Assistant Boating Specialist

Telluride Academy - Job Description - Assistant Boating Specialist

Job Title: Assistant Boating Specialist (Seasonal)
Start and End Dates: June 2 - August 15
Salary: $800-$900 depending on camp/program assignment

Position Summary:
The Assistant Boating Specialist (ABS) is a seasonal role that supports Telluride Academy’s Boating Director in facilitating a safe, engaging, and educational moving water and flat water boating program for students. The ABS works closely with the Boating Director and Academy instructors to ensure smooth operations of both flat water and moving water experiences while maintaining high safety standards.

Responsibilities Include, but Are Not Limited To:

• Assisting the Boating Director with daily operations, including flatwater and moving water boating activities.
• Supporting the Boating Director in facilitating the boating curriculum during staff training.
• Becoming familiar with all Academy boating locations and assisting with site-specific logistics and communication.
• Participating in and facilitating boating experiences with Academy students, including instruction, safety oversight, and equipment preparation.
• Maintaining and organizing boating gear inventory, ensuring equipment is cleaned, stored, and ready for use (rigging pre-trip and de-rigging post-trip)
• Providing on-water safety support for moving water experiences and acting as a resource for field instructors as needed.
• Supporting the maintenance of boating vehicles and trailers, ensuring they remain clean and operational.
• Assisting with the submission of timely and accurate logs for river permits and maintaining permit compliance.
• Adhering to and promoting Academy Boating Policies and Procedures, including emergency protocols.
• Supporting trip/weekly budget management by assisting with equipment purchasing and expense tracking.

Qualifications Include:

• Current (or willingness to obtain) Nationally Recognized Swift Water Certification and/or River Rescue Technician Certification.
• WFA (minimum) certification. WFR certification (or higher) preferred, and CPR/AED certification.
• Experience with flatwater and moving water boating activities; a technical resume listing river sections/class, river miles, and roles is preferred.
• Ability to pass a Federal Background Check and display a clean driving record.
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van and/or tow a trailer (or willingness to learn).
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Physical ability to assist with rigging and de-rigging of river trips.

Preferred Experience:

• Previous experience working with youth in an outdoor recreation or education setting.
• Familiarity with Telluride Academy’s programming and/or the local area.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with youth, has a passion for boating and outdoor recreation, and thrives in a collaborative environment. The Assistant Boating Specialist plays a key role in supporting the success of Telluride Academy’s boating programs.