Whitewater Specialist

North Carolina Outward Bound School • Asheville, NC

22h • 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 instructors on backpacking-based courses that incorporate canoeing and rafting, and requires strong paddling and safety credentials, outdoor work, multi-day camping, and a commitment to student development, teamwork, and the NCOBS mission.

The position is primarily based at the Asheville, North Carolina 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. Compensation is $165 per day worked.

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 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 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

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed