Thank you for your interest in employment at RVA Paddlesports!
We would be so stoked to have you on our team, and we hope you will apply for one of our positions.
RVAPS is the #1 Outdoor Activity destination in Richmond, Virginia. Home to America’s only urban Class IV rapids, Richmond is the ideal place to experience stunning natural beauty, breathtaking skyline views, and thrilling rapids. We offer whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, and paddleboarding guided tours, lessons, and rentals to thousands of clients each year. We have year-round and seasonal positions. At RVAPS, we put a great emphasis on training our employees to help our customers feel safe, have fun, and, most importantly, make memories that will last a lifetime.
We are always looking for new staff. Whether you are highly experienced or looking to start your career as an outdoor adventure professional, we have a position for you! Browse our positions, and join our team today!
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RVAPS Intern
Job Description:
RVA Paddlesports is one of the two main rafting companies to take patrons down the James River as well as run clinics and classes on kayaking. The RVAPS Intern is responsible for receiving and inputting bookings pertaining to rentals or trip registration for customers. As well as assisting with the day-to-day up keep of the shop and office.
Furthermore, they must be competent and capable in part or whole of the following: organizing, directing, communicating, and assisting participants in a manner that exhibits safety, proper technique, and follows the policies and procedures set forth in the RVA Paddlesports Handbook.
Location: 1511 Brook Rd, Richmond, VA 23220
Supervisor: Patrick Griffin
Starting Pay Rate: Commensurate with experience
Desired Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Computer, phone and excellent customer service skills
- Detail oriented, self-motivated and able to work independently without supervision
- Good communication and decision making skills
- Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently over the phone
- Awareness of safety concerns and risk management involved with rafting
- Good organizational skills
- Proficient in Google and Microsoft applications
- Ability to lift objects over 50lbs
Preferred Qualifications:
- Some experience with outdoor equipment & activities
- Familiar with the greater Richmond area paddling beta
- Experience in customer service
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Be professional, fun, and approachable
- Take phone calls to complete bookings
- Register customers for trips and clinics using Fareharbor
- Aid customers and Raft Guides in the planning and checking out of equipment for their trips and excursions
- Check out and maintain all RVAPS equipment
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of facilities and vehicles
- Perform general office clerical work (i.e. filing, making copies, updating the bookings calendar)
- Assist with both directed and undirected tasks without direct supervision from the RVAPS management
- Others duties as assigned.
To Apply:
- Submit an application and cover letter through email at [email protected]
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RVAPS Kayak Instructor
Job Description:
RVA Paddlesports is one of the two main rafting companies to take patrons down the James River as well as run clinics and classes on kayaking. The RVAPS Kayak Instructor is responsible for providing students with a variety of kayak techniques accompanied with constructive, meaningful feedback in order to foster skill acquisition and long-term paddler development. They are to facilitate whitewater/ flatwater kayak instruction for individuals and small groups using an informative and enjoyable approach, while managing the inherent risks involved with whitewater activities.
Furthermore, they must be competent and capable in part or whole of the following: functioning in high stress environments, ability to work in large groups settings, communicating, and assisting participants in a manner that exhibits safety, proper technique, and follows the policies and procedures set forth in the RVA Paddlesports Handbook.
Location: 1511 Brook Rd, Richmond, VA 23220
Supervisor: Patrick Griffin
Starting Pay Rate: $60, varies depending on group size
Minimum Qualifications:
- 16 years of age or older
- Ability to lift objects 50 lbs or more
- Valid US Driver’s License
Preferred Qualifications:
- Some experience with outdoor equipment & activities
- Familiar with the greater Richmond area paddling
- Previous experience as a kayak instructor
- Certified in CPR and First Aid
- Certified in Wilderness First Response
- Training in Swift Water Rescue
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Be professional, fun, and approachable
- Meet and greet guests
- Load and prepare gear
- Teach the essential skills necessary to safely function in a kayak
- Execute a kayak safety and paddle talk
- Facilitate a safe kayaking trip
- De-rig and clean up post-trips
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of facilities and vehicles
- Assist with both directed and undirected tasks without direct supervision from the RVAPS management
- Others duties as assigned
To Apply:
- Submit an application and cover letter through email at [email protected]
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RVAPS Raft Guide
Job Description:
RVA Paddlesports is one of the two main rafting companies to take patrons down the James River as well as run clinics and classes on kayaking. The RVAPS Raft Guide is responsible for getting customers down the James River in fun and safe fashion. Guides should be able to effectively communicate with their guide team and customers on and off the river. They should bring excitement and knowledge to every trip they run making ensuring customers have the best experience possible.
Furthermore, they must be competent and capable in part or whole of the following: functioning in high stress environments, ability to work in large groups settings, communicating, and assisting participants in a manner that exhibits safety, proper technique, and follows the policies and procedures set forth in the RVA Paddlesports Handbook.
Location: 1511 Brook Rd, Richmond, VA 23220
Supervisors: Patrick Griffin, Andi Sorenson
Starting Pay Rate: $45 Per trip
Minimum Qualifications:
- 16 years of age or older
- Ability to lift objects 50 lbs or more
- Ability to attend and complete all training days ($450 cost of training)
- River experience is not a necessity, we will teach you everything to become a great guide
Preferred Qualifications:
- Some experience with outdoor equipment & activities
- Familiar with the greater Richmond area paddling
- Previous experience as a whitewater raft guide
- Certified in CPR and First Aid
- Certified in Wilderness First Response
- Training in Swift Water Rescue
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Be professional, fun, and approachable
- Meet and greet guests
- Load and prepare rafts
- Execute crash courses in rafting (paddle talk)
- Lead a safe and fun rafting trip
- De-rig and clean up post trips
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of facilities and vehicles
- Assist with both directed and undirected tasks without direct supervision from the RVAPS management
- Others duties as assigned
To Apply:
- Submit an application and cover letter through email at [email protected]
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RVAPS Shuttle Driver
Job Description:
RVA Paddlesports is one of the two main rafting companies to take patrons down the James River as well as run clinics and classes on kayaking. RVAPS Shuttle Drivers will become familiar with company vehicles, trip times, and driving routes. They are responsible for making guests feel comfortable and safe when being transported on river trips.
Furthermore, they must be competent and capable in part or whole of the following: functioning in high stress environments, possession of a US driver’s license, communicating, and assisting participants in a manner that exhibits safety, proper technique, and follows the policies and procedures set forth in the RVA Paddlesports Handbook.
Location: 1511 Brook Rd, Richmond, VA 23220
Supervisors: Patrick Griffin, Andy James
Starting Pay Rate: $60 per trip, CDL additional $15 hr
Minimum Qualifications:
- 18 years of age or older
- Ability to lift objects 50 lbs or more
- Valid US Driver’s License
Preferred Qualifications:
- Some experience with outdoor equipment & activities
- Possesses or has the ability to obtain a Class B CDL with a P2 endorsement.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Drives 12- and 15-passenger vans/buses, or 45-passenger bus with air brakes
- Pulls 12-foot boat trailer, loaded or unloaded on shuttles.
- Backs these vehicles with trailers in tight spaces at put-ins and take-outs.
- Drives in various road conditions, on dirt roads and highways.
- Helps load gear into or out of vehicle or trailer when appropriate, and helps with boat loading at put-ins and take-outs. Assists with rigging and derigging of boats when appropriate.
- Conducts daily vehicle maintenance: Fills gas, oil, checks fluids, cleans windows, sweeps out vehicles, checks lights, trailer connections and lights, etc. Washes and waxes vehicles as needed. Reports needed repairs and parts to Operations Manager, completes repairs when possible.
- Helps with fitting, hanging out, or bringing in of equipment
- Communicates well with owners, managers and co-workers.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of facilities and vehicles
- Assist with both directed and undirected tasks without direct supervision from the RVAPS management
- Others duties as assigned.
To Apply:
- Submit an application and cover letter through email at [email protected]