Teams

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