U.S. National Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center is the world’s premier outdoor recreation and environmental education center offering activities such as Rafting, Biking, Climbing, Ziplines, Eco Trekking and more.

Raft Guide School

Become a professional river guide at the largest man-made whitewater facility in the world. The U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC is seeking full and part-time seasonal guides starting spring of 2012. No prior experience is needed.

From the classroom to the river, our top-notch instructors will teach all of the necessary skills expected of a professional raft guide. Upon completion of guide school, preferential consideration will be given to top graduates in order to complete USNWC’s qualifying check-out process. Upon qualification, a fun, physical, and customer interactive job awaits.

All employment offers are subject to successful completion of a background check. USNWC is a drug-free and smoke-free establishment.

Benefits of being a guide:

  • Free water time and climbing
  • 25% off Outfitter’s Store items
  • 25% off River’s Edge Bar & Grill (excludes alcohol)
  • 25% off instruction
  • Discounts and access to pro deals on gear
  • Guide School Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Starting Pay Rate of $9.43/hour

Guide school tuition:

Raft guide job requirements*:

  • You must be 18 years of age by spring of 2012
  • You must have completed all guide school requirements
  • You must have current CPR (Adult and Child), AED and Basic First Aid Certifications
  • You must have completed at least three ride-a-longs and have two successful qualifying runs with two different Trip Leaders.
  • You must be available to work at least one weekend day, either Saturday or Sunday, every week.
  • All employment-related paperwork must be approved by our Human Resources department**
  • Your level of physical fitness and swimming capabilities must be appropriately developed to handle the safety-related responsibilities of this position

* Attending guide school does not guarantee a job at the USNWC
**All employment offers are subject to successful completion of a background check.  USNWC is a drug-free and smoke-free establishment

Registration:

Guide School has a 1 to 6 instructor to student ratio, ensuring the quality instruction needed to succeed as a professional raft guide. There are limited spaces available, so signup early to secure a spot.

Guide School Dates:

Guide School A
Guide School Orientation (required): Mar. 2. Orientation runs from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Guide School Dates: Mar. 3/4, Mar. 10/11, Mar. 17. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
CPR/FA certification not included in Raft Guide School (Must obtain certification prior to employment with USNWC).
Register here

Guide School B
Guide School Orientation (required): Mar. 4. Orientation runs from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Guide School Dates: Mar. 5-9. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
CPR/FA certification not included in Raft Guide School (Must obtain certification prior to employment with USNWC).
Register here

Guide School C
Guide School Orientation (required): Mar. 11. Orientation runs from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Guide School Dates: Mar. 12-16. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
CPR/FA certification not included in Raft Guide School (Must obtain certification prior to employment with USNWC).
Register here

Guide School D
Guide School Orientation (required): Mar. 18. Orientation runs from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Guide School Dates: Mar. 19-23. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
CPR/FA certification not included in Raft Guide School (Must obtain certification prior to employment with USNWC).
Register here

Guide School E
Guide School Orientation (required): Apr. 1. Orientation runs from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Guide School Dates: Apr. 2-6. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
CPR/FA certification not included in Raft Guide School (Must obtain certification prior to employment with USNWC).
Register here

Guide School F
Guide School Orientation (required): Apr. 15. Orientation runs from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Guide School Dates: Apr. 16-20. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
CPR/FA certification not included in Raft Guide School (Must obtain certification prior to employment with USNWC).
Register here

Guide School G
Guide School Orientation (required): Apr. 20. Orientation runs from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Guide School Dates: Apr. 21/22, Apr. 28/29, May 5. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
CPR/FA certification not included in Raft Guide School (Must obtain certification prior to employment with USNWC).
Register here

Guide School H
Guide School Orientation (required): May. 6. Orientation runs from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Guide School Dates: May 7-11. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
CPR/FA certification not included in Raft Guide School (Must obtain certification prior to employment with USNWC).
Register here

Guide School I
Guide School Orientation (required): May. 11. Orientation runs from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Guide School Dates: May 12/13, May 19/20, May 26. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
CPR/FA certification not included in Raft Guide School (Must obtain certification prior to employment with USNWC).
Register here

Guide School J
Guide School Orientation (required): May. 13. Orientation runs from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Guide School Dates: May 14-18. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
CPR/FA certification not included in Raft Guide School (Must obtain certification prior to employment with USNWC).
Register here

Guide School K
Guide School Orientation (required): June 1. Orientation runs from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Guide School Dates: June 2/3, June 9/10, June 16. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
CPR/FA certification not included in Raft Guide School (Must obtain certification prior to employment with USNWC).
Register here

Guide School L
Guide School Orientation (required): June 3. Orientation runs from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Guide School Dates: June 4-8. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
CPR/FA certification not included in Raft Guide School (Must obtain certification prior to employment with USNWC).
Register here

Guide School M
Guide School Orientation (required): June 10. Orientation runs from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Guide School Dates: June 11-15. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
CPR/FA certification not included in Raft Guide School (Must obtain certification prior to employment with USNWC).
Register here

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