Location: Idaho Springs, CO or Buena Vista, CO
Schedule: Seasonal Full Time & Part Time Available
Pay Rate: Trip Pay according to pay scale of river mileage and sections checked out on + up to 10% end-of-season bonus + hourly work compensated at $15/hr.

Looking to make adventure your job? Why not work for the best adventure guide company in the state of Colorado. AVA has several locations that all offer their own unique opportunities and activities (so much more than rafting and ziplining). Employees enjoy consistent work where they help make lifetime memories for their guests every day. The good times don't stop on your days off as AVA employees can experience any of our activities they want for free or even rent out company equipment on their own free of charge.

Make incredible mountain peaks, towers of granite, and rushing rivers your office. Our positive and energetic culture have led countless guides to friends and memories that last a lifetime. There are even opportunities for year-round employment through our sister companies, Breckenridge Ski & Sport and Peak 1 Express. What are you waiting for? Adventure awaits.

Why work for AVA Rafting & Zipline? Click Here!

Perks Include:

• Competitive Pay Scale
• Up to 10% End of Season Bonus
• Free Adventure Trips with AVA
• Free Shared Shuttle Services with Peak 1 Express
• Free Ski, Snowboard and Bike Rentals with Breckenridge Ski & Sport
• Employee Campground Offered at Buena Vista Location
• Year-round work opportunities available through AVA, Peak 1 Express and Breckenridge Ski & Sport

• Health Insurance & 401(k) offered to full-time, year-round employees

• Rec Center Access Offered at Idaho Springs Location
• ProForm Deals Available to Employees
• Discounts for Friends & Family on AVA Adventure Trips
• Discounts for Friends & Family on Peak 1 Express Services

Job Overview: Safety Kayakers primarily serve a safety function. They are on the river to act as a primary rescuer for Class IV and V river trips. They are also a member of the AVA team and a key member and contributor to each trip. They serve as the face of AVA and uphold its mission and vision. Safety Kayakers will run ½ day and full-day trips as needed. Safety Kayakers are members of a dynamic high-quality company which emphasizes quality, customer service, and teamwork.

Overall Job Duties:

• Assist with trip prep
  • Boat loading (rafts and kayak)
  • Guest preparation
  • Handing out PFD's, Wetsuits, Helmets
• Provide customer instructions about the role of the safety kayaker
• Communicate actively with guides on each trip and Trip Leader to review trip plan prior to put-in
• Kayak along with trip maintaining proximity to rafts that allows for near immediate response to swimmers
• Respond to, rescue, and/or coach swimmers to the nearest raft or shore
• Respond to emergency medical situations
• Participate as member of the guide team to entertain and serve customers
  • Answering questions
  • Teaching about the area, history and other interpretive information
  • Assist with serving lunch/dinner (when provided on trip)
• Participate in trip clean-up

Expectations:

• Be highly competent on all sections of the river at which you are based.
• Maintain the highest level of professionalism and guest service at all times.
• Possess strong leadership skills in all areas of operations.
• Be adept in problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Know, adhere to and be a role model for all employees in AVA's mission, vision, values and management system.
• Influence staff morale in a positive way.
• Demonstrate a high level of control and leadership on water.
• Take a leadership role during medical or emergency situations
• Have 500 miles recorded on a detailed river log that meets Colorado state requirements.
• Demonstrate outstanding guest service and professionalism at all times to surpass guest expectations
• Acts as role model to less experienced staff by adhering to AVA policies and procedures and demonstrating AVA core values, vision and mission.
• Perform essential AVA functions as assigned by management; work with managers to effectively solve any problems that may arise in daily schedule.
• Run trips professionally as assigned and scheduled
• Report to work on-time and ready to perform
• Properly fit of lifejackets, wetsuits, splash jackets, and helmets for guests
• Wash, hang and organize trip gear to maintain cleanliness and organization of gear
• Notify Gear Manager about damaged gear and follows up to see if it was repaired
• Answer and address any guests concerns and questions
• Treat guests respectfully and engage them in appropriate conversation to maximize guests experience
• Assist with the maintenance of quality and cleanliness of outpost
• Ensure the safety and exceptional experience for all rafting guests
• Perform retrievals and rescues when needed
• Be ready to perform basic First Aid and possibly CPR if needed
• Work a flexible schedule
• Be involved in at least one department (transportation, photos, safety, training, property, equipment, retail, kitchen) at your outpost
• Have a well-groomed and professional presentation
• Always wear uniform and nametag while working
• Speak to large groups of people
• Direct guests in the right direction including parking
• Make critical decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Adhere to AVA policies and procedures

Required Experience & Skills:

• Safety Kayakers must have a minimum of 3 years kayaking experience.
• Must be comfortable kayaking at a level one class above the section they are working on
  • In the case of Class V trips, kayakers must have significant kayaking experience in Class V water and be comfortable stopping in any given eddy in a Class V rapid
• Possess current First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Have a well-groomed presentation
• Work positively and effectively as part of a team environment
• Enjoy working with a variety of people in an active environment
• Provides detailed river log and certifications
• Able to work as a productive and positive member of team
• Have a high physical fitness level
• Able to work outdoors for long days in diverse weather conditions

If you are interested in joining the AVA Team this summer, then please apply today! AVA strives to deliver the very highest level of guest service while bringing awareness and understanding of the surrounding wilderness to our guests. As leaders in our industry, we set examples in safety, professionalism, outdoor skills and guest service, while providing low-impact environmental recreation. Apply Today!

AVA Rafting & Zipline is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.