Whitewater Specialist

North Carolina Outward Bound School • Asheville, NC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Whitewater Specialist supports North Carolina Outward Bound School 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 supports students and staff on backpacking-based courses that incorporate canoeing and rafting, and requires strong paddling and safety credentials, outdoor work, and participation in multi-day camping trips.

The specialist collaborates with field instructors and Lead River Staff, supports student learning and program logistics, and models professionalism, sound judgment, and strong safety practices. The role is primarily based at the Asheville, NC town office, with field camping for up to five days at a time depending on course schedules. Scheduled workdays typically fall between March and October, and irregular schedules, including evenings and weekends, are expected.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications.
• ACA Level 4 Whitewater Canoe Instructor certification or equivalent qualification.
• Swiftwater Rescue training completed within the last three years.
• Valid driver's license and at least three years of driving experience.
• Ability to drive 15-passenger vans with or without trailers and pickup trucks.
• At least 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, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
• 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 running, swimming, and paddling.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including speaking and hearing, in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.

Responsibilities

• Deliver safe, 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 follow 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 aligned with the NCOBS mission, values, and educational approach.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed