Function - Responsible for the back country food operation of the rafting operation at the ROW Adventures outpost in Clarkston, Washington including food shopping and packing for one to four trips. This position works closely with the Western Rivers Area Manager. In addition, this position manages the laundry of guest sleeping bags and liners (which are taken to a local full-service laundromat), assisting with organization of retail boxes that guides take to pre and post-trip meetings and have t-shirts, hats, etc. for sale to guests; and communication as needed with ROW office and Operations Manager. The position requires the orchestration of these processes and duties so that they flow safely, efficiently and with a minimum amount of stress on everyone involved.
Description - This is a position that starts out as part time in early June and becomes full time by mid to late June and goes until late August or early September. Exact start and end dates are negotiable. From latter June through late August, a five or six-day workweek would be the normal expectation. In early to mid June, 3-4 days off per week is possible, and perhaps 2 days off until mid-July. From mid-July to mid-August, most likely a 5 ½ day work week would be required to complete the tasks. Time off is based on trip rotations, efficiency with which the job is performed and other factors. Work hours are erratic, based on the flow of trip preparation and other logistical constraints. A mini-van is provided for shopping and errands.
Training Period - As there is much to be learned about the operation, ROW systems and procedures, as well as training on ROW menus and packing a training period will be required. During this period training will be provided by the former food shopper/packer, the Western Rivers Manager, and ROW Office staff and possibly by senior ROW guides. During this time it is expected that the Western Rivers Shopper and Warehouse Support have an open attitude and a willingness to learn and receive feedback. Learning how our menu program works as well as our reservation system so that rosters can be created and used as guidelines for the food shopping/packing.
Food and Shopping Related Duties: (Not arranged by order of importance)
- Buy, stock and manage bulk purchases to maximize savings on trip food. This includes purchases from Costco, Sysco, URM and United Natural Foods, Clearwater Ice, and other suppliers.
- Manage safe storage of food products.
- Print Trip rosters and menus using the software programs we have for this.
- Shop and pack trip food for each trip, following any special guest or guide dietary requirements. This combines use of pre-stocked items in our warehouse as well as trips to various local stores for perishable groceries, ice and propane.
- Complete the shop and pack at the time identified by the Team Leader (TL) or as identified in the manual.
- Responsible for operating within a food /shopping budget, or lacking a budget, operating as economically and efficiently as possible.
- Work with TL's and guides to make sure food shopping is meeting guest and guide needs and problem-solve as appropriate.
- Survey and manage leftover food to improve efficiencies, re-use what can be re-used and distribute perishable leftovers to staff as they desire.
Operations/Logistics and Trip Duties: (Not arranged by order of importance)
- Act as the official ROW liaison with suppliers of goods and services for this river. For example, Swiss Village Laundry, Red Lion, etc.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Western Rivers Manager.
Retail Management & Laundry Related Duties:
- Responsible for overseeing that TL’s stock, restock and take inventory of “mobile retail boxes” (that go to Cambridge for Snake River trips, the Red Lion for pre-trip sales on the Salmon River Canyons)
- Responsible for coordination of the cleaning of guest sleeping bags, liners and pillow cases between trips.
Facility Maintenance Duties:
- Responsible for operating the outpost with the knowledge that it is an extension of ROW, and a business property that guests will visit and utilize. It will be maintained in a professional atmosphere at all times.
- Assist manager with recycling program based on local possibilities.
- Responsible for maintaining a clean, organized and efficient kitchen and packing area.
- Responsible for the adherence of all rules regarding the Western Rivers Outpost.
General Expectations of ROW Managers and Support Staff - ROW Managers serve as role models for guides in a number of ways, including the following: Demonstrating an attitude of safety; exhibiting a positive attitude and good work ethic; and being willing to resolve conflicts whether between themselves and other guides or managers, or between guides who are having difficulties. They are expected to comply with all ROW policies and to inform the Director of Operations if they disagree or will have trouble enforcing one, prior to the season. Conflicts with guides, managers and company owners shall be handled in a direct manner, with a focus on finding solutions and preventing future problems. ROW expects it managers to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times that they are at a work site, whether they are working or not. They are asked to be aware of the image they project to others, including ROW guests and the general public. Managers must exhibit an ability to accept criticism and openness to feedback. Finally, managers embrace ROW's commitment to excellence and are willing to continually work toward improving their knowledge and skills both on and off the river.
End-of-Season - Complete a written report regarding the food shop and pack position with suggestions for improvement and submit it to the Western Rivers Manager and Operations Manager within one week of the end of the season.
Desired Skills:
- Previous experience shopping and packing for outdoor pursuits
- Excellent organizational skills
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Strong communication skills
- Strong team skills
- Computer literacy with email, word processing, and menu-driven programs
- Excellent driving record
Physical Requirements - Exerting up to 70 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The job of a Food Shopper typically requires balancing, stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
Supervisor - Western Rivers Manager
Compensation - $17-20/ hr negotiable
- Benefits Include some flexible scheduling, and the possibility of going on an early or late season rafting trip.
COVID-19 Information - While we no longer require Covid 19 Vaccination as a condition of employment, the best way to protect yourself, your peers, and your ability to work is to be fully up to date on all vaccinations including against Covid-19.
How To Apply:
Thank you for your interest in ROW Adventures.