Position Title: Recreation Lead

Accountability: Recreation Lead reports to the Mission Experience Manager

Job Classification: Seasonal, part-time, hourly. $12-15/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 Lead is responsible for being the face of the organization through recreational experiences offered to the public. They oversee and execute recreation programs from set-up to breakdown through high quality service while educating staff and guests about the area’s waterway and the mission of Catawba Riverkeeper. There may be cross-over opportunities to support Education programs as available. 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 Leads 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.
• Manages location specific set-up to execute efficient kayak operations.
• Manages or assists staff in offsite programs such as hikes or paddles.
• Communicates kayak program overview consistent with that program’s standard operating procedure.
• Displays advanced paddling skills while on the water.
• Engages guests about the area’s waterway, local community and mission and current activities of the organization.
• Ensures proper collection of paperwork and payment.
• Leads basic kayak instruction and ensure that each staff member or guest feels comfortable getting on the water.
• Educates staff and guests on proper use of gear and basic water safety.
• Assists in guest water launches and possible on-water retrievals.
• Facilitates equipment loading and unloading.
• Able and willing to drive and properly operate our trucks, trailers, and bus.
• Responsible for maintaining and facilitating the cleaning of equipment as needed.
• Maintains accurate equipment inventory and guest count at locations.
• Assists full-time staff, department managers, and Recreation Technicians.
• The Catawba Riverkeeper is part of a Shared Services Collaboration with Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. This collaboration affords the opportunity for Recreation Leads 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.
• 18 years of age.
• Committed to a two-week schedule, with consistent attendance.
• Able to work primarily weekends, with some evenings and holidays.
• Mandatory 3-day staff training hosted in March, June or as hired that includes,
  • Detailed information about Catawba Riverkeeper
  • Group facilitation activities
  • Department and job specific training
  • Cross-training in Education
  • Riverkeeper specific CPR/AED/First Aid Certification
• Ability to work in outdoor settings under various weather conditions.
• Must have reliable personal transportation.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds with frequency throughout the day.
• 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 Lead will be based at Catawba Riverkeeper’s Boathouse location  in McAdenville, NC and may work at any one of our three locations or Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden as well as around our 26-county footprint.

• 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 Engagement Manager, Greg Nance, at greg@catawbariverkeeper.org. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, as applications are received.