Colorado Whitewater Specialist - job 1 of 2

As a Colorado Whitewater Specialist at Avid4 Adventure, your primary responsibilities involve co-leading groups of up to 13 campers during engaging outdoor activities like whitewater kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. You'll assess river safety and assist campers with necessary river skills, including basic moving water rescue techniques. Further, you will serve as a role model, ensuring campers follow safety protocols while providing exceptional customer service to both participants and parents.

To qualify for the position of Colorado Whitewater Specialist with Avid4 Adventure, applicants must be at least 18 years old. Personal or professional whitewater experience is required, along with familiarity with moving water safety protocols. A minimum of one year of experience working with children in a relevant setting is preferred, and candidates should obtain their Basic First Aid & CPR certification before the camp starts. If you have additional relevant certifications, there may also be bonuses available.

The work schedule for a Colorado Whitewater Specialist at Avid4 Adventure typically runs Monday through Friday, totaling 35-40 hours per week. Training kicks off between May 17 and 24, with camps running from May 27 to June 9, and extending through August 8-15, depending on the program. This means you'll have a fantastic summer filled with adventure and meaningful interactions with young campers!

Compensation for the Colorado Whitewater Specialist position at Avid4 Adventure starts at $20.20 per hour, with additional pay determined by experience, additional responsibilities, and relevant certifications. There are also bonuses available for obtaining certifications, which can range from $100 to $400 per certification, with a maximum bonus potential of up to $1,000. It's a rewarding opportunity both financially and personally!

As a Colorado Whitewater Specialist with Avid4 Adventure, you can expect a range of benefits including affordable health insurance for seasonal staff, access to free and discounted gear, professional development opportunities, public transportation reimbursement to and from camp, and more! The role offers not just a paycheck but also an enriching experience in a community committed to improving diversity and inclusion in the outdoor industry.

The best way to approach this question is by detailing your personal or professional experiences with whitewater sports. Discuss specific skills you've acquired, such as river safety protocols, your familiarity with different rapids, and any relevant certifications you hold. Connecting these experiences to how they'll help you guide and teach campers will demonstrate your readiness for the role.

Safety is paramount in outdoor activities, especially when dealing with water sports. You should emphasize your approach to risk assessment, ensuring that safety protocols are clearly communicated to the campers. Mention techniques you employ, such as conducting safety briefings, using basic rescue techniques, and consistently monitoring the campers' well-being while engaging in activities.

Think of a specific situation where you communicated clearly and effectively with children, perhaps during a lesson or activity where instructions were crucial. Highlight how you adapted your communication style to suit their understanding and maintain engagement while ensuring they felt comfortable and safe.

To engage hesitant campers, it’s essential to build trust and rapport first. Discuss your strategies for motivating campers, such as one-on-one encouragement, introducing games to make the activities more enjoyable, or modifying tasks to suit their comfort levels. It’s vital to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.

Handling conflicts requires patience and a calm demeanor. Describe your approach to addressing conflicts by focusing on active listening and mediation. Discuss specific techniques such as involving campers in finding a resolution, maintaining a respectful dialog, and ensuring all parties feel heard.

Leave No Trace principles are crucial for preserving the natural environment. Explain your understanding and commitment to these practices, such as minimizing waste, respecting wildlife, and leaving the area as you found it. Providing examples of how you model these behaviors for campers can demonstrate your dedication to environmental conservation.

Expressing your excitement for the opportunity with Avid4 Adventure is key here. Reflect on the company's values, culture, and mission of fostering outdoor adventure in kids. Share personal aspirations and how this position aligns with your passion for outdoor sports and youth development.

Adapting teaching methods is essential when working with various age groups. Discuss strategies you would employ, such as using age-appropriate language, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and incorporating fun, engaging activities that cater to different skill levels. Make sure to emphasize your commitment to creating a positive learning environment for all ages.

When discussing certifications, list any that are pertinent to the position, such as CPR, First Aid, or lifeguarding certifications. Talk about how these qualifications are essential for ensuring safety and confidence when working with children in outdoor environments, and demonstrate your willingness to obtain additional relevant training.

Teamwork in outdoor programming is all about collaboration and shared responsibility. Discuss how effective communication and trust among team members are crucial in teaching and ensuring safety. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully worked as part of a team in past experiences and how you plan to contribute positively to the Avid4 Adventure team.