Description of Organization

ETC is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that provides outdoor adventure and environmental education experiences for people of all abilities. ETC conducts one- to three-day Sea Kayak, Whitewater Rafting, and Cross Country Skiing trips for youth from under-resourced backgrounds and people with disabilities of all ages, as well as extended Youth Leadership Programs for underserved youth.

Position Description

The Sea Kayak Guide/Trip Leader is a seasonal position lasting through the end of November, with the possibility of returning for the 2023 season (April – November 2023). The Sea Kayak Guide will work collaboratively with a team of guides to facilitate all aspects of ETC trips including on-water guiding, camp setup, meal preparation, natural history interpretation and environmental education, and trip preparation and clean-up. Trips are conducted on San Francisco and Tomales Bays. The Sea Kayak Guide is a contract position, requiring a minimum commitment of 10 days per month.

Successful Sea Kayak Guides will have the opportunity to advance into a Trip Leader role with additional training. The Trip Leader is responsible for leading sea kayak trips, collaborating with agency partners to complete trip goals, overseeing trip logistics, and supervising volunteers and other seasonal staff.

Though both Guide and Trip Leader roles are field positions, additional opportunities for administrative support may be available for interested applicants. Responsibilities could include assisting the Program Manager with pre- and post-trip communications, agency and volunteer outreach, and trip staffing.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Sea Kayak Guide
  • Provide safe, educational, and fun outdoor experiences for ETC participants
  • Set up and break down trips, including transporting and cleaning kayaks and gear
  • Outfit participants and demonstrate proper use of kayak equipment
  • Conduct paddle instruction and safety orientation talks
  • Facilitate activities focusing on group development, kayak instruction, environmental education, and human and natural history
  • Set up camp and assist with meal preparation on overnight trips
  • Make adaptations to kayaking and off-water activities for people with disabilities
• Trip Leader
  • In addition to the above:
  • Lead and mentor a team of guides and interns to facilitate one- to five-day sea kayak trips in variable conditions for people with special needs, under-resourced youth, and benefit groups
  • Evaluate on-water conditions and group abilities to make decisions on safety specific to common ETC trip locations (Sausalito Waterfront and crossings to Angel Island, Tomales Bay from Heart’s Desire to Marshall, Tomales, and other beaches)
  • Delegate roles appropriately and provide basic instruction and constructive feedback to Guides
  • Respond appropriately to incidents and hazards throughout the trip

Qualifications

• 1+ years sea kayak guiding experience for guides
• 2+ years sea kayak guiding for trip leaders
• Comfort with basic paddle strokes, knowledge of how to self-launch and land in surf less than one foot, how to assist with launching and landing of a participant boat, reliable self- rescue and assisted rescue techniques, towing, and ability to read and interpret tides and currents.
• Previous experience in kayak trip leader role (managing a team of guides) highly desired
• Previous environmental education experience highly desired
• Ability to set a positive tone while supervising diverse groups of people, preferably in an outdoor education setting
• Enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with people of all abilities and backgrounds.
• Experience working with youth or people with disabilities a plus
• Ability to communicate professionally over phone and email with partners and guides
• Reliable transportation to Sausalito and Inverness
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (WFA or WFR strongly preferred)
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Trip leaders should have guiding experience specific to ETC trips

Training

• Individual training from Sea Kayak Program Manager and Trip Leaders
• Ongoing skills development throughout employment
• Participation in ETC’s Sea Kayak Guide School and Inclusion Training in Spring 2023, if extended

Term & Commitment

• September 1, 2022 to November 20, 2022
• Minimum commitment of 8 days per month

Reports To

• Sea Kayak Program Manager

Compensation

• $120/day for Guides and $150/day for Trip Leaders
• Use of ETC sea kayak equipment for personal use (subject to ETC boat use policy)
• Access to ETC’s pro purchase programs with various outdoor equipment manufacturers