Lead Boating Specialist

TELLURIDE ACADEMY

Connecting youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Job Title:

Lead Boating Specialist (Seasonal)

Start / End Dates:
June 1 - August 13, 2027. Additional pre-season work is possible (river scouting, familiarity with rigging our boats/trailers) , dependent on river experience and familiarity with the rivers we run.

Reports To:

Program Director

Salary: DOE — starting at $24/hour

The Lead Boating Specialist is a seasonal role that supports Telluride Academy's boating programs, facilitating safe, engaging, and educational moving-water and flatwater boating programs for students. The Lead Boating Specialist works closely with the other Boating Specialists and Telluride Academy instructors to ensure smooth operations of both flatwater and moving-water experiences while maintaining high safety standards.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with youth, has a passion for boating and outdoor recreation, and thrives in a collaborative environment. The Lead Boating Specialist plays a key role in supporting the success of Telluride Academy's flatwater and moving-water boating programs.

• Assist TA admin and other Boating Specialists with daily operations, including flatwater and moving-water boating activities.
• Serve as the primary point person for risk management and decision-making related to Telluride Academy's moving water and flatwater boating programs.
• Support the Boating Specialists in facilitating the boating curriculum during staff training.
• Become familiar with all Academy boating locations and assist with site-specific logistics and communication.
• Participate in and facilitate boating experiences with Telluride Academy students, including instruction, safety oversight, and equipment preparation.
• Maintain and organize boating gear inventory, ensuring equipment is cleaned, stored, and ready for use (rigging pre-trip and de-rigging post-trip).
• Provide on-water safety support for moving water experiences and act as a resource for field instructors as needed.
• Support the maintenance of boating vehicles and trailers, ensuring they remain clean and operational.
• Assist with the submission of timely and accurate river permit logs and help maintain permit compliance.
• Adhere to and promote Telluride Academy boating policies and procedures, including emergency protocols.
• Support trip and weekly budget management by assisting with equipment purchasing and expense tracking.
• Serve as a member of the summer leadership team, a core group trusted to help plan and lead staff training, attend Friday leadership team meetings (9:00am), and serve as a role model and mentor to TA staff.

• Current (or willingness to obtain) Nationally Recognized Swift Water Certification and/or River Rescue Technician Certification.
• WFA certification (minimum); WFR certification (or higher) preferred; CPR/AED certification required.
• Must have experience with a variety of watercraft, including SUP (stand up paddleboards), inflatable kayaks, canoes, and rafts.
• Experience with flatwater and moving-water boating activities, with a technical resume listing river sections/class, river miles, and job roles.
• Experience leading overnight/multi-day river expeditions, along with a documented river trip log outlining specific trips, hours, and overnights in the field.
• Subject to criminal background check (CBI/FBI), child abuse and neglect background check, and driving background check.
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van and/or tow a trailer (or willingness to learn).
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to lift 50lbs and physical ability to assist with rigging and de-rigging of boats/trailers for our river trips.

• Previous experience working with youth in an outdoor recreation or education setting.
• Familiarity with Telluride Academy's programming and/or the local area: 4x corners region, western slope of Colorado, Green River, Gunnison River, Colorado River, San Juan River, Trout Lake, Ridgway Reservoir.

Telluride Academy's mission is to “Connect youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship.” Based in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride Academy is Telluride's premier summer camp and has been inspiring youth through outdoor education and adventure for over 45 years. Join us in creating unforgettable memories for the next generation of adventurers! Please visit…