Position Title: Recreation Technician

Accountability: Recreation Technician reports to the Mission Experience Manager

Job Classification: Seasonal, part-time, hourly. $10-13/hour.

About: Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation (Catawba Riverkeeper) was founded in 1997 as the 21st waterkeeper organization in the U.S. Now, proudly part of an international movement that boasts over 400 local organizations, we preserve and protect the waters of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin for all through education, advocacy, and engagement. Our 5,000 square mile river basin includes over 8,900 miles of waterways across 26 counties in North and South Carolina. 

The Recreation Technician is responsible for the successful execution of the Catawba Riverkeeper’s recreation programs. In this role, the Recreation Technician will assist with “on the water” programming, “land based” programming, and preparation, maintenance, and inventory of Catawba Riverkeepers recreation supplies. An ideal candidate will be outgoing and enjoy public interaction, will care about the water and mission of the Catawba Riverkeeper, and is passionate about the outdoors and creating unforgettable experiences in nature.

The Catawba Riverkeeper will provide training to all Recreation Technicians for First Aid, AED, CPR, and ACA Level 1 Certification

Responsibilities 

• Proudly serves the local community, serving as a brand ambassador, promoting awareness and advocacy for the Catawba Riverkeeper and our mission.
• Serves as the first point of contact for “on the water” programming by renting kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes to the general public
• Assists the Mission Experience Manager with “on the water” programming that includes but is not limited to guided group paddles, paddle instruction, and providing all paddle programming to the public and private groups.
• Assists the Community Engagement Manager with “land based” community programming that includes but is not limited to group runs and hikes, races, group bike rides, clinics, community programming and special events.
• Exemplifies the Catawba Riverkeeper mission statement and supports staff, departments and leadership in pursuing and achieving goals.
• Performs any other duties needed to help drive to our vision, fulfill our mission, and abide by our values.
• The Catawba Riverkeeper is part of a Shared Services Collaboration with Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. This collaboration affords the opportunity for Recreation Technicians to work at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden as Camp Counselors, Outdoor Program Technicians, and Natural Resource Maintenance Technicians.

Requirements:

• Exhibits a passion for the mission of Catawba Riverkeeper.
• Successfully pass a standard background review.
• 16 years of age.
• Committed to a two-week schedule, with consistent attendance.
• Able to work nights, weekends and some holidays.
• Able to lift/move 50 pounds.
• Willing to serve all guests equally regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

Education & Experience:

• Active CPR/First Aid certification. Riverkeeper hosts courses throughout the year.
• Comfortable speaking to a wide range of people and customizing communication accordingly.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain an organized and detailed workflow with changing variables.
• Ability to make quick decisions and remain calm in various situations.
• Comfortable working autonomously as well as working in a team environment.

Location: The Recreation Technician will be based at Catawba Riverkeeper’s headquarters in downtown McAdenville, NC may work at any one of our three locations or Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

• Riverkeeper HQ/The River Room (McAdenville, NC) – Headquarters and taproom.
• The Boathouse (McAdenville, NC) - Outfitter and event venue with a bar.
• Confluence (Cramerton, NC)- Community center and event venue with a bar.
• Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (Belmont, NC) – 380 acre wooded property with multiple indoor spaces and 2.5 miles of lake frontage on Lake Wylie.

Catawba Riverkeeper Values: We are an organization of action, quality, leaders, innovation, and engagement. We prioritize getting meaningful work done. We hold ourselves to a standard or excellence in everything we do. We strive to be leaders in our individual areas of influence as well as an environmental organization in this region. We are not afraid of trying new things and are willing to take thoughtful risks in achieving our mission.  We work to actively bring our communities into the work we do.

Catawba Riverkeeper provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.

How to Apply: Applicants should email their resume and cover letter to Eric Smallwood, Outdoor Program Director at eric.s@catawbariverkeeper.org. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, as applications are received.