INSTRUCTOR APPLICATION INFORMATION

Thank you for inquiring about instructing at Zoar Outdoor. We hire ACA certified whitewater instructors and experienced rockclimbing instructors for full and part-time positions. Please complete the enclosed application and attach your resume, if you have one. We generally hire between February and May, however we accept applications year-round.

After we receive your job application and complete reference checks, we will then set up an interview with the best qualified applicants. During the interview you will be evaluated based on your ability to teach and model appropriate technique as well as your people skills. Each new employee is required to attend two days of training and complete their employment paperwork before they can start working.

WHO WE ARE

We are New England’s Adventure Resort. We offer canoe and kayak instruction, rock climbing instruction, whitewater rafting, sit-on-top kayak rentals and accommodations in our campground or lodge. We create outdoor recreation experiences that improve the lives of our guests, our staff and the community. We build positive relationships with our guests through being personable, friendly and flexible. We love the outdoors and enjoy the opportunity to foster this love in others. We take a team approach by striving to allow each person to contribute according to his or her specific talents.

OUR GUESTS

The bulk of our students are beginners and advanced beginners. Our students range in age from 7-85. We have families, couples, and singles. There is no "average" student at Zoar. We don't have an "average" clinic. It is the instructor's job to determine the needs of each person and plan an instructional clinic that meets those needs.

THE SEASON

The instructional season generally runs from April until October. The majority of our clinics happen in June, July and August when people are on vacation and the weather is the warmest. We offer scheduled and custom clinics for individuals, families, and private groups of up to twelve. Most whitewater clinics happen from Wednesday through Sunday when there are guaranteed dam releases on the Deerfield River, where our base is located. We do take clinics on other rivers such as the Millers River and the West River.

WHO IS A ZOAR OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR?

Our goal is to enhance people’s lives through sharing the sports we are passionate about. We truly believe that everyone can power their own adventure at the level they desire. We work as a team and act with integrity toward customers and each other and understand that our behavior reflects on Zoar as a whole as well as ourselves. We are upbeat, flexible, enjoy teaching and have a good sense of humor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Basic First Aid and CPR (current for the entire season), and outdoor leadership skills are required. Whitewater instructors must have valid ACA certification. Applicants must be 18 years old prior to the first day of work and eligible for work in the United States without our sponsorship. Before being paid to instruct, each instructor must train at least two days. We may also require some instructor candidates to shadow an actual clinic or take additional training.

RESPONSIBILITIES

An instructor works from approximately 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. The job involves loading equipment, packing lunch, greeting guests, instructing your guests, dealing with crises on the river or rock site, setting up lunch, putting equipment away, cleaning up lunch and trash, driving shuttles, filling out paperwork, and socializing with your students. Instructors are responsible for providing all of their own equipment. If you instruct water skills you are required to have: helmet, personal paddling clothing (your own splash jacket, wetsuit/drysuit, booties), PFD, paddle, sprayskirt, whistle, 2 prussiks, 2 carabiners, knife, boat. If you instruct rockclimbing you are required to have climbing shoes, harness and helmet.

BENEFITS

The rate of pay for ACA certified whitewater and highly experienced climbing instructors with first aid and CPR certifications is $90 per day. You will be responsible for recording your days worked. We pay biweekly. Other benefits include shop discounts, prodeals, free raft trips and photos, great co-workers, and free clinics.

If you have any further questions regarding Zoar Outdoor's instruction department, please feel free to contact me at 800-532-7483 or janet@zoaroutdoor.com.

Best Regards,

Janet Burnett-Cowie

Director of Instruction Programs