Background:
On the Salmon River Canyons, ROW runs a highly successful program of Family Magic River trips. These trips are designed for families with children ages 5-14. Only families are allowed on these trips (no couples, no singles) assuring plenty of playmates for the kids. Our goal is to provide these families and especially the children, with plenty of fun and games, with as much of a nature-education twist as possible.
On these trips, ROW sends a cargo boat downstream ahead of the group with a guide and Swamper (guide assistant). Once this boat arrives at camp, this crew of two works hard for about two hours to get camp set up. When the guests arrive, they are greeted by these two team members and a camp replete with tents set up, a kitchen mostly ready for dinner preparations to begin and a neat stack of dry bags. Guests have only to pick up their personal dry bag and carry it to the tent of their choice. In the morning the system is reversed and the Swamper assists other guides in taking down camp and loading it back onto the cargo boat.
The position of River Jester combines the duties of the Swamper, with those of a “family activity leader.” ROW has two River Jester positions available each summer. In considering whether or not you’d enjoy this job, please read about our Salmon River Canyons trips.
Past jesters have described this as the experience of a lifetime!
Job Summary:
This is a physically and mentally challenging position involving heavy lifting, hard work and solid people skills. The River Jester helps another ROW guide set up a pleasant, organized camp before guests arrive. Then, they lead activities, games and hikes with a nature education theme, for children and families.
Description:
This is a fantastic opportunity to see one of Idaho's most beautiful river canyons. Although not necessarily designed for this, spending a summer as a River Jester at ROW can be a stepping stone into a future guiding position.
Requirements:
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. This position requires heavy lifting, a strong work ethic and a friendly, outgoing disposition. Experience as a camp counselor, or child educator is desirable. Successful applicants must provide their own tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, water bottles, and appropriate clothing. (A ROW PFD (lifejacket) and dry bag may be used for trips.)
Duties:
- Load and unload rafts. Set-up and breakdown camp each day including tents, tables, chairs and a variety of other camp equipment.
- To act as a professional representative of ROW in all interactions with guests and co-workers.
- To engage guests in friendly conversation.
- To lead a variety of games and activities (nature hikes, nature games, etc.) at camp each late afternoon/evening.
- To respond to routine guest requests and complaints in a polite, helpful manner.
- To assist in the proper care and anchoring of boats.
- To assist the team leader and other guides in additional tasks as needed, including but not limited to stocking drink coolers, cooking, and washing dishes, etc.
- If there is no river work on a given week, and the River Jester wishes to work at our warehouse, an hourly wage of $6.50 per hour will be paid to perform a variety of maintenance tasks at the warehouse such as mowing the lawn, sweeping the floor, cleaning vehicles, etc.
Supervisors:
On-River: Team leader and/or cargo boat guide. Off-river: The area manager.
Start Date: June 28 (negotiable)
End Date: August 31 (negotiable)
*** We are looking for minimum one-month commitments for this position. The maximum season would be roughly seven weeks, from July 1 until late August. Five-day trips start on Sundays and Tuesdays and we hire one River Jester for each rotation. A typical week for the Sunday launch would start with trip pack up mid-day Saturday followed by a drive to the river. The trip itself goes Sunday to Thursday afternoon. In this example, Friday would be the day off.
