CraneOutdoors Paddle Guide

Posted: 03/08/2023

Position Summary
The Trustees is seeking a Seasonal CraneOutdoors Kayak Guide.  Supporting the engagement mission of The Trustees, the CraneOutdoors Kayak Guide is instrumental in leading kayak trips and other outdoor-based recreational programming. S/he will bring guests safely into the varied natural areas at the Crane Estate, engage and inspire them to enjoy the outdoors, deepen their sense of place, and foster an appreciation of the Trustees conservation mission. The Crane Estate contains over 2000+ acres of pristine natural beauty, including some of the best paddle-friendly saltmarsh in the Northeast, a variety of islands on which trips often land, and an extensive trail network in a dune habitat hosting 11 distinct ecosystems. It is open daily and operates programming on weekdays, weekends, evenings, and some holidays, particularly during peak seasons. The CraneOutdoors kayaking season begins Memorial Day Weekend and runs through October.
The CraneOutdoors Kayak Guides will work closely with the CraneOutdoors Manager and Head Guide to create best-in-class guided experiences for Crane Estate guests. Using the CraneOutdoors fleet of sit-in kayaks, Guides will lead kayak trips, hikes, and/or other outdoor adventures, fit guests with required adventure gear, and always maintain a keen eye on safety, including assisting with the maintenance of Trustees-owned equipment. Most importantly, CraneOutdoors Guides must bring a passion and sense of wonder of the outdoors to this work and be excited about the prospect of sharing this with visitors to the Crane Estate.
Essential Functions:

  • Deliver quality outdoor recreational programming that leverages unique Trustees assets such as easy access to a paddle-safe tidal estuary, hiking trails, and relevant outdoor historic and cultural resources
  • Own the safety and enjoyment of CraneOutdoors guests, including on-the-water group management and rescue as needed
  • Leverage training provided by Crane Estate guest experience and environmental professionals to educate guests about the natural and cultural history of the Crane Estate
  • Report on events with attendance and final enrollment data
  • Assisting with the care of the kayak fleet and other relevant field gear, including logging equipment issues/repair needs
  • Connect guests with information about membership and other upcoming programs
  • Interact with CraneOutdoors volunteers so that their experience is enjoyable and makes a positive contribution to program execution.
Qualifications: 
  • A high-level of physical fitness and an ability to lead groups outdoors, sometimes under challenging conditions
  • A positive attitude, strong team-orientation, and a flexible approach and commitment to achieving the goals of the CraneOutdoors program and The Trustees more broadly
  • Leveraging training to be provided, a willingness to bring to this work a solid understanding of the rich ecological and/or cultural history of the Crane Estate, including Castle Hill, Castle Neck, and the Crane Wildlife Refuge
  • Applicants should possess an active certificate or be willing to acquire First Aid and CPR certification. Outdoor safety training, provided by The Trustees, is required of all Guides.
Other Requirements:  
  • Willing to work outside during all weather conditions (guest safety precludes heading into known hazards, though coastal weather conditions can change quickly).
  • Ability to move a 60-lb kayak alone or with another person.
  • Valid driver’s license with clean driving record required for driving Trustees vehicles.
  • CORI check required.
  • Flexibility to work holidays, evenings, and weekends is required.
  • Willingness to drive a Trustees pickup truck and gator, if required.
  • Valid driver’s license required for driving TTOR vehicles.
  • Flexibility to work nights and weekends is required; access to a car is necessary.