Lead Boating Specialist
Start and End Dates: June 1 – August 13, 2027
Reports To: Program Director
Salary: DOE – starting at $24.00/hour
Telluride Academy is seeking an experienced, safety-focused Lead Boating Specialist to lead our river and paddling programs for summer 2027. This role serves as the point person for boating risk management, guiding day trips and multi-day river expeditions while mentoring other field staff in whitewater and flatwater skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, lead, and supervise all boating programming, including day trips and overnight/multi-day river expeditions.
- Serve as the primary risk-management point person for boating activities, monitoring water conditions and making go/no-go calls.
- Instruct and mentor campers and staff in paddling, safety, and river skills.
- Maintain, inventory, and repair boating gear and equipment.
- Drive 15-passenger vans and trailers to and from put-ins and take-outs.
Qualifications:
- Swift Water/River Rescue certification.
- Wilderness First Aid required (Wilderness First Responder preferred); current CPR/AED. Must have experience with a variety of watercraft, including SUP (stand up paddleboards), inflatable kayaks, canoes, and rafts.
- Technical boating resume detailing river sections, class, mileage, and roles held. Overnight/multi-day river expedition experience with a trip log.
- Able to pass CBI/FBI, child abuse/neglect, and driving background checks.
- Comfortable driving 15-passenger vans and trailers; able to lift 50 lbs.
- Preferred: prior youth outdoor recreation experience and familiarity with the Four Corners region’s rivers (Green, Gunnison, Colorado, San Juan) and local lakes.
Working Conditions
Expect long days on and around the water in variable weather and remote settings, with physical demands including loading and unloading gear, facilitating put-ins/take-outs, rigging/de-rigging, and extended time outdoors at altitude.
