The El Dorado County Parks Division is responsible for private boater education and monitoring and regulating commercial activity on the South Fork of the American River.  The County's goals are to preserve the river corridor's environmental resources; protect the area's rural character; reduce conflicts between residents and boaters; and maintain a quality whitewater boating experience.

River Instructor | Seasonal Part-Time Position 

Under general supervision, manages commercial and non-commercial whitewater recreation to protect the safety, health, and welfare of river users and to protect the riparian environment and riparian landowners and helps implement requirements as outlined by the County’s River Management Plan; and performs related work as required.

This is a working-level class. Incumbents are capable of independently performing a full range of public and outside agency contact services and a variety of duties in the care and maintenance of river-related facilities and the operation of various types of watercraft and equipment related to the work.

Examples of Duties (Illustrative Only)

• Conducts on-river services utilizing kayaks and rafts.
• Coordinates emergency evacuations with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department.
• Provides non-commercial boater information and education at river access points: river maps, safety/interpretive brochures, and river and educational information.
• Monitors existing resource conditions including river use levels; water quality issues; safety and education issues; facilities and services in the river corridor.
• Makes education/river safety presentations to outfitter guides, boating clubs, and organizations on river safety, and boater responsibilities, emphasizing the South Fork of the American River’s boater responsibility code: equipment, training, location of public lands, private property rights, and leave no trace techniques.
• Is responsible for on-river compliance activities of commercial outfitters.
• Assists and provides information to park visitors maintaining timely posting of bulletins and information materials.
• Collects statistical river utilization data, such as raft and headcounts, and enters data into appropriate electronic format.
• Maintains accurate records and files, and compiles information for reporting purposes. Advises users of County codes and regulations.
• Performs facility maintenance such as cleaning restrooms, emptying trash, etc.
• Summons proper law enforcement agencies when needed to enforce codes and regulations.
• Respond to emergencies, and notify appropriate medical, law enforcement, and/or fire response organizations.
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools such as hammers, saws, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers chainsaws, rakes, shovels, hoes, brooms, and other maintenance tools.
• Operates and performs minor maintenance to equipment and tools used in the course of the work, reporting the need for major repair and/or maintenance.
• Prepares and maintains logs and reports of work performed and materials and equipment used.
• May assist in training and direct work of newer seasonal employees or volunteers.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Appropriate procedures to notify emergency agencies when needed.
• Theories, principles, methods, materials, and equipment used in river recreation, including whitewater guiding and activities.
• Basic use and maintenance of equipment and tools used in the course of the work.
• Safety practices and procedures relating to the work, equipment, and tools utilized in the course of the work, particularly as related to boating activities.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Basic personal computer equipment and programs.

Ability to:

• Utilize a variety of whitewater crafts at a Class IV level.
• Promote and enforce safe work and recreation practices and ensure facility and equipment safety.
• Perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Prepare and maintain brief logs and reports of the work performed and materials used.
• Organize and maintain accurate records and files.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education & Experience Requirements 

Six (6) months of experience in any of the following areas: park guiding, whitewater boating, recreation, outdoor education, tourism, volunteer work through community-based organizations or National/State Service programs, or participation in/coaching athletic teams (high school, college, club, or recreational).

OR

Possess a valid Swift Water Rescue Training certification, completion of a whitewater guide school within the last two years, or American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor certification.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess and maintain a California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving history as documented by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Applicants must either hold a valid Swift Water Rescue Training certification or successfully complete the training after hire.
• Applicants must either hold valid First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications or successfully complete the training after hire.
• Possession of a valid California Boater Card is desirable.