2026 Whitewater Kayak & Canoe Instructors

Paddlesports Whitewater Instructor
Our committed instructional staff of paddling professionals teach because they love it. Through dynamic instruction and flexible programming we make paddling accessible to a broad spectrum of students. We provide basic curriculum frameworks and allow individual instructors to teach according to student needs, the environment, and their own strengths. We use cutting edge teaching methods, equipment and technology to provide an experience that represents an excellent value.

Zoar Outdoor is looking for energetic, outdoorsy individuals for the position of Whitewater Instructor. Individuals would work with the Director of Paddlesports and Paddlesports Manager providing top notch instruction and retail products for our clients. The responsibilities include teaching whitewater clinics, driving, equipment maintenance and providing expert customer service in our retail operations.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned whitewater professional able to teach and paddle in up to class III whitewater, who loves to teach and loves to learn. ACA training is available for candidates with requisite paddling and soft skills. this position will begin in the Spring of 2023

JOB DESCRIPTION - INSTRUCTOR

The Instructor is responsible for the day's clinic activity that he or she is assigned to teach. He or she maintains the highest standards for customer service, and works to promote and maintain Zoar Outdoor's position as a leader in whitewater instruction.

An instructor teaches the skills required in the clinic description. The instructor must evaluate the student's skill level and make sound judgments regarding the match of student to the clinic. The instructor also manages group dynamics and the effects it has on the individual student. Each instructor needs to understand and demonstrate rescue techniques.

Instructors report to the Paddlesports Manager. Instructors may report to the Director of Paddlesports in the absence of the Paddlesports Manager.

Specific Job Requirements are:

*Attend 2 days of return staff annual training. New instructor total of 4 days of training

*Maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.

*Minimum age of 18 years.

*For whitewater instructors, maintain current ACA certifications.

*Arrive at work on time in order to attend the instructor's morning meeting.

*Arrive at work with the necessary equipment for a day on the river. To instruct at Zoar you must provide your own personal equipment. Zoar will provide the equipment for the students. If extra equipment is available, instructors may use it on the clinic.

*Arrive at work with a positive and professional attitude and appearance (staff shirts, appropriate footwear).

*Organize equipment before and after trips, noting problems on the maintenance sheet.

*Complete all work assignments which include but are not limited to: fitting students with the appropriate gear, teaching the specific clinic, cleaning dishes, returning equipment to the appropriate place and preparing trip paperwork to the satisfaction of the Director of Instruction.

*Prepare end-of-the-day paperwork including trip report, and accident report, if applicable.

*At the end of each clinic provide an opportunity for guests to evaluate the clinic and receive additional clinic information.

*Be able to bend at the knees, twist at the waist, lift and carry heavy objects overhead -- over steep, rough, slippery terrain.

*Be able to swim proficiently in swift-moving whitewater (whitewater instructors.)

*Provide exceptional service to Zoar guests both on and off the river.

*Look for better ways to serve the guests and the company. Bring new ideas to management if they involve policy changes.

*Communicate well with managers, program directors and co-workers and behave in a professional manner at all times.

*Maintain a good sense of humor and a cooperative attitude in dealing with co-workers and guests.

*Maintain the cleanliness of the facilities both around the base and at the school.

*Successfully instruct in a manner consistent with training and to the satisfaction of both the Paddlesports Manager and Director of Paddlesports.

*Properly complete a timesheet at the end of the workday.