Outdoor Adventure Job Opportunities in Asheville!

Counselors are the primary caregivers for each camper at the Adventure Center of Asheville Day Camps.  The Counselor is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, carrying out activities, and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills.

Adventure Camp Counselors guide campers throughout their week at Adventure Camp, participating in a new adventure each day (Zipping, Tree Climbing, Adventure Park, Mountain Biking, Rafting.)

Kolo Bike Camp Counselors will deliver mountain biking lessons daily to help campers achieve confidence on and off the bike.

All counselors are also responsible for working with their co-counselors to coordinate camper activities, and work with various other departments at the Adventure Center of Asheville to ensure campers reach their intended outcomes of personal challenge and growth, a sense of community, and fun!

Season/Dates of Employment:  Our day camp runs from June 12th – August 11th, 2023, Monday through Friday. Staff training is the week prior, June 7th-10th. While the ideal candidate has availability for the entire season, applicants not able to commit to all weeks are still considered and encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their camper group within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.

• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth.
• Assure campers are properly supervised at all times, and be aware of and implement safety guidelines.

Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.

• Responsible for leading or assisting with the teaching of activities.
• Actively participate in all activities as assigned.
• Provide for a progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
• For Adventure Camp: Assist in activities such as mountain biking, Treetops Adventure Park, ziplining, rafting, pool time, and tree climbing. Includes helping with gearing up campers in harnesses, helmets, and equipment when necessary, and participating in activities up at heights.
• For Bike Camp: Assist in activities such as trail riding, group games, skills progression, warm-ups, Treetops Adventure Park, and pool time.

Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.

• Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
• Be alert to campers’ and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems; provide basic first aid and discuss with the Program/Camp Director when appropriate.

Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.

• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
• Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.

Represent the camp when interacting with parents or community members

• Provide parents with appropriate feedback and information as needed for their campers to have a successful camp experience.
• Provide supervision for campers while campers are transported to and from camp or during scheduled field trips off of the camp property.

Minimum Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be eligible to work in the United States  
• Be able to pass a criminal background check 
• Have a current certification in First Aid and CPR, or the ability to obtain once hired
• Must be in good physical condition for outdoor activities, and to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency situation (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• For Adventure Camp: Able to participate at heights of up to 70ft and in all weather conditions
• For Bike Camp: Able to ride a mountain bike comfortably off-road
• Able to stand for long periods of time, and must be able to lift 50lbs
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.

Desired Competencies

• All ACA Core Competencies, listed above
• Teaching & Facilitating – can plan and lead lessons and activities appropriately planned that are fun, engaging, and lead to improved social or technical skills in campers.
• Problem Solving/Judgement – mediate and assist campers and other staff with conflicts, either internal or interpersonal; make thought-out decisions that benefit all parties involved 
• Adaptability – accept and readily adapt to changing plans, priorities, and situations; display the flexibility to new perspectives, ideas, and mindsets of others.
• Positive Attitude – approach others in a pleasant and upbeat manner; maintain enthusiasm when faced with adversity.
• Patience – display understanding, kindness, and acceptance of difficulties or difficult situations while maintaining an even temperament.

How to Apply

Fill out an application online, and your Camp Director will be in touch! If you have any questions, please contact camps@adventurecenterofasheville.com

Asheville Treetops Adventure Park/KidZip Guides are responsible for the daily operations of Treetops Park and KidZip. This is a customer-facing position and includes preparing the park each day for Guests and guiding them through their experience at both parks. Guides are responsible for welcoming the Guests, teaching them how to operate the equipment and interact with the courses correctly, and assisting them with any additional help they may need. Additional help could range from coaching from the ground to an aerial rescue. Guides are also accountable for keeping the parks in top condition, including inspecting the courses in the morning, picking up trash, weeding or raking leaves, and ensuring guests are using the equipment correctly and safely.

The Guides work as a team each day to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and support each other by being detail-oriented, positive, and friendly. Above all, it is the Guides’ responsibility to help our Guests have a positive and memorable experience at the Treetops Adventure Park and KidZip. This position is a great entry-level position to the outdoor industry, but will also provide experience and growth in many skills that are transferable to all industries.

Dates of Employment

The Treetops Park and KidZip are open year-round, however, we begin hiring for full-time and part-time positions in mid-February. Full-time positions are available from March to August, with the possibility to extend the contract through November. We do multiple waves of hiring, but training will typically occur at the beginning of March and mid-May. Hourly wages are dependent on experience, with starting wages between $12-14. There is also an opportunity for gratuity, upward mobility, and growth in your position, such as cross-training or becoming a Lead Ranger.

Responsibilities:

• Comply with staff core competencies, including respect and empathy, teamwork, guest service, communication, risk management, and dependability as laid out in the overview above.
• Assist in the daily operations of the Treetops Adventure Park and KidZip.
• Be aware of industry standards and local operating procedures and operate in compliance with those. Identify potential risks and manage them appropriately.
• Work with co-Guides and staff to facilitate park activities in a safe, timely, and professional manner.
• Complete daily inspection of park facilities and equipment and submit reports on time.   
• Fit harnesses and helmets correctly during gear-up and supervise the use of all personal safety equipment during activities.   
• Provide excellent guest service and communicate clearly and effectively with Guests.
• Conduct participant ground school that emphasizes important park rules. 
• Give clear instructions on how to complete any and all elements and respond promptly to any emergency situations that arise.
• Manage time well to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Assist Guests in choosing courses so they are able to achieve their goals in the allotted time.
• Be efficient in the transition time between tours by resetting the park equipment, sanitizing gear, etc. 
• Help to maintain Adventure Center of Asheville facilities and equipment.  
• Attend ongoing in-service training and staff meetings.       

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR, or ability to obtain before the first day of work.
• Willing to work weekends, holidays, long hours, and irregular shifts  
• Must enjoy working with children and families.
• Able to be part of a team.
• Able to work at heights and in all weather conditions.
• Capable of completing park training to the satisfaction of trainers and supervisors.
• Able to stand for long periods of time.
• Able to lift 50 lbs.
• Excellent powers of observation 

Desired Competencies

In addition to the core competencies listed above, Treetops Adventure Park/KidZip Guides must display the following competencies:

• • Problem Solving/Judgement – Able to analyze a situation and find the best path forward, and know when to ask for help.
  • Adaptability – Accept and readily adapt to changing plans, priorities, and situations; display the flexibility to new perspectives, ideas, and mindsets of others.
  • Positive Attitude – approach others in a pleasant and upbeat manner; maintain enthusiasm when faced with adversity.
  • Patience –  display understanding, kindness, and acceptance of difficulties or difficult situations while maintaining an even temperament. Understand that each individual will face their own challenges and can empathize
  • Child and Adolescent Knowledge – Aware of how children and adults face challenges in different ways and understand how to modify instructions to fit all ages when necessary.

Zipline Canopy Tour Guides assist Adventure Center of Asheville guests taking our Zipline Canopy Tour. You’ll work as part of a professional but fun-loving team of folks who enjoy working outdoors and helping diverse individuals meet new challenges and face their fears.

Zipline Canopy Guides must:

• Provide exemplary guest service to all guests visiting the Adventure Center of Asheville
• Operate canopy tour in accordance with ACA and industry standards
• Work with co-rangers to facilitate canopy tours in a safe and professional manner
• Complete daily inspection of course facilities and equipment and submit reports on time
• Fit harnesses and helmets correctly during gear-up and supervise the use of all personal safety equipment during tour
• Conduct participant ground school and assess each guest’s ability to complete tour
• Engage guests with interpretative information about local ecology and area history during tours
• Respond promptly to any emergency or rescue situations that may arise
• Help to maintain Adventure Center of Asheville facilities and equipment
• Attend ongoing inservice trainings and staff meetings

Qualifications:

Experience in the outdoor industry preferred but not necessary. What is most important is that you enjoy working with people! 

• High school diploma or GED required
• Must be at least 18 years of age and eligible to work in the United States
• Excellent guest service and communication skills
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Capable of providing leadership and helpful guidance to guests
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR, or ability to obtain before first day of work
• Must pass initial ranger training and maintain skills to satisfaction of supervisor
• Risk management experience and understanding of risk reduction strategies
• Comfortable speaking in front of large groups
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, long hours, and irregular shifts

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work at heights of up to 80 feet and in all weather conditions
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs

Dates of Employment/Remuneration: Trainings will occur in Spring and early Summer. Full-time and part-time seasonal positions available March – August and June – August, with the possibility to extend the contract through the Winter. Hourly wages DOE.  Additionally, there are several perks that come along with working for the Wildwater family and name, such as free or heavily discounted zipline and/or rafting trips at our other locations. Staff can also receive pro deals and free or discounted rates for passes with industry partners. And we offer the opportunity to cross-train to other adventure activities to develop yourself as an outdoor professional. 

CONTACT:
Chad Clark, AZCA Manager
manager@adventurecenterofasheville.com

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old.   
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.        
• Excellent guest service, communication skills, and ability to work well with co-workers.
• Capable of providing leadership and guidance to others.    
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR, or ability to obtain before first day of work.    
• Ability to complete park trainings to satisfaction of trainers.
• Excellent time management and risk management skills.    
• Comfortable speaking in front of large groups and working with participants of all ages.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, long hours and irregular shifts.

Physical Requirements:   

• Ability to stand for long periods of time.   
• Must be in good physical condition for outdoor activities
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.

Job Requirements:

• Daily trail inspections.
• Assist in routine shop activities.
• Clean, Inspect, and Tune rental bikes.
• Able to multitask during peak season.
• Trail work / maintenance when needed.
• Be a bike guide/instructor when needed.
• Customer service skills
• Responds promptly to any emergency situations that arise.
• Misc support responsibilities.
• Able to take direction well.
• Must wear company Ts while on the job.
• Part Time Seasonal.