Whitewater Photographer

ROW Adventures runs whitewater rafting trips on many rivers in Idaho. The majority of our work is on multi-day trips where photography for retail is not possible. However about 30% of our business is on single day trips where we are able to sell photos after our trips. The primary rivers where we are able to do this are the Lochsa River, near Syringa Idaho and the Clark Fork River near Superior Montana.

The two river seasons don’t overlap and that makes it easy to combine them. The position will start on the Lochsa River in Syringa Idaho early May. The Lochsa is a great class IV river with big waves that make for spectacular shots. ROW Adventures runs mainly one day trips on the Lochsa and it is possible to shoot the trip, process the images and then show and print them after the trip returns in the café that we have at our base. On the weekends ROW often runs two launches a day, a full launch is a total of five boats, with 6 guests each for a total of 30 guests per trip. On Average ROW runs approximately 1,000 people down the Lochsa from May – June.

In order to shoot the photos the photographer is required to drive their own vehicle approximately 30 miles up stream to the rapid to shoot and the drive back to our base. After the trips guest congregate in our café where we have an informal photo show where guests have the ability to buy photos. This is where good salesmanship is needed to try and hook guests into the sale. When guests order photos the photographer can print them on the spot. After sales are completed the photographer will be required to make copies of the days photos and send one copy to an online hosting site and one for storage. The photographer is also responsible for completing a daily sales report and submitting it to the Director of Finance.

The Lochsa operation runs out of ROW’s River Dance Lodge based in Syringa Idaho. Camping will be provided at the location along with shower facilities and a communal camping kitchen. During a typical Lochsa season the weekends are very busy and the week days slow down. This provides excellent opportunity to go on river trips, hike the area, visit hot springs or fish.

Starting early July the photo operation will move to ROW’s Clark Fork operation based out of Superior Montana. The Clark Fork is a Class III river that is great for families and a good way to spend a summer day. ROW only runs one day trips on the Clark Fork and almost always only runs one trip per day. Trip size on the Clark Fork is larger than the Lochsa and a full day is 48 guests. In order to shoot this trip the photographer will have to drive approximately 10 miles to the river, and hike a short distance in. After the photos are taken the photographer will again show, sell and print photos at our base in Superior. Camping facilities are also available at the Clark Fork. Trips on the Clark Fork are more regular but weekends are still the busiest. On average ROW runs 1,500 guests a summer on the Clark Fork. During time off the Clark Fork is a great place to Kayak, hike and raft.

Please be sure to read through all our information carefully to make sure that ROW is a good fit for you. 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.

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

• Free guest activities, on a space-available basis such as rafting and canoeing.
• Complimentary and/or 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

Housing

Lochsa: ROW owns an outpost location called the River Dance Lodge on the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River in the small hamlet of Syringa, Idaho. Currently this is not very developed. Guides are provided a space for tenting and/or vehicle use, showers and toilet facilities. A communal camp kitchen and cook tent is also provided. Guides love it here because it is a world class boating mecca! The class IV Lochsa, Class IV-V North Fork and South Fork of the Clearwater, the class II-III lower Selway and numerous classic Idaho creeks provide excellent kayaking and private boating opportunities.

North Idaho Rivers and Clark Fork: Our outpost is based on Cedar Creek just outside of Superior, Montana. Guides camp or bring their own trailer or truck to sleep in. ROW provides a shower, portable toilet facilities and kitchen facilities. During June, when we are on the Moyie, ROW rents a place with shower facilities and guides camp out using their own tents.

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
We are looking for a full-season photographer to start in late April and end in 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.

Requirements

Previous action photography experience is required. Knowledge of digital photography and computer use a must.

Reliable Transportation required

ROW Adventures will provide all the necessary equipment. We have a Nikon D70 with lenses, a Mac Laptop and an Olympus p-440 printer. At both locations we have televisions for viewing the photos. The photographer is responsible for providing their own reliable transportation and camping equipment.

Pay

The Photo position is a salary position. The pay will be determined based on qualifications. Extra pay will be awarded for good sales. A mileage reimbursement will also be provided.

Applying For A Position

• Study everything carefully at our website
• 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.
• Send samples of your work. (Mail a Photo CD, DVD, email photos, or email a website link)
• 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.
• 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.

Application

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

Thank you for your interest in ROW!