Dockside Crew Member

Inspire. Educate. Equip.  
We remove barriers and create access to outdoor experiences. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

Dockside Crew Members are employees who assist in watercraft movement and dock management for the Venture Outdoors/Kayak Pittsburgh rental locations, generally open from May-September. During daily operations, dockside Crew Members will monitor the flow of customers and non-motorized rental watercraft arriving and departing from the dock. Crew Members can also expect to occasionally work away from the dock at the materials distribution area of the operation, providing safety talks and paddling instructions to arriving customers.  Kayak Pittsburgh operates with both Dock Attendants and Boathouse Attendants. Candidates are encouraged to notify Management if they are interested in working in both roles. *Work at more than one Kayak Pittsburgh location is also permitted. There is no need to submit multiple applications. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Prepare watercraft needed for daily operation – this involves generating the number and type of watercraft needed based on reservations, carrying the watercraft from the storage area to the dock area, and ensuring their cleanliness throughout the day  

• Safely maneuver watercraft at the dock and stage them for use 

• Control watercraft traffic at the dock - provide directions and boarding/returning instructions for paddlers getting on and off the water  

• Monitor condition of boats and notify Management if any repairs need to be made 

• Offer customers information about the boats and the waterway 

• Provide assistance to customers on the water in the event of capsizes or other issues (employees will receive proper training for this) 

• Fit customers with proper paddling equipment while conveying safety and paddling instructions to participants before they head to the dock 

• Ensure participants’ safety and complete satisfaction 

• Clean rental facilities and materials  

• Learn and follow all Venture Outdoors policies and guidelines 

• Attend biweekly staff meetings facilitated by Kayak Pittsburgh management 

QUALIFICATIONS 

We recognize that all experience is unique and not always in a professional setting. Outdoor experience obtained recreationally or through volunteer opportunities is valid.  

• Ability to work in a team environment 

• Previous water experience in non-motorized watercraft (kayak, SUP, etc) is preferred but not required 

• Willingness to be flexible with work schedules 

• This role requires consistent movement of materials weighing up to 90 lbs. Related experience is preferred but not required 

• Ability to act in a professional and courteous manner at all times 

REQUIREMENTS 

• At least 17 years of age, no maximum age 

• Applicants under 18 years of age must provide legal work permit 

• Obtain PA State Act 34/151 Background Clearances 

• Must acquire prior to employment 

• A finding on the criminal background clearances is not automatic disqualification, but rather a conversation starter 

• Current CPR and First Aid certifications* 

• Once hired, attend Venture Outdoors’ provided A.C.A. Flatwater Kayak Rescue Training* 

• Must be available to work on evenings, holidays and weekends   

• Ability to repetitively lift and maneuver multiple types of watercraft weighing up to 90 pounds with a partner 

• Must complete mandatory onboarding trainings  

• A portion of these trainings can be accessed virtually 

• These trainings are completed after hiring and are paid trainings 

• Must have reliable transportation to and from work sites  

*Can acquire upon accepting position 

SKILLS YOU WILL ACQUIRE AND USE ON THE JOB 

• Workplace flow management 

• Client needs assessment 

• Resource management 

• Customer service/public speaking experience 

• General work experience 

HOW TO APPLY 

Use the following link or scan QR code at the bottom of the Job Description to submit an application: www.ventureoutdoors.org/about/employment-opportunities/  

Venture Outdoors is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

VENTURE OUTDOORS STAFF EQUITY STATEMENT 

• We commit to the equitable treatment of our colleagues, participants, and community members by valuing their rights, dignity, voice, and expression. 

• We welcome and respect the diversity of individuality such as race, sex, gender identity, ability, culture, and religion. 

• We recognize the human right for all individuals to be respected and accepted without bias. 

• We commit to an organizational responsibility to build individual and community respect, dignity, fairness, care, and equality. 

• We strive to understand the role our system plays in perpetuating exclusion, and to address the dynamics that support it. 

• We understand that accountability is mutual and reciprocal in order to continually learn and improve. 

• We believe that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion extends beyond the workplace and encourage all to continue personal development alongside the organization. 

• We require organizational staff and participants to encourage a culture of belonging and consider the entire experience and the ecosystem that supports. 

• We will not tolerate explicit and implicit forms of racism, sexism, classism, xenophobia, ageism, and/or ableism. 

• We will not accept the use of racial or gender biases and require staff to implement inclusionary practices within their duties and program design. 

Please follow this QR code to submit an application