Past Swampers 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 Swamper helps another ROW guide set up a pleasant, organized camp before guests arrive.
Description: This is a fantastic opportunity to see some of Idaho's and Montana’s most beautiful river canyons. Because the wage is $40/day with an expected six day work week, successful applicants will be motivated by a desire to run beautiful, exciting rivers and meet a multitude of fun and interesting people, rather than earning money. Although not necessarily designed for this, spending a summer as a Swamper 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 other outdoor related experience is desirable. Successful applicants must provide their own tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, water bottles, and appropriate river clothing including a PFD (lifejacket) and dry bag (opportunities to purchase these items at "Pro" pricing is available.
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 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.
- To help with post-trip clean up.
- If there is no river work on a given week, and the Swamper wishes to work at our warehouse, an hourly wage of $7.50 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. if ROW has a need for such work.
Supervisors: On-River: Team leader and/or cargo boat guide. Off-river: The Area Manager.
Start Date: June 20 (negotiable) End Date: August 21-31 (negotiable)
We hire Swampers for our trips on the Snake River in Hells Canyon, the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Missouri. The maximum season would be roughly eight to ten weeks, depending on which river you are working.
