Guide Assistants - Swamper/Jester

If you don't have previous river guiding experience nor the time or inclination to get the skills, one of these positions might be perfect. They provide a great way to spend the summer (or part of it) meeting interesting folks, working with a great team and being outside. Running rapids, sleeping under the stars and seeing some of the world's most spectacular scenery are all part of the rewards. To learn more about our trips and philosophy, go to our home page. You might also enjoy reading about other ROW staff at Meet the ROW Team .

Guide positions are the most sought after at ROW. If you do not have previous whitewater guiding experience, there are several possibilities such as Swampers, River Jesters or Family Adventure Camp Guides. To learn more about these positions, please read below. Because of our positive work environment and because ROW runs so many incredible rivers we are an attractive company to work for.

Family Trips: Because “Family Magic™” trips are a big part of our business, we also look for folks who are good with kids, can lead games or entertain around a campfire by leading songs, playing guitar or telling stories.

Benefits
As a company, ROW seeks to identify and employ professionals. While we do have some seasonal turnover, our goal is to maintain a large percentage of our staff. Toward this end, we offer a number of benefits including:

• Discounted trips for family and friends
• Free staff housing or tent space at our outpost locations
• Training opportunities on other rivers
• Training and skills development in the recreation industry
• Leadership opportunities
• Competitive Pay
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA’s allow employees to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax income providing a +20% savings)
• 401(k) plan
• Pro-deal program to help you purchase outdoor gear at deeply discounted rates
• Free staff clothing

ROW Policies

Drug/Alcohol Free Workplace
ROW Inc. is committed to a safe environment for its Adventure Staff and Guests. We have a zero tolerance policy for drugs on our property or impairment at work. If you can't do without drugs or heavy consumption of alcohol, don't apply. Random drug testing is required for all ROW employees. Pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing is required for CDL drivers. Post-accident drug/alcohol testing is required of all employees filing a workman’s compensation claim. Any employee allowing drugs or alcohol to effect their work may be terminated.

Tobacco-Free Policy
ROW Inc. is a tobacco-free company. Smoking and chewing tobacco is not permitted on ROW property or in any ROW vehicle. Guides are not permitted to smoke or chew tobacco on any ROW trip. This includes all overnight trips. Any employee found in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Personal Appearance
A professional and well-groomed appearance is an essential ingredient in ROW’s success. Facial piercing such as nose rings, eye rings, and chin studs are not acceptable. We rely on your good judgment and commitment to ROW Inc. to accept this basic condition of employment.

Pet Policy
In consideration of and for the safety of our guests, employees and your pets; please leave your pets at home.

Employee Availability
Most Guide Assistant Positions require an applicant to be available from Mid June – Late August. Your job agreement will specify agreed upon starting and ending dates. You will not be hired if start and end dates do not meet ROW's needs

The following are positions are available for inexperienced guides:

Swamper (Guide Assistant): Swampers travel on the river in our cargo boats that go ahead of the group to set up ROW's hallmark luxury river camp. This means unloading the cargo boat, setting up tents, setting up the kitchen and camp toilet, carrying gear, filling buckets with river water, etc. Then greeting the group when it arrives and helping to unload whatever gear may be on these rafts. In the morning the procedure is reversed. The position requires heavy lifting and is physically demanding work. Seeing the rivers, riding the rapids, meeting interesting folks from all over the world and working with a top-notch team are highlights of this position. Positions are available on the Missouri, Snake and Middle Fork of the Salmon .

Requirements:

• Ability to lift heavy objects
• First Aid training a plus
• Minimum 18 years of age

Click here for the Swamper Job Description

River Jester: ROW runs many “Family Magic™” trips each summer, designed for families with children ages five to 14. These trips take place on the Salmon River Canyons. Our River Jester is both a Swamper (as described above) AND leads family activities and games in camp. Our goal is that many of these games are oriented towards learning more about nature.

Requirements:

• As per the Swamper position above
• Experience as a kids camp counselor or educator a plus

Click here for the River Jester Job Description

Naturalist / Family Adventure Guides
Based at ROW's new River Dance Lodge, we are offering a Family Adventure Camp program. We are looking for people with experience in natural history interpretation who have worked with children and families. These positions are a cross between a river guide and camp counselor. We are also looking for a program director for our Family Adventure Camp.

Click here for the Naturalist / Family Adventure Guide Job Description

COSTS

Equipment Required: Guides Assistants are expected to provide all their own personal gear including overnight dry bag, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, ammo can and appropriate clothing for extended trips.

Guides Assistants are also required to provide their own meals while off the river.

Applying For A Position

• Study everything carefully at our website, including the job description for any positions you are applying for.
• Make sure your goals and ours match.
• Fill out our Application or call us a (208) 765-0841 to request a guide application packet.
• Get reference letters completed and submitted as requested.
• Depending on the position, various starting and ending dates may be accommodated.
• Pets are not allowed.
• Most positions are physically demanding and require lifting, bending, standing and kneeling.
• We usually try to wrap up our hiring by early March, but feel free to check with us if you discover ROW after that date. Also, please use the Letters of Recommendation forms and have these returned by this deadline.

Application

To download an application that you can print off, complete and mail in. Application in PDF

Once your application has been received, you will be notified if you have been selected for a telephone interview. Generally interviews are conducted from January through March.