Lead Boating Specialist

TELLURIDE ACADEMY

Connecting youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Job Title: Lead Boating Specialist (Seasonal)

Dates: June 1 - August 13, 2027.  Additional pre-season work is possible (river scouting, familiarity with rigging our boats/trailers), dependent on river experience and familiarity with the rivers we run.  

Reports To: Program Director

FLSA Status: Seasonal, non-exempt

Compensation: DOE - Starting at $24.00/hour

Position Summary

The Lead Boating Specialist is a seasonal role that supports Telluride Academy's boating programs, facilitating safe, engaging, and educational moving-water and flatwater boating programs for students. The Lead Boating Specialist works closely with the other Boating Specialists and Telluride Academy instructors to ensure smooth operations of both flatwater and moving-water experiences while maintaining high safety standards.

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 Lead Boating Specialist plays a key role in supporting the success of Telluride Academy's flatwater and moving-water boating programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist TA admin and other Boating Specialists with daily operations, including flatwater and moving-water boating activities.
• Serve as the primary point person for risk management and decision-making related to Telluride Academy's moving water and flatwater boating programs.
• Support the Boating Specialists in facilitating the boating curriculum during staff training.
• Become familiar with all Academy boating locations and assist with site-specific logistics and communication.
• Participate in and facilitate boating experiences with Telluride Academy students, including instruction, safety oversight, and equipment preparation.
• Maintain and organize boating gear inventory, ensuring equipment is cleaned, stored, and ready for use (rigging pre-trip and de-rigging post-trip).
• Provide on-water safety support for moving water experiences and act as a resource for field instructors as needed.
• Support the maintenance of boating vehicles and trailers, ensuring they remain clean and operational.
• Assist with the submission of timely and accurate river permit logs and help maintain permit compliance.
• Adhere to and promote Telluride Academy boating policies and procedures, including emergency protocols.
• Support trip and weekly budget management by assisting with equipment purchasing and expense tracking.
• Serve as a member of the summer leadership team, a core group trusted to help plan and lead staff training, attend Friday leadership team meetings (9:00am), and serve as a role model and mentor to TA staff.
• Attend Friday staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Provide weekly feedback that is timely, constructive, professional, and respectful.

Qualifications

• Current (or willingness to obtain) Nationally Recognized Swiftwater Certification and/or River Rescue Technician Certification.
• WFA certification (minimum); WFR certification (or higher) preferred; CPR/AED certification required. All certifications must be current prior to staff training in June.
• Must have experience with a variety of watercraft, including SUP (stand up paddleboards), inflatable kayaks, canoes, and rafts.
• Experience with flatwater and moving-water boating activities, with a technical resume listing river sections/class, river miles, and job roles.
• Experience leading overnight/multi-day river expeditions, along with a documented river trip log outlining specific trips, hours, and overnights in the field.   
• Subject to criminal background check (CBI/FBI), child abuse and neglect background check, and driving background check.
• At least 20 years old by the start of employment (required to drive program vans).
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van and/or tow a trailer (or willingness to learn).
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Able to be present, attentive, and cell phone-free while at work.
• Ability to lift 45 lbs and physical ability to assist with rigging and de-rigging of boats/trailers for our river trips.  
• Able to maintain physical activity for up to 8–10 hours daily, including hiking and navigating rugged terrain.

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: Four Corners region, western slope of Colorado, Green River, Gunnison River, Colorado River, San Juan River, Trout Lake, Ridgway Reservoir.

Working Conditions

• Able to work indoors or outdoors for prolonged periods across desert, mountain, river, lake, and alpine weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain.
• Willing to work in remote, wilderness, or high-altitude environments with limited facilities.
• Comfortable with exposure to insects, wildlife, and natural elements as part of outdoor programming.
• Able to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and extended shifts, based on program needs.
• Able to travel to and from program locations, including remote trailheads or campgrounds.

Why Telluride Academy

Working at TA means spending your summer outside in some of the most beautiful country in the West, with a team that takes the work seriously and still has a lot of fun doing it. We invest in our staff the same way we invest in our campers.

• Real growth. Our roles build on each other, from Intern and Field Instructor In Training through Junior Field Instructor, Field Instructor, specialist and leadership team positions. Many of our staff come back and take on more each summer.
• Training and mentorship. Every season starts with staff training. From there you get weekly feedback, one-on-one check-ins, and leaders who want to see you succeed.
• Variety you won't find elsewhere. Our programs run from alpine trails and high lakes to desert canyons and rivers. You'll lead hiking, camping, boating, climbing, art and more across the San Juans and the Four Corners region.
• A staff community that sticks. Our team is made up of educators, guides, artists and outdoor people who look out for each other on and off the trail.
• Work that matters. You'll help kids build confidence, resilience and a real connection to the outdoors, and you'll see it happen week to week.
• Perks that add up. Staff housing is available at cost, at the Big Billies apartments or at our staff house in Placerville (21+). We also offer gear pro deals, a staff scholarship program that covers certification costs, raises for returning staff, and an end-of-season bonus.

About Telluride Academy

Telluride Academy's mission is to connect youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Based in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride Academy is Telluride's premier summer camp and has been inspiring youth through outdoor education and adventure for over 45 years. Join us in creating unforgettable memories for the next generation of adventurers!

Learn more at www.tellurideacademy.org.

Core Values

• Resilience
• Curiosity
• Responsibility
• Connection

Hiring Policy

Telluride Academy (TA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service or veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

TA will make reasonable accommodations for an otherwise qualified applicant or employee related to a physical or mental disability, sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, or any other reason required by applicable law, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on TA's operations.