Whitewater Specialist

North Carolina Outward Bound School Inc; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 26,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing and meals provided during work

403(b) retirement plan with 1.5% match

Outdoor industry pro deals

Certification renewal reimbursements

Job summary

North Carolina Outward Bound School seeks a Whitewater Specialist to lead safe, high-quality whitewater instruction on Class I-III rivers and to manage river risk across expeditions. The role involves multi-day trips, camping, and collaboration with field instructors to deliver wilderness curriculum.

The position emphasizes strong paddling credentials, safety leadership, and alignment with the NCOBS mission. Based in Asheville, NC with an irregular schedule.

Qualifications

• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications.
• ACA Level 4 Whitewater Instructor certification or equivalent.
• Swiftwater Rescue training within last 3 years.
• Valid driver's license with 3+ years of driving experience.
• Experience with Outward Bound or comparable programs.
• Ability to manage river risk and safety in field settings.

Responsibilities

• Deliver safe, high-quality whitewater canoeing and rafting instruction.
• Manage river risk and support program delivery on Class I-III rivers.
• Ensure paddling programs follow risk management policies and directives.
• Collaborate with field instructors to deliver curriculum in wilderness settings.
• Provide logistical support for whitewater programs as needed.
• Model professionalism and safety in field-based communities.
• Participate in multi-day expeditions and camping trips.

Skills

Leadership

Safety management

Risk management

Oral and written communication

Paddling instruction

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office 365

Education

WFR CPR certifications

ACA Level 4 Whitewater Instructor

Swiftwater Rescue training

Tools

Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint)

Job description

Whitewater Specialist

Asheville, NC
Seasonal, Exempt

This is a seasonal position with scheduled days typically falling between March and October.

At North Carolina Outward Bound School, we believe that challenge and adventure build resilience, leadership, and compassion. To support our wilderness programs, we rely on strong program leaders who can cultivate safe, inclusive communities while delivering exceptional outdoor education experiences.

The Whitewater Specialist supports NCOBS wilderness expeditions by providing safe, high-quality whitewater canoeing and rafting instruction, managing river risk, and partnering with field instructors to deliver curriculum on Class I-III rivers. This seasonal, field-based role requires strong paddling and safety credentials, frequent outdoor work including multi‑day camping trips, and a commitment to student development, teamwork, and the NCOBS mission.

Position Details

As the Whitewater Specialist, you will join NCOBS wilderness expeditions to provide safe, high-quality whitewater instruction, manage river risk, and support students and field instructors on backpacking‑based courses that incorporate canoeing and rafting. You will:

• Deliver safe and high-quality whitewater canoeing and rafting instruction to NCOBS staff and students.
• Manage river risk and support safe program delivery on Class I-III rivers.
• Ensure paddling programs adhere to national and NCOBS risk management policies, procedures, local operating procedures, and directives from the Whitewater Program Manager.
• Collaborate with field instructors to deliver course curriculum and facilitate student learning in a wilderness setting.
• Assist Lead River Staff with logistical support for NCOBS whitewater programs.
• Model professionalism, sound judgment, and strong safety practices while living and working in a field-based community.
• Participate in multi‑day wilderness expeditions, including camping with course crews for two to five days at a time.
• Support a positive learning environment that aligns with the NCOBS mission, values, and educational approach.

Position Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications.
• ACA Level 4 Whitewater Conor Instructor certification or equivalent qualification.
• Swiftwater Rescue training completed within the last three years.
• Valid driver’s license with at least three years of driving experience.
• Able to drive 15-passender vans with or without trailers and pickup trucks.
• Minimum of two years of experience with Outward Bound or comparable outdoor, experiential, or wilderness education programs.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to individuals and groups.
• Strong safety management and risk management experience.
• Demonstrated leadership, professionalism, reliability, and ability to build positive working relationships.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint).

Employment & Physical Requirements

• Successful completion of background and motor vehicle records checks.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to lift and load a tandem canoe onto a trailer with assistance.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and use hands and fingers to handle equipment and perform work tasks.
• Ability to participate in moderate to vigorous outdoor activities, including but not limited to running, swimming, and paddling.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including speaking and hearing, in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.

Work Environment

• Primarily based at the Asheville, NC town office. Camping in the field may be required for up to five days at a time, depending on course schedule and delivery.
• Irregular schedules, including evenings and weekends are expected.

Benefits & Perks

Working at North Carolina Outward Bound School comes with perks that support your well-being and growth. Our benefits include:

• Housing and meals available for the duration of work period at an NC mountains basecamp.
• Access to contribute to a 403(b) retirement account with 1.5% employer match after 1 year of service for qualifying employees.
• Access to outdoor industry pro deals.
• Reimbursement for required certification renewals.

Compensation

$165 per day worked

Equal Opportunity & Anti-Harassment

North Carolina Outward Bound School is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law. We maintain a zero‑tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind and are dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all employees.

Accessibility & Accommodation

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where both current and future employees can thrive. Employees may request reasonable accommodation at any time to support the performance of essential job functions. The organization is committing to working collaboratively with employees to ensure they have the support and environment needed to succeed.

We are also committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive hiring process. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation at any point during the application or interview process are encouraged to reach out. We are happy to work with applicants to provide the support needed to participate fully in the hiring process.