LEAP - Life Expanding Adventure Program

 

Hiring:

 
 

Professional Guide


 

The guide team at LEAP is our most valuable asset. We expect our guides to work hard and be exceptional 100% of the time they are leading a program. As a guide at LEAP, your job is deeply dimensional. We are looking for guides who are passionate and eager to:

Work hard to acquire and refine the necessary technical skills to row a raft, guide groups in inflatable kayaks, navigate class II-IV whitewater, exemplify expedition mentality, rig boats, pack food, set up camp, and learn all aspects of our operation.

Express authentic curiosity and interest in participants on every program - young and old, from wide variety of backgrounds and life e xpereinces. Each week, we are facilitating the experience of a lifetime, and the guide team is essential in creating a positive community and environment for each group. 

Be engaged with participants on and off the water. Guides are expected to lead with confidence and kindness on the water, lead games and activities in camp, share a love of the river and places we travel through, teach and support participants in camp set up and management, and participate in evening meetings. 

 

Ideal Candidates

  • Solid experience working with youth in wilderness settings

  • Experienced whitewater kayak or raft guide/instructor, preferably multi-day excursions

  • Ability to connect with people of various ages and diverse backgrounds

  • Professional and/or personal multi-day backcountry excursions

  • Working understanding of trauma formation + trauma-informed care 

  • Clean driving record

  • Expertise in Leave No Trace practices and principles

Benefits

  • Opportunity to be a role model, mentor, and guide to specific and under-served communities

  • Professional Development: whitewater guide training & licensure, orientation and trauma-informed training for leading wilderness programs

  • Potential scholarship for medical certifications or recertification

  • Competitive field instructor salary

  • Spending your summer on the glorious Salmon and Deschutes Rivers

  • Professional purchase discounts via NRS and Prolink

Job Requirements

  • At least 18 years old, over 21 preferred

  • Current (or ability to obtain) Wilderness First Responder & CPR certifications

  • Enthusiasm and interest in working with youth and adults in a wilderness context

  • Ability and enthusiasm to work a physical job for up to a 3-month period with minimal time off and limited personal time

  • Ability to diligently comply with our zero-substance use policy while facilitating programs

  • Ability to attend pre-season training and orientation in Oregon and Idaho

Who We Are

  • LEAP is a non-profit organization that creates opportunities for healing and growth through immersive wilderness programs that support people affected by significant health issues, psychological distress, and socioeconomic adversity. 

  • Our five-day whitewater kayaking experiences on the Lower Salmon River in Idaho and the wild and scenic Lower Deschutes River in Oregon, connect individuals to the therapeutic qualities of nature while encouraging them to harness their strength and recognize their innate value and abilities. 

  • We maximize our impact by organizing each program around groups with shared life experiences, enabling them to foster close-knit communities and thrive in an environment of mutual understanding and openness. LEAP works closely with community-based partner organizations and their specialists to build relationships and provide continuity within the greater service plan for each individual.